颐和园
The grandest imperial garden in China — lakes, marble boats, and painted corridors.
The Summer Palace is the most beautiful imperial garden in China — 294 hectares of lakes, pavilions, temples, and the famous 728-metre Long Corridor painted with 14,000 scenes. Emperors spent summers here escaping the city heat. Visiting in spring or autumn when the willows and osmanthus bloom is one of Beijing's great pleasures.
Take Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen station (North Palace Gate) for the most convenient entrance. Buy tickets at the gate or online. A boat across Kunming Lake is available in summer. The Long Corridor runs along the north shore of the lake and is the highlight of any visit.
Opening Hours
6:30am – 6:00pm (Apr–Oct); 7:00am – 5:00pm (Nov–Mar). Buildings: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Entry Fee
¥30 park entry + ¥15 inner sites (combined ¥50 in peak season)
Address
19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing
北京市海淀区新建宫门路19号
Show these to locals — large Chinese text designed to be read at arm's length.
Show this to locals:
师傅您好，请送我去颐和园北宫门，地址：北京市海淀区新建宫门路19号。谢谢！
Hello, please take me to the North Gate of the Summer Palace. Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing. Thank you!
For your eyes only:
The North Gate (北宫门) is the main tourist entrance closest to the metro.
Show this to locals:
您好，我想租一条划船，在昆明湖上游览，请问多少钱？
Hello, I would like to rent a rowing boat on Kunming Lake. How much does it cost?
For your eyes only:
Rowing boats (划船) are available at the East Embankment boat dock. Usually ¥40–60 per hour.
Follow these guides to navigate each part of your visit.
Take Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen station and walk 5 minutes to the North Gate
Buy your ticket at the gate or show QR code from online purchase
Walk east along the Long Corridor (长廊) — 728 metres of painted pavilion alongside the lake
Climb Longevity Hill (万寿山) to the Tower of Buddhist Incense (佛香阁) for the best view
Descend to the lakeside and rent a rowing boat in summer, or walk the South Lake Island causeway
Visit the famous Marble Boat (石舫) at the west end of the corridor
Exit through the East Gate or return to the North Gate metro station
Arrive at the North Gate (Beigongmen metro) — it puts you directly at the Long Corridor, skipping the longer walk from the East Gate.
A full circuit of Kunming Lake by foot is 4km — consider a boat in summer for a more relaxed experience.
The Tower of Buddhist Incense panoramic view over the lake is the best photo spot — climb before 10am for fewer people.
Combine with a morning at the Yuanmingyuan ruins (adjacent park) for a fuller day of imperial Beijing.
Great Wall — Mutianyu Section
慕田峪长城
The best-preserved, least crowded Great Wall section near Beijing.
Explore →Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
故宫博物院
The world's largest palace complex and 600 years of imperial history.
Explore →Temple of Heaven
天坛
A Ming Dynasty masterpiece where emperors prayed for good harvests.
Explore →Save all your travel cards, action guides, and reservations in one place — accessible offline anywhere in China.