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Summer Palace

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Summer Palace (China)

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The Summer Palace in Beijing, known as Yiheyuan, is one of the world's most exquisitely preserved imperial gardens and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998. Spanning a total area of approximately 2.9 square kilometers, the complex is dominated by the man-made Kunming Lake, which accounts for three-quarters of its territory. Originally commissioned in 1750 by the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty as a gift for his mother, it served as a cool retreat for emperors escaping the summer heat of the Forbidden City. The landscape is masterfully designed around Longevity Hill, featuring a dense concentration of pavilions, temples, and palaces that exemplify traditional Chinese architecture. Key attractions include the iconic Marble Boat and the 728-meter Long Corridor, which holds the Guinness World Record for its 14,000 individual paintings depicting Chinese history and folklore. Despite being severely damaged by Anglo-French forces in 1860, the palace was magnificently restored by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1888, standing today as a supreme masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

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Avg °C-5-25132125272520123-4
Rain mm2692438841511096430142

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Summer Palace is open to visitors year-round, with the outer park and courtyards freely accessible. Entry to the historic palace buildings and the famous Marble Boat typically requires a paid ticket.
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Typical hours
Opening hours typically follow a seasonal pattern, usually from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours in summer. Public holidays may bring altered schedules, so checking current times locally is advisable.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the outdoor grounds and in most pavilions, but flash is often prohibited inside the buildings. Commercial shoots or drone use typically require a special permit.
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Time needed
A thorough visit covering the palace, gardens, and lake usually takes about three to four hours. If you focus only on the main highlights, expect around two hours.
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Combine with
Nearby is the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), offering further insight into imperial garden art. Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan) is also easily reachable from here, complementing your trip with lovely natural scenery.
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Getting there
The Summer Palace is easily reachable by Beijing's subway: get off at 'Summer Palace' station (Line 4), then it's just a short walk. Numerous bus lines also stop at 'Yiheyuan' bus stop.
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Insider tip
Plan your visit on a weekday to avoid the large crowds on weekends and holidays. Arriving early in the morning lets you enjoy the gardens in peace before the tourist rush.

Geography

Coordinates
39.99900, 116.29800

Facts

  • Construction began in 1750 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong.
  • Covers 2.9 square kilometers, with 75% being water surface.
  • Kunming Lake was manually excavated to reach its current size.
  • The Long Corridor is 728 meters long with over 14,000 paintings.
  • Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998.
  • Restored in 1888 using funds diverted from the Chinese Navy.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Old Summer Palace RuinsOld Summer Palace Ruins<1 km · WExplore →
Beijing ZooBeijing Zoo5 km · NEExplore →
Beihai ParkBeihai Park10 km · NExplore →
Forbidden CityForbidden City12 km · NExplore →
Marco Polo BridgeMarco Polo Bridge12 km · SEExplore →
Temple of HeavenTemple of Heaven13 km · NEExplore →
Ming TombsMing Tombs15 km · SWExplore →
Happy Valley BeijingHappy Valley Beijing23 km · NExplore →

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Sights in the town Summer Palace (17)

Haidian Christian Church⛪ religious

This modern Christian church is known for its striking contemporary architecture with white vertical fins.

Wofo Temple⛪ religious

The temple is famous for its massive five-meter-long bronze statue of the Reclining Buddha.

Shi Fang (Marble Boat)📍 landmark

This ornate lakeside pavilion in the Summer Palace was constructed using stone to resemble a traditional boat.

Summer Palace📍 landmark

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a vast imperial garden centered around the scenic Kunming Lake.

🕒 Mo-Su 06:30-18:00

Yufeng Pagoda🗼 tower

This elegant brick and stone pagoda stands atop Yuquan Hill, overlooking the Summer Palace.

Haidian Park🌳 park

This large urban park integrates green space with smart technology and is a popular venue for music festivals.

National Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences🌳 park

Managed by the Academy of Sciences, this garden features an extensive collection of rare plants and conservatories.

Zhuzhong Art Museum🏛 museum

This contemporary gallery in Haidian showcases a diverse range of modern Chinese artworks.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-17:00

Tuan Cheng Fortress🏺 historical

This circular fortress features high defensive walls and served as a military training site during the Qing dynasty.

Temple of Azure Clouds⛪ religious

This Buddhist temple complex is renowned for its impressive Diamond Throne Pagoda and serene mountain setting.

Beijing Botanical Garden🌳 park

This expansive garden contains a diverse collection of flora, traditional temples, and large tropical greenhouses.

Alumni House🏛 museum

This museum within Tsinghua University documents the achievements and history of its former students.

China ancient Botanical Museum🏛 museum

This specialized museum focuses on the evolution of plant life and the history of botanical science in China.

Kylin🏺 historical

This auspicious bronze sculpture of a mythical creature guards the entrance to the Summer Palace's main hall.

Blue Iris Stone🏺 historical

This massive, naturally shaped ornamental rock is a prominent decorative feature in the Summer Palace gardens.

DoReMe🎭 culture

This spirited theatre venue specializes in children's performances and community cultural events.

The Old Gate📍 landmark

This historic gate served as one of the original entries to the imperial Summer Palace, preserving its classical architectural charm.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you take a boat ride on Kunming Lake?
Yes, various boat tours are offered on the lake from spring to autumn.
What is the Long Corridor?
It is a 728-meter long covered walkway decorated with thousands of ornate paintings.
How much time is needed for a visit?
You should plan for at least half a day to see the gardens and temples.
Is the palace beautiful in winter?
Yes, in freezing temperatures, you can often go ice skating on the frozen lake.
Is there a subway connection?
Yes, Subway Line 4 stops near the North Gate (Beigongmen Station).
Summer Palace: where is it located?
Summer Palace is located in China.
Summer Palace: what is there to see?
Highlights include Haidian Christian Church, Wofo Temple, Shi Fang (Marble Boat).
Summer Palace: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Summer Palace: why is it worth visiting?
The Summer Palace in Beijing, known as Yiheyuan, is one of the world's most exquisitely preserved imperial gardens and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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