Summer Palace

The vast imperial playground of the Summer Palace was where the regal court would escape during the oppressive summer months. It is now a wonderful public park where local residents and visitors can stroll, relax and bask in China's ancient cultural legacy.

Expansive green spaces and ornate structures are set around beautiful the Summer Palace's Kunming Lake. Whether frozen in the winter or lapping at its willow-tree shaded banks in the summer, it is a perfect place to escape Beijing's hustle and bustle.

The area has served as a royal summer home since the Jin Dynasty; however, it attained its current configuration when Qing Emperor Qianlong remodelled it for his mother in 1750. Sacked by foreign armies, it was twice rebuilt by Empress Cixi, the first time using funds earmarked for the Chinese navy. It is an example of the late Qing Dynasty's (1644?911) wealth and grand opulence, indulgent landscaping and extravagance in the face of decline.

The centrepiece Kunming Lake dominates three-quarters of the park's surface area. In winter the lake freezes over, making for an extraordinary winter spectacle. In spring and summer the lake is adorned with a dazzling array of flowers, including pink and white lilies that sparkle like jewels in contrast to the green water plants and waters of the lake. Though heavily visited, the park is large enough to allow people to find their own places to relax on the grounds, their own little piece of tranquillity.

The names of some of the structures around the grounds alone evoke images of perfection: the Precious Clouds Pavilion, the Temple of the Sea of Wisdom, the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Garden of Harmonious Virtue. There is no doubt that this place was the domain of royalty.

Enjoy wandering the ancient park's pathways and avenues that were once reserved for the sole use of emperors and their coteries.

 

Main Attractions

North

Renshoudian (Hall of Benevolence and Longevity)

Deheyuan (Garden of Virtue and Harmony)

Paiyundian (Hall of Dispelling Clouds)

Foxiangge (Tower of Buddhist Incense)

Zhihuihai (Hall of the Sea of Wisdom)

Changlang (Long Gallery)

Suzhoujie (Suzhou Market Street)

Xiequyuan (Garden of Harmonious Interests)

Lake Area

Bronze Ox

Seventeen-Arch Bridge

Nanhu Island

 

19 Xinjian Gongmen, Haidian District    

+86 10 6288 1144

7 a.m.-5 p.m. (April 1-October 31)

6:30 a.m.? p.m. (November 1-March 31) 

30 yuan (gate ticket), 50 yuan (all-inclusive ticket)

Xizhimen Station, then bus 375; Buses: 330, 332, 333, 346, 394, 726, 810