[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for The Summer Palace East Palace Gate (Updated Jun)

#discoverchina The Summer Palace is an expansive and stunning destination, so be sure to allocate at least 3 to 4 hours to fully explore this incredible site. We reached the palace easily by subway, getting off at Beigongmen Station. Entering from the north side, we were immediately captivated by the charming Suzhou Street and the serene Suzhou River. A must see with beautiful structures and a lake that's so large right by the monument. It also features the world's longest corridor which is adorned with artwork of various stories and cultural references.

#springitinerary The Summer Palace covers an area of nearly 3 square kilometers, about three-quarters of which is water. Its layout follows the principles of traditional Chinese garden design, emphasizing harmony between humans and nature. The Summer Palace is a prime example of classical Chinese architecture. The buildings reflect Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist influences, with intricate wood carvings, colorful eaves, and symbolic layouts.

#springitinerary The East Causeway (also known as Dongdi) is a scenic and historically significant part of the Summer Palace in Beijing, China. It stretches along the eastern edge of Kunming Lake, offering visitors panoramic views of the water and surrounding classical Chinese architecture. Originally constructed during the Qing Dynasty, the East Causeway served as a vital link connecting the palace grounds. Lined with willow trees and ancient stone bridges, it provides a tranquil path for walking and appreciating the harmony of nature and design, central to traditional Chinese landscaping aesthetics.

Introduction Beijing, a captivating blend of ancient capital and modern metropolis, offers countless attractions and delicious food. Even on a budget, you can create wonderful memories and experiences—let's start your Beijing journey! Best Time to Visit Beijing has a warm temperate semi-humid and semi-arid monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of around 11.8°C and four distinct seasons. Spring is windy with sandstorms, summer is hot and rainy, autumn has clear skies and pleasant weather, while winter is cold and dry. Generally, April-May and September-October are the best times to visit Beijing, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. However, each season has its unique charm—it's up to you to choose. District Travel Guides with Recommended Attractions and Food Tiananmen Square Area • Attractions: Tiananmen Square is the heart of Beijing. The daily morning flag-raising ceremony is solemn and impressive, attracting numerous visitors—be sure to arrive early for a good spot. Nearby important sites include the Monument to the People's Heroes and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (advance reservation required), which you can visit together to experience the capital's dignity and historical heritage. • Food: Not far from Tiananmen Square is Qianmen Street, which features various Beijing specialties such as zhajiang noodles, aiwowo (sweet rice cakes), and wandouhuang (mung bean cake). The flavors are authentic, giving your taste buds a full experience of Old Beijing cuisine. • Nearby Scenery: Walking along Qianmen Street, you can see buildings and shops with Old Beijing style. At night, the brightly lit street becomes lively and bustling—perfect for enjoying the scenery while sampling delicious food. The Forbidden City • Attractions: The Forbidden City was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with nearly 600 years of history. Its magnificent architectural complex and rich collection of cultural relics showcase the majesty and luxury of ancient imperial power. You can rent an audio guide to learn about the history and cultural significance behind the Forbidden City, or purchase some cultural creative products as souvenirs. • Food: After visiting the Forbidden City, a short walk takes you to Nanluoguxiang, a famous Beijing hutong and food paradise. You'll find various snacks like luzhu huoshao (stewed pork intestines with fried bread), douzhir jiaoquan (fermented mung bean juice with fried ring), baodu (boiled tripe), and more. Though delicious, some snacks have unique flavors that require courage to try! • Nearby Scenery: After Nanluoguxiang, you can visit Shichahai, with its expansive waters and traditional architecture. Take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery and experience Old Beijing's charm. In summer, Shichahai is surrounded by lush trees with lotus flowers blooming on the lake; in winter, the frozen lake presents a different kind of beauty, with people playing on the ice, full of everyday life. Summer Palace • Attractions: As China's largest and best-preserved royal garden, the Summer Palace is famous for its exquisite garden architecture and beautiful natural scenery. You can enter through the East Palace Gate and stroll along Kunming Lake, enjoying the lake views and famous structures like the Long Corridor and Tower of Buddhist Incense, experiencing the luxury and magnificence of imperial gardens. • Food: Near the Summer Palace are small restaurants where you can taste authentic Beijing cuisine such as shredded pork with Beijing sauce and kung pao chicken at relatively affordable prices. You can also rest at teahouses or cafes inside the garden and enjoy some snacks and drinks, though prices inside are somewhat higher. • Nearby Scenery: After the Summer Palace, you can visit the Old Summer Palace, once known as the "Garden of Gardens." Although only ruins remain, you can still sense its former glory and reflect on the changes throughout history. Badaling Great Wall • Attractions: "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man." Badaling is the best-preserved and most representative section of the Ming Great Wall, winding through steep mountains with an impressive and magnificent presence. You can choose to hike up, experiencing the grandeur of "conquering the Great Wall with one step," or take the cable car up and down to appreciate the Great Wall's beauty from different angles. • Food: Near Badaling Great Wall are farmhouse restaurants and small eateries where you can enjoy local farm dishes like free-range chicken with mushrooms and stir-fried wild vegetables. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. There are also special snacks like roasted sweet potatoes and candied haws that you can eat while walking, adding fun to your Great Wall adventure. • Nearby Scenery: Besides the Great Wall itself, the surrounding natural landscape is beautiful, with rolling hills, dense forests, and fresh air, allowing you to enjoy nature and relax while experiencing history and culture. National Museum of China and China Science and Technology Museum • Attractions: The National Museum of China is the world's largest museum in terms of single building area. Its rich and diverse collections cover history, culture, art, and other fields. Through visiting the exhibitions, you can gain a deep understanding of China's development and brilliant civilization from ancient times to the present. The China Science and Technology Museum is a technological palace integrating science education, exhibitions, and interactive experiences. It has many interesting and educational exhibitions and experimental projects suitable for visitors of all ages, especially families with children. • Food: There are many restaurants and food stalls near both venues where you can choose according to your taste and budget. Near the National Museum, there are restaurants featuring Old Beijing specialties where you can taste zhizi roast meat and copper pot hot pot; near the China Science and Technology Museum, there are fast food restaurants and cafes for convenience. • Nearby Scenery: After visiting the museums, you can explore the nearby Olympic Park, home to famous Olympic venues like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. When the lights come on at night, they are particularly dazzling and perfect for photos, allowing you to experience modern Beijing's fashion and vitality. Accommodation Recommendations • Youth Hostels: Beijing has many youth hostels that are relatively inexpensive and mostly located in convenient areas near subway or bus stations. They usually offer dormitory rooms and a few private rooms with complete public facilities. You can also meet travelers from around the world and share travel experiences. Beijing West Railway Station Youth Hostel and Wudaoying Hutong International Youth Hostel are good choices. • Budget Hotels: Chain hotels like Hanting, Home Inn, and 7 Days Inn are widely distributed in Beijing with moderate prices and clean, tidy rooms that meet your basic accommodation needs. Choose hotels near subway stations for convenient travel and sightseeing. • Homestays: Through homestay booking platforms, you can choose to stay in siheyuan courtyard houses in hutongs to experience Old Beijing's atmosphere, or in rural farmhouses to enjoy pastoral scenery and a quiet environment. When choosing homestays, pay attention to reviews and actual housing conditions to ensure safe and comfortable accommodation. Transportation Guide • City Transportation: Beijing's subway network is very developed, covering almost all major attractions and commercial areas, making it the first choice for budget travelers. Subway fares are calculated by distance, generally between 2-8 yuan, economical and convenient. In addition, bus routes are extensive and can reach places that the subway cannot directly access, with fares mostly 1-2 yuan, equally economical. You can purchase a transportation card that offers discounts for subway and bus travel after loading money. • Suburban Transportation: To reach suburban attractions like the Badaling Great Wall, you can take special bus lines or tourist coaches. For example, bus route 877 from Deshengmen goes directly to the foot of Badaling Great Wall for about 12 yuan. You can also choose carpooling or taxis, though costs are relatively higher and more suitable when traveling with others to share expenses. Important Notes • Advance Reservations: Many attractions in Beijing require advance reservations, especially popular sites like the Forbidden City and National Museum, to avoid being unable to enter when you arrive. • Weather Awareness: Beijing's weather can be changeable, with significant temperature differences between morning and evening even in the same season. Check the weather forecast before traveling, dress appropriately, and carry common medications like cold medicine and motion sickness pills for emergencies. • Safety Precautions: During your tour, take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places like subway stations, train stations, and attraction entrances, to prevent theft. Also, ensure your safety when visiting ancient buildings or engaging in outdoor activities by following relevant regulations and not climbing or touching cultural relics. • Responsible Tourism: As China's capital and a historical and cultural city, Beijing has rich cultural heritage and historical sites. During your travel, respect local cultural customs and religious beliefs, protect the environment, don't litter, don't damage cultural relics, and be a civilized traveler to preserve the beauty for future visitors.

#discoverchina #SummerPalace #BeijingTravel #ChinaHeritage #ImperialChina #KunmingLake #TravelAsia #HiddenGemsChina #AncientBeauty #WanderlustChina #CulturalJourney #ScenicViews #PalaceWalks #颐和园 #北京旅游 #中国古建筑 #皇家园林 #昆明湖 #中国文化之旅 #打卡胜地 #旅拍圣地 Visiting the Summer Palace in Beijing was like stepping into a living painting — a serene blend of imperial architecture, classical gardens, and natural beauty. As one of the most iconic landmarks in China, it offers a deep glimpse into the luxurious lives of the Qing dynasty emperors and the artistry of ancient Chinese landscape design. What I Loved: Kunming Lake & Longevity Hill: The panoramic views from the top of Longevity Hill are breathtaking, especially at sunset. The lake adds a sense of tranquility, and a boat ride gives a whole new perspective of the palace grounds. Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A masterpiece of symmetry and design, perfect for photography — especially during golden hour. Long Corridor (Chang Lang): Decorated with over 14,000 paintings, each section tells a story. It’s a quiet, shaded walk even on a hot day. Tips for Traveling to the Summer Palace: 1. Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Early morning or late afternoon visits help avoid crowds and harsh midday sun. 2. Getting There: Take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station, then walk about 5 minutes to the North Gate. Taxis or ride-hailing apps are convenient but beware of traffic, especially on weekends. 3. What to Bring: Comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking a lot. A hat, sunscreen, and water in summer. A camera or smartphone with plenty of storage — it’s a photographer’s dream. 4. Tickets & Entry: There are multiple ticket options: entrance only, or entrance plus access to special sites like the Tower of Buddhist Incense and the Suzhou Street area. Booking tickets online in advance (via apps like Trip.com or WeChat) helps skip lines. 5. Local Food Nearby: After your visit, explore nearby traditional Beijing eateries — try Zhajiangmian (Beijing-style noodles) or local snacks at street vendors. 6. Plan Enough Time: Set aside at least 3–4 hours to explore properly — it’s huge and full of hidden corners.

#cherryblossom25 Stepping into the Summer Palace in spring feels like entering a living poem or painting. Cherry blossoms bloom beside ancient palace walls, pavilions, and towers, adding a touch of elegance and romance to the scene. The beauty of the cherry blossoms lies not only in their delicate appearance but also in the unique charm created by their harmony with the classical garden culture. Here, the grandeur of a royal garden meets the softness of spring blossoms, offering a feast for both the eyes and the soul. It's truly worth visiting to experience the cherry blossoms in such a special setting.

A Super Detailed Guide to the Summer Palace: Avoid Detours and Tourist Traps The Summer Palace, the largest and most well-preserved existing royal garden in China, boasts beautiful lakes, mountains, and a rich history. It's a must-visit destination in Beijing. This guide will help you easily navigate the Summer Palace and enjoy a pleasant royal garden tour! I. Basic Information - Opening hours: Peak season (April 1 - October 31) 6:00 - 20:00, ticket sales stop at 19:00; Off-season (November 1 - March 31) 6:30 - 19:00, ticket sales stop at 18:00. The Tower of Buddhist Incense, Dehe Garden, the Summer Palace Museum, and Suzhou Street are open from 8:00 - 18:00 during peak season and 8:30 - 17:00 during the off-season. Ticket sales stop half an hour in advance, and they are closed on Mondays (except for statutory holidays). - Ticket prices: Peak season tickets are CNY 30/person, off-season tickets are CNY 20/person; combined tickets are CNY 60/person during peak season and CNY 50/person during the off-season; tickets for gardens within the park (Dehe Garden CNY 5, Summer Palace Museum CNY 20, Tower of Buddhist Incense CNY 10, Suzhou Street CNY 10). You can book tickets 7 days in advance with real-name registration through the official "Summer Palace" WeChat public account, or you can buy tickets on-site. Please bring your ID card for entry. II. Transportation Guide - Subway: - Beigongmen Station: Take Exit D of Beigongmen Station on Subway Line 4 and walk 5 minutes to the North Palace Gate. This gate is closest to the Four Continents but is often crowded. - Xiyuan Station: Take Xiyuan Station on Subway Line 4/16. Walk west for 10 minutes to reach the East Palace Gate of the Summer Palace. The East Palace Gate is the main entrance and is often crowded with tour groups. - Summer Palace West Gate: Take the Xijiao Line to Summer Palace West Gate Station. The West Gate is right outside the station. This entrance is mostly used by locals, and there are usually very few tourists. - Bus: Many bus routes reach the Summer Palace. You can check specific routes on map apps based on your starting point. - Car: There are parking lots around the Summer Palace, but parking spaces may be limited during holidays. Public transportation is recommended. If driving, navigate to the New Palace Gate, where the road is wider and parking is relatively easier. III. Recommended Routes Panoramic Tour (6-8 hours): Enter through the North Palace Gate → Suzhou Street (a replica of a canal town market street in southern China, experience the shopping atmosphere of the Qing Dynasty royal family) → Four Continents (a complex of Han and Tibetan style buildings) → Garden of Harmonious Interest (a small and exquisite garden with the characteristics of Jiangnan gardens) → Dehe Garden (see the royal theater and learn about Chinese opera culture) → Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (where Cixi and Guangxu handled government affairs) → Summer Palace Museum (rich collection of former Qing palace artifacts, including porcelain, calligraphy, and paintings) → Pavilion of Spring Awareness (a great place to enjoy the scenery, especially the willows in spring) → Hall of Joy and Longevity (Cixi's bedroom) → Long Corridor (728 meters long, with over 14,000 colorful paintings) → Tower of Buddhist Incense (landmark of the Summer Palace, offering a panoramic view) → Scenery in a Painting (excellent photo spot, with layered buildings) → Marble Boat (a stone boat in Western style) → Farming and Weaving Picture (learn about ancient farming and weaving culture) → Jade Belt Bridge (beautifully shaped, great for photos) → West Causeway (imitating the Su Causeway of West Lake in Hangzhou, perfect for scenic strolls) → Jingming Tower → Bronze Ox (a lifelike bronze ox statue believed to suppress floods) → Seventeen-Arch Bridge (connecting Kunming Lake and Nanhu Island, built during the Qianlong period) → Nanhu Island → Exit through the New Palace Gate.

The Summer Palace is one of China's most famous imperial gardens. It is located at 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing, approximately 959 km from Wuzhong Tongxin. Here's a travel guide to help you plan your trip. Opening Hours: The Summer Palace is open daily from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm. Tickets: Tickets cost CNY 20. Discounts are available for students, seniors, children, and military personnel. Suggested Routes Classic Route: Enter through the East Palace Gate and visit the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Hall of Joyful Longevity, the Long Corridor, the Hall of Dispelling Clouds, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and the Marble Boat. Take a boat to Nanhu Island and visit the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, the Bronze Ox, the ZhiChun Pavilion, and the Wenchang Gallery. Finally, exit through the East Palace Gate. This route takes approximately 4–6 hours. Leisurely Route: Enter through the North Palace Gate and visit Suzhou Street, the Four Continents, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Long Corridor, and the Marble Boat. Stroll along the west bank of Kunming Lake, visit the West Causeway, and exit through the South Ruyi Gate. This route takes approximately 3–5 hours. Quick Route: Take Subway Line 4 to the North Palace Gate Station. Walk 3 minutes to the North Palace Gate. After entering the park, visit Suzhou Street, the Garden of Harmonious Interest, the Long Corridor, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. Finally, exit through the North Palace Gate. This route takes approximately 2–3 hours. Main Attractions Tower of Buddhist Incense: The landmark building of the Summer Palace. It is an octagonal, three-story structure with four eaves. It sits on a hill facing the lake. Inside, a statue of the "Guiding Buddha" is enshrined. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of Kunming Lake. Long Corridor: The longest covered walkway in any Chinese garden. It stretches 728 meters from the Inviting Moon Gate in the east to the Shizhang Pavilion in the west. It has 273 sections, and its beams and rafters are decorated with over 8,000 colorful paintings of figures, landscapes, flowers, and birds. It is known as the "world's longest corridor." Seventeen-Arch Bridge: Connects the east bank of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. It is named after its 17 arches. The stone railings on both sides of the bridge are carved with over 500 stone lions in various poses. There is also a vivid bronze ox sculpture at the bridgehead. Suzhou Street: Located at the western foot of Longevity Hill, this is a shopping street modeled after a water town in southern China. Built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, it imitates the style of water towns in the Jiangnan region and was exclusively for the emperor and empress to stroll and shop. Garden of Harmonious Interest: Located in the western part of Longevity Hill, this complex of buildings is set against a picturesque landscape. It was built by Emperor Qianlong, imitating the scenery of Jiangnan. It offers stunning views of Kunming Lake. Food Recommendations Near ZhiChun Pavilion: Traditional Beijing cuisine, such as Peking duck and Kung Pao chicken. Near Suzhou Street: Local snacks, such as Wandaohuang (pea flour cake) and Lǘdagun (glutinous rice rolls with soybean flour). Other restaurants in the park: Offer a variety of cuisines, including imperial snacks and lotus banquets. Things to Note Pay attention to safety, especially in areas like Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. During summer, temperatures can be high. Remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. The Summer Palace is quite large. Plan your time wisely to avoid missing important attractions. Purchase tickets upon arrival. Please bring valid identification. Here is some additional information about the Summer Palace: We hope this guide helps you enjoy your trip to the Summer Palace!

#OutdoorDate This is a place I really like, a night market near Ihwawon. I recommend that you visit this place at least once. It was one of the places I really liked, so I really recommend that you visit this place. And there were a lot of different foods and things to see. And they also sell souvenirs, so it was really great. I really recommend that you visit this place at least once. There were a lot of really delicious things, and the prices were really cheap, so it was really great. And at night, the lights were really pretty, so it was a really great place to take pictures.

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent This is a Kao Wee restaurant called Ruwi! It was the most delicious Kao Wee restaurant I've been to. I really recommend that you try it once. It was really, really delicious. I really liked the garlic flavor, so I recommend that you try it at least once. It was really, really delicious. ㅎㅎ

Getting there: suggest to take DiDi as you still have to walk some distance to the entrance if taking MRT. Beijing is too big, save some energy 🤭. Attractions: quite a good place to visit with nice scenery and environment. There are few shops for souvenirs but limited food options. General time spent: between 2-4 hours depending on your needs and energy. The garden is super huge and requires a lot of stairs climbing. #fallishere #beijing