Highlights
- Explore a stunning royal summer retreat famous for exquisite garden designs
- Walk the Long Corridor to see thousands of vibrant historical paintings
- Take a relaxing boat ride on Kunming Lake surrounded by lush green mountains
- Discover the iconic Marble Boat, a true symbol of imperial luxury and secrets
- Capture stunning photos of the elegant Seventeen-Arch Bridge at golden hour
Description
Immerse yourself in the artistic grandeur of the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese imperial garden design. As a remarkably well-preserved imperial garden, it perfectly blends the grandeur of northern architecture with the delicate beauty of southern landscapes, offering a breathtaking Chinese landscape painting at every turn.
Viewing the Tower of Buddhist Incense from the foot of Longevity Hill: The Tower of Buddhist Incense is the landmark of the entire garden. You can climb the steps up the hill for a panoramic view. Standing atop it, you'll see the shimmering Kunming Lake and the verdant Western Hills in the distance, experiencing the expansive view and sense of grandeur once enjoyed exclusively by the imperial family.
Enjoying a leisurely boat ride on Kunming Lake: Kunming Lake encompasses a large portion of the Summer Palace. On a clear day, sitting on an ornately decorated, antique-style boat, feeling the gentle breeze, and watching the lotus leaves on the lake and the distant pavilions and towers slowly sway by—this is the true essence of the slow-paced imperial lifestyle.
Stroll along the world's longest painted corridor: This corridor stretches over 700 meters, its most remarkable feature being the tens of thousands of exquisite paintings adorning its overhead beams, depicting various historical and mythological stories from classic Chinese novels such as *Journey to the West* and *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and cool respite while viewing the painted stories, much like reading a comic book – a truly fascinating experience.
The breathtaking sunset over the Seventeen-Arch Bridge: Walking on the magnificent Seventeen-Arch Bridge, you feel the weight of history with every step. If you visit at dusk, you'll be bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, the arches reflected in the water – a perfect backdrop for photos to share on social media.
Explore Empress Dowager Cixi's 'Marble Boat': The garden features a magnificent 'stone boat,' carved entirely from massive stones. It's not only a symbol of Qing Dynasty luxury but also holds many little-known royal secrets, making it well worth a visit.
On the day of your visit, avoid the ticket window crowds and proceed directly to the gate. A quick scan of the provided QR code grants you instant, seamless entry.
Includes
Official reservation for Summer Palace entry
Professional booking service and digital entry support
Guaranteed access via passport registration
Excludes
Professional tour guide (Self-guided exploration)
Boat rides on Kunming Lake (available on-site)
Entry to specific paid galleries (e.g., Dehe Garden)
Transportation and hotel pickup
Important Information
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
