Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasArchitectural Buildings
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Summer Palace is the summer resort for the Qing dynasty's royal family.It is covered 3/4 with the water,the rest are hills and palaces.The Long corridor is the longest corridor in the world.From the eastern end ,Moon invited gate you can see it is like straight line ,then it's twisting and turning like in the wonderland.On the right side of the Long corridor ,it is a beautiful lake .
Duration: More than 3 hours
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₹801.08
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The area
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How to get there
- Beigongmen • 10 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Carminello41 contributionsThe summer palace, absolutely not to be missed when passing through Beijing…A place that leaves a mark on the soul. Spectacular views, history, culture and great emotions. We were also lucky enough to find a clear and bright day. There should be no rush and enjoy every corner of this incredible site. Thanks to Andy who was very kind and helpful.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 13 March 2024
- David B56 contributionsBehind on upkeep but still a gem.Although the paint work is fading on several of the buildings, it is still a beautiful place to visit, and a must-see during a trip to Beijing. As with many sites in Beijing, and China in general, you need to avoid the scam "tour guides" who hang around the entrance gates, book your tickets early, online, to make sure you can visit, and you need to be patient with the thousands of other tourists, local and foreign, who bump, push and rush their way around the main few areas of the park. Go to some of the quieter areas, take a walk around the lake, its a truely magnificent place.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 April 2024
- KarasborVoronezh, Russia210 contributionsA must visit!Perfect place! A combination of history and nature, be prepared to invest 3-5 hours here. It is possible to rent a boat and see the complex from the water, visit the island and ancient buildings. Easily accessible by metro, the nearest station is Xiyuan, 2 minutes from the complex. I definitely recommend it.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 April 2024
- Leong Chee ShengSingapore, Singapore353 contributionsBeautiful, sprawling garden, must-see in Beijing!This is a massive summer vacation site for Empress Dowager Cixi, and it's a sight to behold. Lovely gardens and sprawling landscape. It's impossible to explore fully within the day, we spent half a day and did half the trail instead. We entered via Beigongmen station from the North gate. It's a rather demanding hike up to the top rewarded with views of the temple, then a sloped walk down to the lakes. The boat ride is a must-do for a vast view of the area. You have to make a reservation to visit the palace, and keep to the time to visit the museum section of the premise, they are quite strict with the timing.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 April 2024
- Amila PereraGampaha, Sri Lanka490 contributionsPalace which looks like a templeBe prepared for long walks and steps. The place is awesome in the morning and easily accessible by metro. There are very few snack options so bring your own. Use the map to avoid getting lost. Go to the top for breathtaking views.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 April 2024
- Nix BBangkok, Thailand5,134 contributionssummer palace Must go once in your life.It is a very large palace. If you want to travel completely, you have to come for 1-2 days. I came for one day and spent a whole day still not completing the entire trip. How to buy tickets: Scan the QRcode at the entrance. It's very big inside. There's both the palace and the palace. and lakeside zone If you have limited time, 1-2 hours is definitely not enough.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 April 2024
- JM CastilloSharjah, United Arab Emirates69 contributionsMy Summer Palace tour in SpringI had a good time walking around Summer Palace. Even though it is crowded by tourists the Palace is huge and beautiful with a lot of blooming trees and flowers. Thanks to Jily from Mubus for touring me around and ride the boat with me. She was very hard working and a wonderful person. This is my 2nd tour with Jily and both trips are wonderful.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 24 April 2024
- Silvana S8 contributionsHalf day in summer placeI really enjoy this summer place tour. I took a group tour with Mubus team It’s unbelievable just me. I sepent group money but enjoy a pravite tour with guide Jily. She is knowledgeable and fanatics. So enjoyable.Highly recommended Mubus teamVisited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 13 May 2024
- VNORVISan Francisco, California392 contributionsThe peaceful parts are wonderfulWe entered at the west gate and left from the east gate, which was a good thing to do. Most of the tourist stuff is around the east gate. Painfully packed, even in an off day, with large tour groups and screaming guides. But the area away from that is a tranquil park. It is long walks. Don’t count on buying a meal.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 May 2024
- LessaLessa17 contributionsA must-see in Beijing during the warm seasonA great place to hang out for half a day or more. In this location, the unique flavor and architecture of China is combined with oases of beautiful nature. Here you will definitely encounter crowds of people, but even the most notorious introvert will find a secluded corner for privacy. Breathe deeply in the wonderful pine forest, take pictures of the pond with water lilies from all angles, be sure to visit Suzhou Street (for a separate nominal fee of 10 Yu or as part of a comprehensive ticket 60 Yu). It’s close to the metro, there’s a lot to see, suitable for all categories of tourists.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 21 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
15,076 reviews
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Alessio0575
Monza, Italy195 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
What a sensational place!! While the most could expect a palace to visit, this is rather a massive park with several buildings and entrances and a lake within it! It takes hours to visit the whole of it, hence think carefully about the time to start your visit as during summer months, the temperature gets very high! first of all do get tickets from any source very well in advance (your passport info will be needed), the expect huge crowds and queues. The site really deserves the effort. I may also suggest to cross the lake with one of the boats, this will allow you to save some time and energies while moving from one part of the part to another one (for instance the ones starting/arriving nearr to the 17 archs bridge). do not miss the visit to the Temple, an impressive building, and going west, the marble peer looking like a boat. We entered the park from the North entrance which is a few meters away from a metro station - and ended up leaving the site from the east gate (15 minutes walking from another metro station).
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Альбина
Rostov-on-Don, Russia73 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Stunning park with wonderful views. Entrance costs only 10 yuan, but in some parts of the park you need to pay extra (if you see the entire park, it will cost you 60 yuan). There will always be a lot of people, but if you move away from the lake to the east, there will be a small hidden garden where you can relax and there will not be many people there. If you walk through the main places, the park will take you about 3-5 hours. If you have passes and walk the entire park, it will take at least 5 hours. I also advise you to take water and a notepad with you, in some parts of the park there are no shops with water and it is better to have it with you, and also in some places where they sell postcards you can put free stamps from this park.

Written 18 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben King
London, UK348 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The summer palace is one of the most serene places I have ever been to. I would advise entering via the South Gate, as you are immediately transported back in time as you walk along the lakeside next to the ancient attached community. This is a wonderful way to see traditional architecture, art, and you can even pick up a little boat ride around the lake. The summer palace itself is on the other side of the land, about a 20 minute walk, and getting up to it is a real hike. It’s worth it for the rewarding view of the palace, as well as the magnificent view over the buildings, lake, and forest from the top
Written 13 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meline 'TourGuide' Welcome to 🇦🇲
Armenia299 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
The place is historical. Both locals and tourists visit this place, that's why it's always crowded. I spent couples of hours there. It's too big, so the whole day you can walk around and explore many useful things.
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LongXM8
Frankfurt, Germany44 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
It was a really great sight, because the lake in the palace was just unbelievably beautiful. I recommend the boat trip, because you can see almost everything you need to see. This includes, for example, the Seventeen Arch Bridge, a bridge with 17 arches. A photo on the bridge is a must, the background with mountains and pagodas is simply legendary. I also recommend not staying there for a whole day, because it gets really hot in the summer. But the view and the sight are worth it.

Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina
Bremen, Germany27 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
I don't know where to start because there are so many beautiful things to see.
We stayed with friends and child at the summer palace and nobody got bored. There are many different buildings with different meanings and paintings that can be visited from the outside and inside, temples that can be reached by some steps up the mountain and rewarded with a great view over the whole lake, as well as countless pavilions with views over the complex and the lake that invite you to linger and rest. You can cross the lake over a bridge, or use one of the many pedal boats or electric boats.
To be able to explore the entire facility in all its beauty you need at least a whole day of time and that from early in the morning, but this time is definitely invested sensibly. So if you are in Beijing, you must not miss this facility.
We stayed with friends and child at the summer palace and nobody got bored. There are many different buildings with different meanings and paintings that can be visited from the outside and inside, temples that can be reached by some steps up the mountain and rewarded with a great view over the whole lake, as well as countless pavilions with views over the complex and the lake that invite you to linger and rest. You can cross the lake over a bridge, or use one of the many pedal boats or electric boats.
To be able to explore the entire facility in all its beauty you need at least a whole day of time and that from early in the morning, but this time is definitely invested sensibly. So if you are in Beijing, you must not miss this facility.
Automatically translated
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ltravel88
United States121 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
As soon as we went through the East Gate gate and laid eyes on Kunming Lake we knew we would love this park like attraction. We rode the boat and saw amazing views, walked the long corridor, saw the marble boat and went to Suzhou Street which was a must for our trip. Everywhere we went in this park the view was always beautiful. We only had time for enjoy the park for a few hours but I definitely could imagine spending the whole day to truly appreciate and explore all the grounds.
Written 27 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
msnakim
Singapore2,687 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
This was our last pit stop before our flight home in the late afternoon. Conscious of the flight time, we couldn’t spend more than 1-2 hours at the Summer Palace. It was such a pity because I really liked the place, much more so than the Forbidden City. This is where the royal family stayed over the summer months, and the whole setup was like a beautifully crafted garden with a massive lake. If I had more time, I would have enjoyed reading on the history introductions and visited more places in the huge palace.
Written 7 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean
Penang Island, Malaysia189 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
A nostalgic place to go to admire the beautiful trees, sacred stones and ancient palace. It's well maintained, very scenic and huge! The grounds were meticulously kept and I could spend all day there just admiring the beauty. The buildings had those ancient glass painted flowers which were delicately painted. And the autumn foliage was just spectacular.
Written 1 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea C
Rio de Janeiro, RJ448 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
Enormous imperial park with beautiful buildings distributed on the ground, from temples and sanctuaries to administrative and residential wings, served the Qing dynasty as a refuge for the heat of the Forbidden City. The summer palace is more associated with Empress Cixi, considered one of the most powerful women in China, who reformed it twice, after being destroyed by French and English troops in 1860 and after being looted during the Boxer rebellion in 1902. Among the main points to visit is the hill of Longevity, with the tower of Buddha's fragrance; the Long corridor, pavement decorated with thousands of paintings; the Bridge of the Seventeen Arcs. We easily reach the Summer Palace by metro (Beigongmen) and return by car by DiDi app.
It is important to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you walk a lot in the large park. Also, set aside a good time for visitation. We spent about 4:30h on the beautiful walk.
It is important to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you walk a lot in the large park. Also, set aside a good time for visitation. We spent about 4:30h on the beautiful walk.
Automatically translated
Written 22 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are traveling to Beijing in late December, is the palace still worse visiting in the winter?
Written 15 November 2019
The place is absolutely gorgeous... I would go winter or summer. It’s a must
Written 3 December 2019
I will be staying around Forbidden City area. How long will it take to travel to Summer Palace from Forbidden City?
Written 2 November 2019
I can't remember how long it took, but my advise is the take the subway. It's the best way to get around Beijing. Auto traffic is congested, so taxi is not the best way.
Written 24 December 2019
Hi, I’m going there solo at the end of October and have limited time.
Is it advisable to buy a ticket online to save time, or is buying one on the spot just fine? Thanks!
Written 7 October 2019
We bought ours when we got there. Even at the height of tourist season, it only took a few minutes.
Written 7 October 2019
Staying at hotel close to forbidden city and will take a taxi to the summer palace, worried I will have a problem getting a taxi back to my hotel. Not interested in booking a tour, but concerned about being stranded at the Summer palace at the end of the day. Any suggestions?
Written 12 September 2019
Sorry for delay. No worry, you should take a hotel card with you and you will find taxis waiting when you leave palace. Always keep a hotel card in your wallet as people will always assist if you have written word. A lot gets lost in speech!
Written 19 September 2019
PRAVEEN KUMAR
Chennai (Madras), India
How do I get there using public transportation?
Written 9 May 2019
The easiest and cheapest way would be to take the Beijing Underground. You'll need to take Line 4 to Beigongmen Station, then exit via Exit D. There should be directions outside of the station that will point you towards the Summer Palace.
Written 9 May 2019
We are doing a private tour that includes a stop here early in the morning before the buildings are open. Will we be totally missing out by not getting inside the temple or any other buildings, or is the main feature of this place just walking around the scenic outside?
Written 1 September 2018
Out of all the places we have been to in Beijing my favorite was Summer Palace. You wouldn’t be able to see the beauty of it unless you go inside. I would also recommend to get an access to all of visiting places inside the palace as the total cost I believe was around 60 yuan which is very reasonable. We also took a boat tour inside the lake. Beijing is humongous and we ended up extending our trip as each places would take more time than I originally planned. Have fun.
Written 3 September 2018
sajma s
Beijing, China
Hi, how much are tickets for each? I would like to take my kids and would like to know what to expect. Thanks in advance
Written 23 July 2018
Hi
You can buy your tickets at the North gate April-October it is 30 (CNY), November to March 20 (CNY). Not sure how much the child ticket is but you may be able to get a family ticket. So very worthwhile to spend the day there.
Good luck
Written 24 July 2018
Can we keep our luggage somewhere around this place?
Written 23 July 2018
Hi, I was just wondering, when you said that there's a locker room nearby Summer Palace, may I know where is it exactly? Is it still inside the Palace compound or outside it? Thanks in advance!
Written 19 September 2018
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