the Summer Palace
The Summer Palace (Yíhéyuán) is China’s grandest imperial garden, blending natural landscapes with architectural artistry. Built between 1750 and 1764 under Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, it served as a royal retreat for emperors and empresses to escape Beijing’s summer heat. Destroyed by Anglo-French forces in 1860 and rebuilt in 1886, it became Empress Dowager Cixi’s opulent escape, draining the navy’s budget for renovations. Spanning 2.9 square kilometers, the garden features Kunming Lake (75% water) and Longevity Hill (25% land), with over 3,000 ancient pavilions, corridors, and temples. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, it epitomizes Chinese garden philosophy—harmonizing humanity with nature.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1153 as a Buddhist temple complex but evolved into an imperial garden under Emperor Qianlong, who named it “Qingyi Yuan” (Garden of Clear Ripples). After its 1860 destruction, Cixi renamed it “Yíhéyuán” (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) and expanded it with Western-style features like the Marble Boat. The 1900 Boxer Rebellion damaged it again, but post-1902 repairs restored its glory. It served as a temporary refuge for Puyi, China’s last emperor, during the 1912 abdication. Opened to the public in 1924, it became a symbol of cultural resilience, surviving wars and modernization to remain Beijing’s most iconic classical garden.
Structural Layout
The garden follows a “three-zone” design:
Political Zone (Front Hill): Dominated by the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian), Cixi’s throne hall, and the Hall of Jade Ripples (Yulantang), Emperor Guangxu’s brief prison.
Residential Zone (Rear Hill): Features the Garden of Virtue and Harmony (Dehe Yuan), Cixi’s opera theater, and the Cloud-Dispelling Hall (Paiyun Dian), a hidden pavilion.
Recreational Zone (Lake Area): Centered on Kunming Lake (modeled after Hangzhou’s West Lake) and Longevity Hill, with the Long Corridor (Changlang), a 728-meter painted gallery, and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge (Shiqikong Qiao) spanning the lake.
Major Attractions
Long Corridor: A UNESCO-listed 728-meter gallery with 14,000+ traditional paintings.
Marble Boat (Shifang): A 36-meter-long pavilion built to symbolize impermanence (never sails).
Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A stone bridge with 544 lions and a central pavilion, mirroring Suzhou’s bridges.
Suzhou Street (Suzhou Jie): A 300-meter canal-side replica of a Jiangnan water town, with shops and boat rides.
Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge): A 41-meter-tall wooden pagoda offering panoramic lake views.
Hall of Dispelling Clouds (Paiyun Dian): A secluded pavilion atop Longevity Hill, once used for meditation.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2–3 hours):
East Palace Gate (Donggong Men) → Suzhou Street → Long Corridor → Stone Boat → Seventeen-Arch Bridge → Nanhu Island (Nanhu Dao) → Marble Boat → Hall of Benevolence and Longevity → North Palace Gate (Beigong Men)
Highlights: Iconic lake views, imperial architecture, and the Long Corridor’s art.
Extended Route (4–5 hours):
East Palace Gate → Suzhou Street → Long Corridor → Stone Boat → Kunming Lake Cruise → Nanhu Island → Marble Boat → Tower of Buddhist Incense → Hall of Dispelling Clouds → Garden of Virtue and Harmony (opera theater) → North Palace Gate
Highlights: Addition of hilltop pagodas, an opera house, and a boat tour.
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
East Palace Gate → Suzhou Street → Long Corridor → Stone Boat → Kunming Lake Cruise → Nanhu Island → Marble Boat → Tower of Buddhist Incense → Hall of Dispelling Clouds → Western Banks (Xihu Qu) → Hall of Joyful Longevity (Leshou Tang) → Garden of Virtue and Harmony → North Palace Gate
Highlights: In-depth exploration of temples, hidden pavilions, and scenic trails.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program or “Summer Palace Official” platform (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: Purchase at East Palace Gate, North Palace Gate, or New Palace Gate (cash/mobile payment accepted).
Prices:
Peak Season (April–October): ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (November–March): ¥20 (adults), ¥10 (students/seniors).
Extras:
Kunming Lake cruise: ¥20–¥35 (boats depart 8:30 AM–4:30 PM).
Tower of Buddhist Incense: ¥10.
Dehe Yuan Garden: ¥10.
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
By Subway:
Line 4: Beigongmen Station (Exit D), walk 5 minutes to North Palace Gate.
Line 16: Xiyuan Station (Exit B), walk 10 minutes to East Palace Gate.
By Bus: Routes 332, 584, or 346 to Yíhéyuán Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to East Palace Gate (for lake access) or North Palace Gate (for hilltop views).
Departure: Exit via North Palace Gate for subways or East Palace Gate for buses/taxis.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (6:30 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays (especially Mondays, when some pavilions close) are quieter.
Weather: Spring (April–May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (October–November) for maple foliage.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (hills and long walks).
Bring sunscreen, hats, and water (limited shade in summer).
Photography allowed (no drones or tripods without permits).
Prohibited items: Outside food (except water), smoking, and bicycles.
