Why Trust This Article?
- • Author: Hesham Al-Daaja (based in China since 2019)
- • Last updated: Mar 6, 2026
- • Based on direct field experience with Arab travelers and buyers
The Summer Palace: Beijing's Most Beautiful Imperial Garden
I'm Hesham Al-Daaja from Jordan, based in China since 2019. If I had to choose one Beijing landmark to visit on a perfect afternoon, it would be the Summer Palace (颐和园 — Yíhéyuán). Not as famous as the Forbidden City, not as dramatic as the Great Wall — but the most beautiful and most peaceful imperial site in the city. It covers 290 hectares, three-quarters of which is Kunming Lake.
Quick Answer
The Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 18th century as an imperial summer retreat. It covers 290 hectares, three-quarters of which is Kunming Lake.
Must-See Highlights
- The Long Corridor (长廊): A 728-metre covered walkway with 14,000+ painted scenes on its beams. No two panels are the same. Walking it end to end takes 20 minutes.
- Kunming Lake: Rent a wooden rowboat (¥80/hour). In winter if temperatures drop, the lake freezes and locals skate.
- The Marble Boat (石舫): A stone structure shaped like a boat — built with navy funds Empress Cixi redirected. One of history's great ironies.
- Tower of Buddhist Incense (佛香阁): Climb for a panoramic view of the entire lake and Beijing skyline.
- Suzhou Street: A replica Southern Chinese canal market built inside the palace for the empress who rarely left Beijing.
Visit Info (2026)
- Entry (park): ¥30 April–October / ¥20 November–March
- Combined ticket: ¥60 summer / ¥50 winter
- Hours: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM peak season
- Metro: Line 4, Xiyuan station (East Gate)
- Time needed: 3–4 hours minimum. Half a day to explore fully.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May): cherry blossoms and wisteria around the Long Corridor. Autumn (October): red and gold foliage reflects in the lake. Arrive by 8:00 AM before tour groups arrive around 10:00 AM. I personally love it on rainy days — mist over the lake and almost no visitors.
Combine With
The Old Summer Palace (圆明园) is 20 minutes east — destroyed by British and French forces in 1860, the ruins deliberately preserved. A sobering counterpoint. Both together make a full day. For a private driver from your hotel, contact me on WhatsApp.
