Opening Hours: From April 1st to October 31st (peak season), 6:30 18:00, and the opening hours of the gardens within the garden are 8:30 17:00; from November 1st to March 31st of the following year (off-season), 7:00 17:00, and the opening hours of the gardens within the garden are 9:00 16:00.
Ticket Price: The full-price ticket is 30 yuan per piece, and the combined ticket (including the entrance ticket and the tickets of the gardens within the garden) is 60 yuan per piece. The gardens within the garden include Wenchangyuan, Deheyuan, Foxiangge, and Suzhou Street, and the prices of individual tickets vary; students, the elderly, etc. can enjoy half-price or free ticket preferential policies and need to bring valid certificates.
Tour Route Planning
Route Entering from the East Palace Gate (Classic Route)
East Palace Gate Renshoudian Deheyuan Wenchangyuan Yulantang, Yiyunguan Leshoutang Long Corridor Paiyundian Foxiangge Marble Boat Gengzhitu Scenic Area Ruyimen Exit
This route covers the main scenic spots of the Summer Palace, where you can appreciate the gorgeous imperial architecture, the exquisite garden landscape and the profound historical and cultural heritage. In Deheyuan, you can watch the ancient theater stage and relevant cultural relics on display; Wenchangyuan is a comprehensive museum of the Summer Palace, where many precious collections can be seen; Foxiangge is the landmark building of the Summer Palace, from which you can overlook the panoramic view of Kunming Lake, etc.
Route Entering from the North Palace Gate (Route for Those with Limited Time)
North Palace Gate Suzhou Street Four Great Regions Foxiangge Paiyundian Long Corridor Marble Boat Take a boat to Nanhu Island Seventeen-Arch Bridge Bronze Ox Xinjian Gongmen Exit
It is suitable for tourists who have limited time but still want to visit the core landscapes. You can view the characteristic Tibetan religious architectural complex Four Great Regions, experience the fun of boating in Kunming Lake, and enjoy the unique scenery of Nanhu Island and Seventeen-Arch Bridge.
Introduction of Main Scenic Spots
Renshoudian
It is the hall where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu held court and received foreign guests. Its architectural style is solemn and majestic. In front of the hall, cultural relics such as bronze dragons and bronze phoenixes are displayed, which have important historical and cultural value.
Long Corridor
The Long Corridor is famous for its exquisite paintings. With a total length of 728 meters, there are more than 8,000 colorful paintings of figures, landscapes, flowers and birds, etc. on the beams, which has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest art gallery in the world. Walking along it, it seems that you are walking through an art gallery.
Foxiangge
Located on the platform of the front mountain of Wanshou Mountain, it is a magnificent tower-style religious building, about 41 meters high, with three floors and four eaves on eight sides. Inside, there is a Buddha statue for receiving pilgrims. It is magnificent and is a landmark building and a good place for viewing in the entire Summer Palace.
Seventeen-Arch Bridge
Connecting the east bank of Kunming Lake and Nanhu Island, the bridge body is composed of 17 arches. There are more than 500 stone lions of various shapes carved on the bridge railing, with vivid shapes. The reflection of the bridge in the lake is very interesting, especially at sunset, the scenery is very charming.
Food Strategy around the Summer Palace
Court Cuisine
Tingliguan Restaurant (south of the Marble Boat in the Summer Palace)
Specialties: It is famous for serving court cuisine, such as “Gongmen Fengyu” (Fish Served at the Palace Gate), “Jinchan Yubao” (Golden Toad and Jade Abalone), “Juhua Yuchi” (Chrysanthemum Shark Fin), etc. These dishes are exquisitely made, beautifully shaped and particular about taste, fully showing the luxury and delicacy of the royal diet.
Average Cost per Person: Around 300 500 yuan.
Old Beijing Specialties
Xibei Youmian Village (near Xinjian Gongmen of the Summer Palace)
Specialties: It offers various Northwest cuisine. The signature dishes include Youmian Yuyu (Oat Noodle Fish), Huangmi Lianggao (Yellow Millet Cake), and Roast Lamb Ribs, etc. The Youmian Yuyu has a chewy texture, the Huangmi Lianggao is soft, glutinous and sweet, and the Roast Lamb Ribs is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with a rich aroma.
Average Cost per Person: Around 100 200 yuan.
Qingfeng Steamed Dumpling Shop (there are multiple branches around the Summer Palace)
Specialties: Steamed dumplings are the main feature, with various flavors such as traditional pork and scallion dumplings and three-delicacy dumplings. The dumplings have thin skins and large fillings with delicious soup; there are also old Beijing snacks such as fried liver that can be tasted together.
Average Cost per Person: Around 30 50 yuan.
Other Specialties
Xiaodiao Pear Soup (there are branches near the Summer Palace)
Specialties: The pear soup is a specialty, which moistens the lungs and relieves cough, and is sweet and refreshing; the dried cheese fish is cute in shape and has a delicate texture like cheese; the shrimp with pear balls and nuts has fresh and tender shrimp meat and crispy pear balls, with a clever combination.
Average Cost per Person: Around 80 150 yuan.
Tips for Visiting
It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid queuing on site.
Wear comfortable shoes when visiting because the park area is large and there is a long walking distance.
You can bring some snacks and water by yourself, but pay attention to protecting the environment and do not litter.
