Best Routes for Visiting the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace in Beijing is one of China’s most magnificent imperial gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site that blends natural scenery with classical architecture. For international travelers, choosing the right route can transform a simple visit into an unforgettable experience. With over 100 destinations available across China, you can easily combine a trip to the Summer Palace with other highlights. Here are the best routes for visiting the Summer Palace, tailored to different interests and timeframes.

The Classic One-Day Route: Full Circle of Highlights

This route is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the Summer Palace’s most iconic spots in a single day. Start your journey from the East Palace Gate, the main entrance, and follow this clockwise loop:

• East Palace Gate to the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity: This is the former throne hall where Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi handled state affairs. The courtyard features bronze mythical beasts and ancient pines.
• Walk toward Kunming Lake: Pass by the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Joyful Longevity, once residences for the emperor and empress. Continue to the Long Corridor, a covered walkway stretching 728 meters with over 14,000 painted scenes from Chinese literature and mythology.
• Ascend the Longevity Hill: Climb up to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the tallest building in the Summer Palace, offering panoramic views of Kunming Lake and the surrounding hills. Along the way, visit the Hall of Dispelling Clouds, a grand theater-like structure.
• Descend toward the lakefront: Walk down past the Marble Boat, a unique lakeside pavilion built in the shape of a paddle steamer. Then follow the Western Causeway for a peaceful lakeside stroll back to the East Palace Gate.

Total time: 3–4 hours if you keep a moderate pace. Best for a morning or afternoon visit.

The Scenic Boat-and-Hike Route

For travelers who enjoy water views and light hiking, this route combines a boat ride across Kunming Lake with a walk up Longevity Hill.

• Enter through the South Palace Gate (near the Seventeen-Arch Bridge). This gate is less crowded and gives you immediate access to the lake.
• Cross the Seventeen-Arch Bridge to South Lake Island, where you can see the Temple of the Dragon King and enjoy reflections of the bridge in the water.
• Take a boat from South Lake Island to the Marble Boat. The ferry ride (operated by the park) takes about 10–15 minutes and offers a unique perspective of the Long Corridor and the hill behind it.
• From the Marble Boat, walk up Longevity Hill to the Tower of Buddhist Incense. The climb is gentle, with stone steps and shaded pavilions. On the way, stop at the Sea of Wisdom Temple at the hill’s peak for a quiet retreat.
• Descend via the Long Corridor and exit through the East Palace Gate.

Total time: 2.5–3 hours, including the boat ride. Great for families or those who prefer a mix of water and land exploration.

The Photography-Focused Route: Sunrise or Sunset

Photographers will love this route, which emphasizes the best light and least crowded spots. Plan to arrive at sunrise (gates open at 6:30 AM in summer, 7:00 AM in winter) or stay until sunset.

• Start at the North Palace Gate for early access to Suzhou Street, a replica of a Ming-era canal town with shops and bridges. This area is quiet in the morning and offers great reflections in the water.
• Walk south on the west side of the lake along the Western Causeway, which has six arched bridges and fewer tourists than the eastern side. Capture the sun rising over Longevity Hill in the distance.
• Loop around to the Long Corridor for interior shots: The painted beams and intricate woodwork are best photographed in soft morning light. The corridor is less crowded before 9:00 AM.
• **For sunset, position yourself near the Marble Boat or Seventeen-Arch Bridge. The golden hour light hitting the hill and lake creates dramatic photos. The bridge’s arches frame the setting sun beautifully.

Best time: Late April to early October for extended daylight. Avoid weekends and Chinese public holidays for minimal crowds.

The Half-Day Express Route

If you have limited time, this compact route covers the essential highlights in under two hours. It’s perfect for travelers combining the Summer Palace with other Beijing attractions like the Forbidden City or the Temple of Heaven.

• Enter through the East Palace Gate and walk straight to the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (5 minutes).
• Head directly to the Long Corridor (10-minute walk) and stroll its length (15 minutes if you don’t stop). Look up at the painted scenes and the colorful ceiling.
• From the end of the Long Corridor, turn right to the Marble Boat (5 minutes). Take a few photos of the unique structure and the lake.
• Walk back along the lakeside path past the Hall of Joyful Longevity (10 minutes) and exit through the East Palace Gate.

Total time: 1–1.5 hours. Best done early morning to avoid crowds. This route misses the hill and the bridges, but gives you a strong impression of the palace’s grandeur.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

• Opening hours: The Summer Palace is open daily. The park gates open from 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM depending on season, and buildings close earlier (usually 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM). Always check current hours before planning.
• Tickets: Admission is charged separately for the park and the inner buildings (such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense). You can buy tickets at the gate or through official online platforms.
• Getting there: The Summer Palace is about 15 kilometers northwest of central Beijing. Take Beijing Subway Line 4 to “Beigongmen” station (North Palace Gate) or Line 16 to “Xiyuan” station (near the East Palace Gate). Buses and taxis also serve the area.
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water (especially in summer), a hat or umbrella, and your passport for ticket purchasing. Sunscreen is recommended in summer.
• Best times to visit: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and beautiful foliage. Summer is crowded but the lake provides a cooling breeze. Winter is quiet but cold, with some indoor buildings closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to walk around the entire Summer Palace? A: The full perimeter walk around Kunming Lake and up Longevity Hill takes about 4–5 hours. For a focused visit, 2–3 hours is enough to see the main highlights.

Q: Can I visit the Summer Palace in the morning and then go to another attraction? A: Yes. Many travelers combine the Summer Palace with the nearby Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) or the Beijing Zoo. A half-day at the Summer Palace followed by a visit to the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon is also feasible.

Q: Is the Summer Palace wheelchair accessible? A: The main paths and some buildings are accessible, but the steep steps on Longevity Hill can be challenging. Rental wheelchairs are not available on-site, so bring your own if needed.

Q: Are guided tours available inside the park? A: Yes, audio guides and guided tours are available at the park. You can also arrange a private English-speaking guide through your travel provider for a more personalized experience. For custom itineraries across China, providers like Tripsm offer 24-hour response times and English-speaking drivers.

Conclusion

The Summer Palace offers something for every traveler—whether you want a leisurely lakeside walk, a cultural deep dive into imperial history, or a quick photo stop. By choosing the right route based on your time and interests, you can make the most of this iconic Beijing landmark. Combine it with other destinations like the Forbidden City or the Great Wall for a complete China experience. For a seamless trip, consider planning your entire itinerary with a reliable travel partner who can arrange transportation, guides, and multi-destination packages. Start your journey today and discover why the Summer Palace remains a highlight for millions of visitors each year.