In the Land of Blooming Peach Blossoms... Summer Palace Flower Viewing Guide

I. Recommended Core Flower Viewing Routes 1. West Dike Peach and Willow Route - Recommended Entrance: West Gate (closest to West Dike, 10-minute walk to Jing Bridge and Lian Bridge) - Featured Scenery: - Peach blossoms bloom by the water, creating a classic scene of 'peach red and willow green' with the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and the Tower of Buddhist Incense - The branches of the peach blossoms near Jing Bridge hang low over the lake, perfect for capturing reflections - You can row a boat on the lake to observe the peach blossoms and waterfowl up close - Best Time: Early morning 7:00-9:00 or late afternoon 16:00-18:00 (soft light, fewer tourists) - Flowering Period Tip: Currently at the end of the peak bloom period (best around March 22), it is recommended to visit as soon as possible 2. Magnolia Viewing Route - Recommended Entrance: East Palace Gate (direct access to Leshou Hall 'Sea of Magnolia Fragrance') - Featured Scenery: - Over 80 magnolia trees bloom successively in the Leshou Hall area, including one of Beijing's top ten most beautiful ancient trees, the white magnolia - The route from North Ruyi Gate to Yaoyue Gate offers a view of ancient magnolias intertwined with forsythia and lilac - Best Time: Mid to late March to early April 3. Back Hill Secret Route - Recommended Entrance: North Ruyi Gate (avoid the crowds, suitable for niche check-ins) - Featured Scenery: - Peach blossoms, forsythia, lilac, and plum blossoms bloom successively along the Houxi River, with the flowering period lasting until early May - You may encounter black swans, wild ducks, and other waterfowl - Hidden Play: Climb the back hill trail to the top of Jingfu Pavilion for a panoramic view of the West Dike 4. Gengzhitu Ecological Route - Recommended Entrance: West Gate (along Zaojiantang Lake to Gengzhitu Scenic Area) - Featured Scenery: - Peach blossoms, willows, and winter jasmine dance with mallards and mandarin ducks, creating a 'spring wetland painting' - Retains the original plant configuration, suitable for observing natural ecology - Flowering Period Tip: Early March to early May --- II. Practical Information 1. Transportation Guide - Subway: Xijiao Line Summer Palace Station (West Gate) or Line 4 Beigongmen Station (North Ruyi Gate) - Self-driving: West Gate Parking Lot (3 yuan/15 minutes starting fee) 2. Ticket Policy - Peak Season (April 1 - October 31): 30 yuan/person; Off-Season (November 1 - March 31): 20 yuan/person - Half-price Tickets: Students, minors aged 6-18 3. Opening Hours - Peak Season: Opens at 6:00, last entry at 19:00, closes at 20:00 - Off-Season: Opens at 6:30, last entry at 18:00, closes at 19:00 --- III. Pitfall Avoidance Guide 1. Time Trap: Security clears the area at 21:00, it is recommended to leave before 19:00 2. Equipment Suggestions: - Telephoto lens (70-200mm) to capture peach blossom details, polarizing filter to reduce glass reflections - Bring hand warmers (large temperature difference between day and night) 3. Special Experiences: - Participate in the 'Magnolia Photography Check-in' activity in the Leshou Hall area (reservation required) - Free traditional dyeing experience in the Gengzhitu Scenic Area (open on weekends) --- IV. Linked Routes - Cultural Route: East Palace Gate → Long Corridor → Tower of Buddhist Incense → Suzhou Street (take a boat to the West Dike after the tour) - Food Route: Exit from Beigongmen → Lao Ciqi Kou Douzhi Shop (5 yuan/bowl) → Temple of Heaven North Gate Night View --- 📌 Notes: - The peach blossoms are currently at the end of their peak bloom period, it is recommended to prioritize magnolias, forsythia, and other later-blooming varieties - The temperature will rise on March 25, possibly extending the flowering period. Follow the 'Travel Park' WeChat public account for real-time updates - Seniors over 60 can enter for free with an ID card, sharing the quota with accompanying family members Summer Palace, Beijing, China