Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
Summer Palace Facts
Location: in the western outskirts of Beijing, 15 km (9.3 mi) from the city center
Area: 290 hectares (717 acres)
Age: almost 270 years
Best time for visit: summer
Recommended Time for a Visit: half a day
Situated in the Haidian District northwest of Beijing, Summer Palace is 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the downtown area. Being the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, it greatly influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests, which also has long been recognized as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens'.
Summer Palace History
In 1750, the construction of the lavish royal garden started to prepare for the birthday ceremony of Emperor Qianlong’s mother, with the original name being 'Qingyi Garden' (Garden of Clear Ripples).
In 1869, like most of the gardens in Beijing, the Summer Palace could not elude the rampages of the Anglo-French Allied Force and was destroyed by fire.
In 1888, the garden was reconstructed and renamed as the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan). It was recorded that Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled navy funds to reconstruct it as a resort where to spend the rest of her life.
In 1900, Yiheyuan suffered another hit by the Eight-Power Allied Force and was repaired in the next two years.
In 1914, it was open to the public.
In 1998, the Summer Palace ranked amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, as well as one of the first national AAAAA tourist spots in China.
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Court Area
Front Area of Longevity Hill
- Long Gallery
- Hall of Dispelling Clouds
- Tower of Buddhist Incense
- Baoyun Pavilion
- Through the Wonderland
- Hall of the Sea of Wisdom
- Hall of Utmost Blessing
- Pictures of Front-hill Area
The area covers a larger part, and opens up the vista of Kunming Lake, as well as the sights around Back Lake (Houxi River). East Causeway of the lake is connected to the West Causeway by Long Gallery, which both were interspersed with pavilions, bridges and wharfs. Famous attractions amongst this area are numerous, including Seventeen-Arch Bridge, Bronze Ox, Nanhu Island, Hall of Embracing the Universe, Spacious Pavilion, Pavilion of Bright Scenery, Marble Boat, Suzhou Market Street, etc. As breeze fluttering, waves gleam and willows kiss the ripples of the vast water, the highlights can't be let off from any of the delightful scenery above.
Rear Area of Longevity Hill
By Bus
To the East Palace Gate: Take bus 303 and get off at Yiheyuan Station, then walk west for about 200 meters (220 yards) to the gate.
To the West Gate: Take bus 469, 539 or Zhuan 129 and get off at Yiheyuan Ximen (Yiheyuan West Gate) Station, then walk northeastward for about 300 meters (328 yards) to the gate.
To the North Palace Gate: Take bus 303, 346, 394, 563, 584 or Sightseeing Line 3 and get off at Yiheyuan Beigongmen (North Palace Gate) Station; or take bus 332, 384, or 601 to Beigongmen Subway Station. The gate is less than 100 meters (109 yards) away.
To the New Palace Gate: Take bus 74, 374, or 437, and get off at Xin Jian Gong Men (Yiheyuan New Palace Gate) Station.
By Subway
Take line 4 to Beigongmen, and exit from D. After that, walk west for 3 minutes to the North Palace Gate.
Take line 10 to Bagou Station. Then take Western Suburban Line to Yiheyuanximen Station. Walk north for 4 minutes to the West Gate of Summer Palace.
Beijing Bus / Subway Search
Summer Palace Tickets Price
Ticket Type | Price (CNY) | |
---|---|---|
April to October | November to March | |
Entrance Fee | 30 | 20 |
Dehe Garden | 5 | 5 |
Tower of Buddhist Incense | 10 | 10 |
Summer Palace Museum | 20 | 20 |
Suzhou Street and Danning Hall | 10 | 10 |
Combo Ticket | 60 | 50 |
Recommended Time for a Visit | 3 hours |
Note: Free for children under 1.2 meters (3.9 feet).
Summer Palace Beijing Hours
April - October | November - March |
---|---|
06:00 - 20:00 | 06:30 - 19:00 |
Further Reading:
Top 10 Things to Do in Beijing
Top 10 Places to Visit in Beijing
Where to Go in Beijing in Spring - Top 10 Destinations
15 Wonderful Places to See Snow in Beijing
Top 10 Beijing Historical Sites You Should Not Miss
I planned to visit the Summer Palace, and then, going to Xiangshan by Xijiao Line. Can I exit by West gate (Ximen)? Thank you in advance for kindly help.
2) Free on combo ticket or admission ticket for senior?
3) In case no tickets are left on the day, will senior still allow to enter Summer Palace?
2. The combo ticket and admission are all free for seniors.
3. Yes, seniors can enter without reservation by showing their passports.