Summer Palace Beijing: Tickets, Gates & What to See
China's grandest imperial garden — Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat, on a half-day plan that most first-timers fit after the Forbidden City.
By China for Travelers Editorial · Updated
What the Summer Palace is
The Summer Palace (颐和园, Yíhéyuán — “Garden of Nurtured Harmony”) is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China, a roughly 290-hectare landscape of lake, hill and pavilion in the northwest of Beijing. Roughly three-quarters of it is Kunming Lake; the rest rises over Longevity Hill, crowned by the Tower of Buddhist Incense. It was the summer retreat and political stage of the late Qing court — most famously of the Empress Dowager Cixi, who rebuilt it in the 1880s — and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
Where the Forbidden City is a tight, walled palace, the Summer Palace is the opposite: open water, long lake walks, bridges and garden set-pieces. It is the place Beijing locals come to row boats and stroll, and it photographs beautifully in spring blossom and autumn colour.
What to see
- The Long Corridor (长廊) — a 728 m covered walkway along the lakeshore, every beam painted with a different scene; said to be the longest painted corridor in the world.
- Longevity Hill & the Tower of Buddhist Incense (佛香阁) — the octagonal tower that anchors the skyline; climb for the classic view down over Kunming Lake.
- The Marble Boat (清晏舫) — a lakeside stone pavilion shaped like a paddle steamer, a Cixi-era folly.
- The Seventeen-Arch Bridge & South Lake Island — a long marble bridge to an island near the east end of the lake; the low winter sun lights all seventeen arches at the solstice.
- Suzhou Street (苏州街) — a recreated canal-side shopping street behind Longevity Hill, near the north gate.
Tickets, gates and hours
Two ticket types are sold: a plain park-gate ticket (about ¥20–30) and a through-ticket (联票, about ¥30–40 in winter and ¥50–60 in peak season) that adds the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, Dehe Garden and the Wenchang Gallery. Most visitors want the through-ticket. Tickets are real-name and can be reserved a day ahead via the official channel or bought at the gate with a passport — confirm the current price when you go.
The North Palace Gate (Beigongmen 北宫门) sits directly on metro Line 4 and is the easiest arrival; from there you pass Suzhou Street and climb Longevity Hill before dropping to the lake. The historic East Palace Gate (Donggongmen 东宫门) opens onto the court halls. The park opens early (around 6:30 in summer) and the inner attractions a little later; aim to arrive by opening to beat the tour groups.
Getting there & combining it
The Summer Palace is in Haidian, the northwest of the city — about 45 minutes by metro from the centre. Line 4 to Beigongmen (north gate) or Xiyuan (east gate) are the simplest routes. It pairs naturally with the nearby Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) ruins, one stop north, for a full garden day. It is on the opposite side of the city from the Temple of Heaven, so don't try to do both in one afternoon.
When to go
Spring (April–May) and autumn (late September–October) are ideal — mild, with blossom or colour around the lake. Summer is hot and busy; winter is cold but quiet, and a frozen Kunming Lake has its own appeal. Whatever the season, mornings are calmer than afternoons.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is a Summer Palace ticket and how do I book it?
- A through-ticket that includes the inner attractions is about ¥50–60 in peak season (April–October) and ¥30–40 in winter; a plain park-gate ticket is cheaper (~¥20–30) but excludes the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street and Dehe Garden. Tickets are real-name and best reserved a day or two ahead on the official WeChat account or at the gate with your passport. Confirm the current price on the day.
- How long do you need at the Summer Palace?
- Half a day — about 3 to 4 hours — covers Longevity Hill, the Long Corridor, the Marble Boat and a walk along Kunming Lake. A full day lets you add the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, South Lake Island and a slow loop of the lake. It is large and spread out, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Which gate should I use?
- The North Palace Gate (Beigongmen) sits right on metro Line 4 and drops you at the Suzhou Street / Longevity Hill end. The East Palace Gate (Donggongmen) is the historic main entrance near the halls. Most first-timers enter at Beigongmen, climb Longevity Hill, then walk down to the lake and out the east gate.
- Is the Summer Palace worth it next to the Forbidden City?
- Yes, and it is a different experience — the Forbidden City is a walled palace, the Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden of lake, hills and pavilions. If you have three or more days in Beijing it is one of the best half-days; on a tight two-day trip the Forbidden City and Great Wall come first.
Related
- Beijing city guide — the full 6-tab plan.
- Forbidden City guide — the walled imperial palace downtown.
- Temple of Heaven — the imperial sacrificial park in the south.
- Beijing subway guide — how to reach the gates.