Highlights
- Follow Empress Cixi’s original royal water route
- Reach the Summer Palace entrance directly by boat
- Skip traffic, crowds, and complex transfers
- Enjoy a scenic 30-minute boat trip with no hidden costs
- Choose a one-way Royal Waterway Cruise or Super Speedboat
Description
Step into the refined world of imperial Beijing through this Royal Canal Cruise, retracing the historic waterway once reserved for Empress Dowager Cixi. Instead of navigating crowded roads or confusing transport systems, travel as royalty once did — gliding peacefully along Beijing’s ancient imperial canal.
Route: Zizhuyuan Park → Summer Palace
Your journey begins at Ziyu Bay Pier inside Zizhuyuan Park, one of Beijing’s most tranquil and scenic green spaces. Enter from the North Gate and follow a bamboo-lined path for about 5 minutes to reach the pier.
Along the Way — 6.5 km of Imperial Scenery
The cruise follows the historic Changhe (Long River), a royal waterway used exclusively by the Qing court. As you sail, an onboard audio guide shares stories behind the scenery. Pass by landmarks such as Wanshou Temple, where Empress Cixi once stopped for prayers and ceremonies. The landscape unfolds with graceful willows, calm waters, and distant pine-covered hills — a living reflection of classical Chinese beauty.
Arrival — Direct Access to the Summer Palace
After approximately 30 minutes, the boat docks at South Ruyi Gate Pier. Simply cross a short bridge to reach the entrance of the Summer Palace. No transfers, no long walks, no unnecessary hassle — just a smooth and elegant arrival.
Getting There
Route 1:
Take Metro Line 4 to National Library Station (Exit A). Walk about 5 minutes to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering, walk about 5 more minutes to Ziyu Bay Pier, following the signs inside the park.
Route 2 (Recommended):
Take a taxi directly to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 meters ahead.
At the Pier
Present your QR code at the ticket window to exchange for a paper ticket and receive your boarding number for the day. Please queue in order before boarding.
Good to Know
Book online at least 8 hours in advance
Children under 1.2 m ride free (no seat)
Children between 1.20 meters and 1.40 meters tall receive a half-price ticket
Zizhuyuan Park entry is free — arrive early to explore
Ticket Options:
Recommended Option
One-way cruise (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace) + Summer Palace entrance ticket
→ Best value and most efficient way to visit
Round-trip Option
Round-trip cruise + Summer Palace entrance ticket
→ Ideal for a relaxed, full-day experience on the water
Includes
Royal Canal cruise ticket (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace)
Instructions for visiting routes within the Summer Palace and a map showing the shuttle boats within the scenic area
Children under 1.2 m can join free (no seat provided)
Children between 1.20 meters and 1.40 meters tall receive a half-price ticket
One-way super speedboat
Excludes
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tour guide service
Food and drinks
Personal expenses
Transportation to Zizhuyuan Park
Summer Palace admission ticket + shuttle boat ticket within the scenic area
Important Information
- Please arrive at the pier at least 15 minutes before departure
- Tickets must be booked at least 8 hours in advance
- Children under 1.2 m can join free (no seat provided)
- Children between 1.20 meters and 1.40 meters tall receive a half-price ticket
- Boarding location: Ziyu Bay Pier inside Zizhuyuan Park
- This is a self-guided experience with transportation by boat
- At the Pier
- Present your QR code at the ticket window to exchange for a paper ticket and receive your boarding number for the day. Please queue in order before boarding
- Note: This project only covers the royal cruise ship waterway transportation from Zizhuyuan Wharf (city center) to the wharf outside the South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace. It does not include admission tickets or combined tickets for the Summer Palace
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
