Highlights
- Expert English guide brings history to life.
- Scenic boat cruise on Kunming Lake.
- Pre-booked ticket saves you time in line.
- Walk the Long Corridor with 14,000 paintings.
- Enter through East Palace Gate, like royalty.
Description
Discover the Summer Palace – Beijing’s Imperial Garden Masterpiece
Step into the grandeur of China’s largest and most celebrated imperial garden on this all-inclusive tour. The Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, seamlessly blends the elegance of Jiangnan-style garden design with the majesty of northern China’s natural landscapes. This package gives you everything you need for a seamless and enriching visit: entry ticket, a scenic boat cruise on Kunming Lake, and an expert English-speaking guide.
Meeting Point & Entry
Your tour begins at the East Palace Gate (Donggongmen) – the main entrance of the Summer Palace. In imperial times, this was the gate reserved for the Empress Dowager Cixi and the emperor. The East Palace Gate is easily accessible via Beijing’s Metro Line 4 – take the Xiyuan Station exit and walk approximately 10 minutes west. Your guide will be waiting to welcome you and escort you into the garden.
Expert English-Guided Tour
Led by a professional English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the palace’s most significant sites while uncovering the fascinating stories behind this royal retreat. Learn about Empress Dowager Cixi, who spent much of her later years here, and discover the architectural wisdom and political symbolism embedded in every hall, pavilion, and rock formation. Audio headsets are provided so you can hear every word clearly even in busy areas.
Scenic Kunming Lake Boat Cruise
No visit to the Summer Palace is complete without a boat ride on Kunming Lake. You’ll board a traditional boat and cruise across the tranquil waters, taking in the same panoramic views that once captivated the imperial court. From the lake, you’ll enjoy picture-perfect vistas of Longevity Hill, the iconic Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and the marble Stone Boat. The boat cruise is the most relaxing and scenic way to experience the garden’s legendary beauty.
Includes
Summer Palace main entry ticket
Professional English-speaking guided tour (1 hour or 2.5 hours available)
Scenic boat cruise on Kunming Lake
Audio headset for clear listening
Excludes
Transportation to/from the meeting point
Personal expenses and gratuities
Entry to additional paid attractions inside the palace (Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, Dehe Garden, Summer Palace Museum)
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
