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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Thomas O’Malley

The former retreat of China’s imperial rulers, the Summer Palace is a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design on a truly awesome scale. Artificial hills, lakes, opulent buildings and graceful arched bridges convene in carefully orchestrated harmony.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gardens, 12km northwest of the Forbidden City, were first built in the 12th century but were developed to their artistic height during the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912).

Most famously, the Summer Palace became the royal retirement home of Cixi, the Empress Dowager, a formidable character who ruled China from behind the curtain for almost five decades. The palace and its gardens were remodelled to serve as her private retirement complex.

There’s plenty to see and do, from strolling the famous ‘Long Corridor’ to pleasure boating on Kunming Lake. Several of the palace buildings hold historical artefacts and exhibits, including possessions belonging to the Empress Dowager.

Price from: £3
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest subway station is Beigongmen (Line 4), right outside the north gate, or Xiyuan (Line 4), close to the east (main) gate. The Xijiao light-rail line, connected to the Beijing subway, stops outside the west gate. When leaving, taxis congregate outside the exits, though barter hard, as they often demand an inflated fee.

Once inside, take your pick – stroll around the gardens and parks, take a boat ride on the lake, enjoy a picnic under a willow tree and/or visit the temple complex. Maps are available (for a small price) at the entrance. The palace complex is landscaped across a large area, so plenty of walking is required.

Eating and drinking options in and around the park are limited, but you can treat yourself to afternoon tea at the Aman, a swanky resort hotel next to the Summer Palace’s east gate.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week.

The best time to arrive is in the morning, as the crowds descend in the afternoon, especially on weekends and public holidays. The grounds are at their prettiest in spring.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Mini Group Tour in Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace and Olympic Stadium

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Mini Group Tour in Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace and Olympic Stadium
Want a Hassle-Free, "No more than 6 people" Mini-sized Group Tour for the two most beautiful attractions in Beijing? Want to get on the Great Wall early morning to avoid the crowds and queues? A ferry boat ride in the Kunming Lake of the Summer Palace to enjoy the cooler air in summer? This is the Tour you looking for!

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Rating 4.96 / 5 [27 ratings]

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Half Day Private Tour to Summer Palace in Beijing

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Half Day Private Tour to Summer Palace in Beijing
Breeze past the long entry lines to enjoy your half day  pre-booked tour of the Summer Palace. Follow your tour guide to visit huge emperor's summer garden. Including the longevity hill, South Lake Island, Suzhou Street. Learn about the ancient history, culture and itions that helped shape the  Summer Palace through your guide's engaging commentary.

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Rating 4.96 / 5 [26 ratings]

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Small-Group Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Tour with Lunch

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Small-Group Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Tour with Lunch
This full-day tour of Beijing offers an in-depth look at Beijing’s rich cultural heritage. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll tour the Great Wall at Mutianyu Section, visit the Summer Palace. Enjoy a Chinese lunch and comfortable round-trip minivan transport from your hotel. All entrance fees, cable car/toboggan round trip are included. Group size is limited to 12 people to ensure more personalized attention from your guide. Pick up and drop off including hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing City.

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Rating 4.97 / 5 [49 ratings]

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Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Day Trip with Lunch

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Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Day Trip with Lunch
Great Wall of China, one of the seven wonders in the world.It is one of the highlights you must see in your life. Summer Palace, a huge garden for the emperor and his family spend in the Summer time. Lunch, entrance fees, professional guide and private transfer service included.

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Rating 4.91 / 5 [57 ratings]

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All Inclusive Private City Tour to Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square Forbidden City and Summer Palace

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All Inclusive Private City Tour to Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square Forbidden City and Summer Palace
This full-day private Beijing city tour takes you to visit Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace,Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City. Get to know up to 3000 years history in one day with your professional tour guide. Lunch, attraction entrance ticket, and private transfer are all inclusive.

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Rating 4.92 / 5 [25 ratings]

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All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Day Tour

Beijing

All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Day Tour
On this full-day Beijing Private tour, you will see two of the most popular attractions in China: the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. Mutianyu section of the Great Wall enjoys less tourists making it easier to access and enjoy. Visiting the Summer Palace, you will see one of the most beautiful gardens in China. Tour includes tasty local lunch, all entrance fee, an English-speaking guide and transport by private vehicle.

Price: $188

Rating 4.92 / 5 [467 ratings]

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Private Classic Beijing Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace

Beijing

Private Classic Beijing Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace
Do full justice to three of Beijing’s must-see sights with a privately guided city sightseeing trip. Check out Tiananmen Square, the immense square at the heart of the city, and explore the highlights of the Forbidden Palace and the Summer Palace on guided walking tours. Lunch, entrance fees, private transport with a guide and driver, and hotel pickup and drop-off all included. -Private tour of Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace --Stroll around vast Tianmenan Square, the world’s largest public space -Explore the Forbidden Palace, the seat of China’s emperors for 500 years -Stroll around the lakes, pavilions, and gardens of the Summer Palace -Transport by private vehicle including hotel pickup and drop-off -Entrance fees included Personalized attention from a private guide, with a separate driver

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Rating 4.97 / 5 [78 ratings]

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Private Great Wall Mutianyu Section with Summer Palace

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Private Great Wall Mutianyu Section with Summer Palace
This amazing classic city tour of Beijing is something you don't want to miss while traveling. Come and travel with the experienced and knowledgeable tour guide visit the Mutianyu section, a stretch less crowded than the Badaling segment. Afternoon Hotel, visit the Imperial Garden - Summer Palace, to understand the stories of the dragon lady. Private transportation, entrance tickets and lunch are all included.

Price: $250

Rating 4.97 / 5 [47 ratings]

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