24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378

Email:

Your Location: Home > Beijing Attractions > Summer Palace

Summer Palace

2013082716010838992.jpg

Introduction
The Summer Palace in Beijing integrates numerous traditional halls and pavilions into the Imperial Garden conceived by the Qing emperor Qianlong between 1750 and 1764 as the Garden of Clear Ripples. Using Kunming Lake, the former reservoir of the Yuan dynasty’s capital and Longevity Hill as the basic framework, the Summer Palace combined political and administrative, residential, spiritual, and recreational functions within a landscape of lakes and mountains, in accordance with the Chinese philosophy of balancing the works of man with nature.The site in Beijing is an outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese landscape garden design, incorporating the works of man and nature in a harmonious manner.

History
summer palace_02.jpgThe garden was a summer resort for the emperors in the Qing Dynasty originally named the Garden of Clear Ripples (Qingyi). Destroyed during the Second Opium War of the 1850s, the garden was burnt down by the Anglo-French Allied Forces. It was reconstructed by Emperor Guangxu for use by Empress Dowager Cixi and renamed the Summer Palace(Yiheyuan). In 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, the Eight-Power Allied Force ransacked the palace. After another reconstruction in 1903, the garden was restored to its original beauty and magnificence. Although damaged again during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 it was restored and has been a public park since 1924.As the grandest garden in China, it was added to the World Culture Heritage list in 1998.


The highlights of Summer Palace

Kunming Lake
It is a man-made lake and it's predecessors were called Wengshan Pond and Xihu Lake. They were reservoirs which had been used as sources of water both for the city and irrigation of fields over a period of 3,500 years. Guo Shoujing, a famous astronomer and engineer in his time, developed it into a reservoir for the capital of the Yuan Dynasty in 1291. The conversion of the area into an imperial garden was commissioned by the Qianlong Emperor with the work being carried out between 1750 and 1764. In the course of creating the gardens, the lake area was extended by a workforce of almost 10,000 laborers.Together with the Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake forms the key landscape features of the Summer Palace gardens.

The Long Corridor
The Long Corridor is the longest garden corridor in China, and one of the oldest structures in the Summer Palace. It is a covered promenade running for 728 meters along the northern shore of Kunming Lake and connecting with a row of buildings at the foot of Longevity Hill.

Besides the spectacular view of more than 8,000 paintings in traditional Chinese style that illustrates a large span of Chinese history and literature, the Long Corridor is also remarkable in its quake-proof function. According to historical records, over the past 251 years, although the slim and winding Long Corridor has suffered numerous storms, strong winds and even earthquakes, it has never tilted or been undermined.

Information
Admission: CNY40 (low season); CNY50 (peak season) 
Opening Hours: 8:00 to 17:30(summer);8:30-16:30( winter)
How to get to Summer Palace
Bus Route: No. 209, 330, 331, 332, 346, 394, 712, 718, 726, 732, 696, 683, 801, 808, 817, 826, arrive at Yiheyuan Donggongmen (East Gate); No. 303, 330, 331, 346, 375, 384, 393, 634, 716, 718, 696, 683, 801, 808, 817, 834, and5, arrive at Yiheyuan beigongmen (North Gate); No. 374, 437, 704, 992, 481, and 952, arrive at Yiheyuan jiangongmen (Jiangong Gate).

Tour The Summer Palace with Beijing Private Tour 
We will provide a private & spacious car and a local professional tour guide with over 5 years guiding experience only work for you or your group. You will be escorted during your tour. Transport, ticket, and dining (At some local restaurants popular with locals) all we will arrange for you according your requirements. Please check our most popular Beijing Tours including The Summer Palace as below: 

{????}
Are the above sample tour programs not suitable for you? We have more Beijing tours. Our 
tours can be tailor-made based on your requirements and budget to create unique Beijing experiences that allow you to interact with the local people and culture. Our enthusiastic tour expert will promptly reply you in details within 24 hours.

Mosted Asked Questions about Summer Palace

1. What is Summer Palace?

It was a summer resort for the emperors in the Qing Dynasty originally named the Garden of Clear Ripples (Qingyi). Destroyed during the Second Opium War of the 1850s, the garden was burnt down by the Anglo-French Allied Forces. It was reconstructed by Emperor Guangxu for use by Empress Dowager Cixi and renamed the Summer Palace(Yiheyuan). In 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, the Eight-Power Allied Force ransacked the palace. After another reconstruction in 1903, the garden was restored to its original beauty and magnificence. Although damaged again during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 it was restored and has been a public park since 1924.As the grandest garden in China, it was added to the World Culture Heritage list in 1998.

2. What is the features of the construction?

Using Kunming Lake, the former reservoir of the Yuan dynasty’s capital and Longevity Hill as the basic framework, the Summer Palace combined political and administrative, residential, spiritual, and recreational functions within a landscape of lakes and mountains, in accordance with the Chinese philosophy of balancing the works of man with nature.The site in Beijing is an outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese landscape garden design, incorporating the works of man and nature in a harmonious manner.

3. What to see in Summer Palace?

Kunming Lake
It is a man-made lake and it's predecessors were called Wengshan Pond and Xihu Lake. They were reservoirs which had been used as sources of water both for the city and irrigation of fields over a period of 3,500 years. 

The Long Corridor
The Long Corridor is the longest garden corridor in China, and one of the oldest structures in the Summer Palace. It is a covered promenade running for 728 meters along the northern shore of Kunming Lake and connecting with a row of buildings at the foot of Longevity Hill.


4. How to get to Summer Palace?

By Bus: No. 209, 330, 331, 332, 346, 394, 712, 718, 726, 732, 696, 683, 801, 808, 817, 826, arrive at Yiheyuan Donggongmen (East Gate); No. 303, 330, 331, 346, 375, 384, 393, 634, 716, 718, 696, 683, 801, 808, 817, 834, and 5, arrive at Yiheyuan beigongmen (North Gate); No. 374, 437, 704, 992, 481, and 952, arrive at Yiheyuan jiangongmen (Jiangong Gate).

5. What is the opening Hours and tickets of the Summer Palace?

Admission: CNY40 (low season); CNY50 (peak season) 

Opening Hours: 8:00 to 17:30(summer);8:30-16:30(winter)


6. Could you give us some travel routes in Summer Palace?

1) Renshou Hall?Dehe Garden?Yulan Hall?Yiyun Hall?Leshou Hall?Long corridor?Take a boat at Paiyun gate?Walk along the six bridges of West Causeway.

2) Renshou Hall?Dehe Garden?Yulan Hall?Yiyun Hall?Leshou Hall?Long corridor?Paiyun gate?Wanshou Mountain?Paiyun Palace?Suzhou Street

Questions & Answers or Review
* Full Name
* E-mail
* Title of your review
* Your review
 

The following Beijing Private Tours may also interest you!

Duration:7-8 Hours

Attractions(Cities):Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace

Tour Style:Experience Beijing like never before with our meticulously crafted Beijing tours. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture as you visit iconic landmarks such as Tiananmen Square, the grand Forbidden City, the serene Temple of Heaven, and the majestic Summer Palace. Each tour offers in-depth insights and captivating stories, guided by experts who bring the city’s past and present to life. Enjoy personalized attention and comfort as you explore Beijing’s timeless treasures, including exclusive access to hidden gems and local favorites. With our Beijing tours, every moment of your journey is designed to be both educational and enchanting, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

View Details
From $105 p/p

Duration:2 Days, 1 Night

Attractions(Cities):Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Nanluoguxiang, Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace

Tour Style:Embark on a fascinating 2-day adventure in Beijing, where you’ll delve into the city’s storied past and vibrant present. Start with the majestic Temple of Heaven and the iconic Tiananmen Square, then uncover the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a treasure trove of imperial history. Stroll through the charming Nanluoguxiang, where traditional architecture meets modern vibrancy. Experience breathtaking views from the Mutianyu Great Wall, a marvel of ancient engineering, and unwind amidst the serene beauty of the Summer Palace’s lush gardens and elegant pavilions. This thoughtfully crafted tour offers a perfect blend of historical insights and cultural experiences, designed to captivate your senses and spark your curiosity.

View Details
From $176 p/p

Duration:3 Days, 2 Nights

Attractions(Cities):Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Jingshan Park, Summer Palace, Kunming Lake Boat Riding, Nanluoguxiang, Panjiayuan Antique Market, Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird's Nest, Water Cube

Tour Style:Immerse yourself in Beijing's rich history and vibrant culture with our exclusive 3-day private tour. Begin with the grand Tiananmen Square and the majestic Forbidden City, then visit the serene Temple of Heaven. Enjoy stunning sunset views from Jingshan Park and a scenic boat ride on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace. Wander through the lively Nanluoguxiang Hutong, hike the breathtaking Mutianyu Great Wall, and marvel at the modern Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. This personalized tour offers a perfect blend of historical splendor, cultural immersion, and architectural wonders, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience. Every moment is designed to captivate and inspire, leaving you with lasting memories of Beijing's diverse allure.

View Details
From $275 p/p

Duration:5 Days, 4 Nights

Attractions(Cities):Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird's Nest, Water Cube, Qianmen Street, Morning Market, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven, Nanluoguxiang, Facial Makeup Painting, 798 Art Zone

Tour Style:Immerse yourself in Beijing’s rich culture and history with our comprehensive Beijing tour package. This meticulously crafted Beijing trip takes you through iconic landmarks including the Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square, alongside modern marvels like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Delve into local life at Qianmen Street and the Morning Market, explore artistic expressions in the 798 Art Zone, and enjoy hands-on activities like facial makeup painting. With expert insights from a seasoned Beijing travel guide, this tour offers a seamless blend of historical exploration and cultural immersion, ensuring a memorable Beijing experience.

View Details
From $356 p/p

Duration:10+ Hours

Attractions(Cities):Terracotta Warriors Museum

Tour Style:Embark on a captivating day trip from Beijing to Xi'an to explore the iconic Terracotta Warriors. This Beijing-Xi'an tour offers a deep dive into ancient Chinese history, featuring the world-renowned Terracotta Army, a monumental archaeological site showcasing thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots. Enjoy seamless travel with our expert guide providing insightful commentary on the historical significance and intricate details of these remarkable figures. This day trip promises an enriching cultural experience, combining expert-led exploration with smooth logistics for a memorable journey from Beijing to the Terracotta Warriors.

View Details
From $279 p/p

Live Chat

Share to

Certificate of Excellence
2012~2024

Tripadvisor

Your Way Holiday

Your Idea of Your Trip
Adults:
(>11 years old)
Children:
(2 - 11 years old)
Babies:
(< 2 years old)
Date of trip
Hotel Class
Any specific requests/interests?
Contact Information

(Your Privacy is Protected)

Full Name: *
E-mail: *
Your Age: *
Nationality: *
Online Chat ID: *
Leave your online Chat ID here. We will get in touch with you within 10 minutes.
Submit
Tailor-Made

1 to 1 tailor-made service from our professional travel advisors for the most sophisticated

Authentic

Constantly excellent reviews for attraction, hotel and service Competitive price

Value Guarantee

Local experts provide quality tours Best selected knowledgeable local guides Authentic local restaurants

Stress-free Guaranteed

7*24 hours available to create you a worry-free tour. No Hidden Fees and absolutely no pressure to buy. Secured

Who choose us

Copyright © 2017 Chinabeijingprivatetour.com All rights reserved.  浙ICP备18056007号-2

WhatsApp
Wechat
Skype
To Top