Overview

Located in the Haidian District, northwest of Beijing’s city center, the Summer Palace offers a breathtaking glimpse into China’s imperial past. Once a royal retreat for emperors seeking respite from the summer heat, it combines serene lakes, lush gardens, intricately carved palaces, and pagoda-topped hills. The Summer Palace remains one of Beijing’s must-visit attractions, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical grandeur.

Historical Significance

The Summer Palace, or Yiheyuan, originated as part of Beijing’s vast imperial gardens. In the mid-18th century, the Qianlong Emperor transformed it into the Garden of Clear Ripples, expanding Kunming Lake and landscaping Longevity Hill according to feng shui principles. Inspired by mythical islands in the East Sea and the famed West Lake of Hangzhou, the Summer Palace became a symbol of imperial elegance and cultural refinement.

Despite devastation during the Second Opium War, the main Summer Palace survived, while the nearby Old Summer Palace was completely destroyed. Later, it became the preferred residence of Empress Dowager Cixi, and after the abdication of the last emperor in 1912, it was opened to the public as a museum.

Architectural Highlights

• Kunming Lake – A man-made lake forming the heart of the palace, ideal for boat rides and scenic views.

• Longevity Hill – Crowned with temples, pavilions, and halls, offering panoramic vistas across the grounds.

• Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and other ornate structures – Exemplify Qing dynasty craftsmanship and artistic sophistication.

Visiting Tips

• Getting There: Main entrance is the East Palace Gate near Xiyuan subway station; other convenient entrances include Beigongmen (north) and the West Gate. The compound is best explored on foot, though boats on Kunming Lake provide a scenic alternative.

• Timing: Best visited from April to May or September to October, when weather is mild. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter brings icy charm.

• Duration: A full day is ideal to explore pavilions, bridges, temples, and lakes; half-day visits are possible for a condensed experience.

Experience

Wandering through the Summer Palace, visitors are transported into a world of imperial leisure, traditional Chinese garden design, and timeless cultural elegance. Every corner—whether a lakeside pavilion, a carved stone bridge, or a tranquil garden path—tells a story of China’s rich history and the artistic genius of its past emperors.