Explore the Summer Palace - China's Most Famous Imperial Summer Retreat

An Overview of the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is located approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Beijing, about 22 kilometers from the city center. Situated at 19 Xinjiangongmen, Haidian District, Beijing, China, its name translates to 'Garden of Harmonious Pleasure.' It served as a retreat for Empress Dowager Cixi and the Qing Dynasty royal family.

The Summer Palace in Beijing: Majestic and Magnificent (Photo: @tonyshiphoto)

Historical records indicate that the Summer Palace originated during the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234), making it centuries old. In 1750, Emperor Qianlong reconstructed the site, originally known as the Garden of Clear Ripples, to celebrate his mother, Empress Dowager Cixi's birthday. Despite being damaged by fire in 1860, it was restored and renamed the Summer Palace, with the architecture we see today.

The Summer Palace spans approximately 290 hectares, with 70,000 square meters dedicated to gardens, forests, and ancient palace structures. The remaining three-quarters are covered by a vast lake. In 1998, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site, highlighting its exemplary royal garden architecture that harmoniously blends natural and man-made landscapes. Today, it is a top tourist destination in China, attracting countless visitors.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

Opening Hours

• Peak season (April - October): 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
• Off-peak season (November - March): 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM.

Entrance Ticket Prices for the Summer Palace

• Peak season (April - October): 30 CNY (105,000 VND).
• Off-peak season (November - March): 20 CNY (70,000 VND).

Combo Ticket Prices (Entrance and Attractions)

• Peak season (April - October): 60 CNY (210,000 VND).
• Off-peak season (November - March): 50 CNY (175,000 VND).

Additionally, visitors can opt for individual attraction tickets priced between 5 - 20 CNY (17,500 - 70,000 VND).

Entrance Tickets for the Summer Palace (Photo: @larariekert)

Ideal Time to Visit the Summer Palace

Given its vast area, exploring the Summer Palace in Beijing typically takes half a day. The best time to visit is during autumn, from September to November, when the weather is cooler and perfect for outdoor activities like walking, boating, and enjoying the scenic views from various perspectives.

Based on travel experiences in China, exploring the entire garden and palace complex takes about half a day. Therefore, the ideal time to start your journey is early in the morning. At this time, the sun is not yet high, and its gentle rays filtering through the landscape highlight the historical and cultural significance of the beautiful natural scenery.

The Best Time to Visit the Summer Palace (Photo: @qiang5706)

The Construction History and Unique Architecture of the Summer Palace in Beijing

The construction history of the Summer Palace in Beijing is well-documented, with the site dating back approximately 800 years. Originally serving as a royal retreat and entertainment complex, it was expanded and enhanced with magnificent structures over successive dynasties.

• 1115 - 1234: Estimated period when the Jin Dynasty constructed the Golden Hill Palace, marking the origin of this site.
• 1750: Emperor Qianlong officially built the Summer Palace, including the Temple of Gratitude and the Tower of Buddhist Incense, naming it the Garden of Clear Ripples to honor his mother, Empress Dowager Cixi.
• 1860: The palace was invaded and destroyed by British-French forces.
• 1888: Empress Dowager Cixi restored the site into a magnificent retreat, renaming it the Summer Palace.

The landscape architecture of the Summer Palace is structured around Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, divided into three main areas: the administrative Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (where Empress Dowager Cixi handled state affairs), the residential area, and the scenic area.

At the center, the architecture features the Tower of Buddhist Incense, surrounded by over 100 scenic structures, 20 courtyards, and more than 3,000 architectural elements, including pavilions, towers, and corridors. Each is intricately carved, offering visitors an immersive experience in the profound beauty of ancient Chinese architecture.

The Architecture of the Summer Palace in Beijing (Photo: @insta_china)

The Feng Shui Significance of the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace in Beijing reflects the architectural essence of ancient China, blending cultural elements with Feng Shui principles, embodying profound meanings. Two key themes are prosperity, fortune, longevity, and national peace.

For prosperity, fortune, and longevity, the layout is meticulously designed: the lakeside corridors combined with Longevity Hill resemble a bat spreading its wings (prosperity); Kunming Lake, shaped like a peach with its stem as the water inlet, symbolizes fortune; and a stone bridge connecting an island in the lake to the shore resembles a turtle stretching its head (longevity).

The Summer Palace is deeply rooted in Feng Shui symbolism (Photo: @dorianguo)

For national peace and prosperity, the Summer Palace features symbolic elements like persimmon trees, deer statues, and crane statues at Empress Dowager Cixi's residence, representing peace and harmony in traditional Chinese Feng Shui. Longevity Hill further embodies protection and safety for the nation.

Top Must-Visit Spots in the Summer Palace

Kunming Lake

Kunming Lake covers three-quarters of the Summer Palace, inspired by the West Lake in Hangzhou. Visitors can rent boats to explore the lake, stroll along the 700-meter-long corridor, or take photos at the stone boat-shaped dock.

Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace in Beijing (Photo: @ana.luisa.antunes)

Longevity Hill

Standing at approximately 60 meters, Longevity Hill is an artificial mountain formed from the soil excavated from Kunming Lake. Its symmetrical structure envelops and protects the Summer Palace.

Seventeen-Arch Bridge

The name Seventeen-Arch Bridge comes from the stone bridge with 17 arches spanning Kunming Lake. The bridge is likened to the head of a turtle, symbolizing 'longevity' in the Summer Palace's Feng Shui. Stretching 150 meters, it features over 500 intricately carved sculptures along its railings, making it a must-visit spot on any Beijing tour exploring the Summer Palace.

The Seventeen-Arch Bridge at the Summer Palace (Photo: @wiga_excelsior_passepartout)

Marble Boat

The Marble Boat, a massive stone boat-shaped dock, measures 36 meters in length. Crafted from white marble, it features intricate carvings of floral patterns and dragons.

The Long Corridor

The Long Corridor is a 700-meter-long pathway connecting various structures within the Summer Palace. From the outside, visitors can admire the symmetrical arrangement of halls, pavilions, and towers. From below, intricate patterns and designs in traditional Chinese architectural style can be appreciated.

The Vibrant Long Corridor of the Summer Palace (Photo: @beijing_insta)

Hall of Joyful Longevity

Featuring a dock at the front and the Long Corridor facing Kunming Lake at the back, the Hall of Joyful Longevity is a two-story structure with a stone-paved corridor, exuding an ancient charm.

Suzhou Street

Reflecting the traditional architecture of Jiangsu's canals, Suzhou Street runs along the river within the Summer Palace. It is a bustling commercial area near the palace, where visitors can shop for unique souvenirs.

The Bustling Shopping Street of Suzhou (Photo: @llyixiaox)

East Palace Gate

The East Palace Gate is a magnificent structure featuring a grand stage, seven spacious rooms, and surrounding imperial gardens within the Summer Palace in Beijing.

Hall of Listening to Orioles

Perched on Longevity Hill, the Hall of Listening to Orioles lies along a 700-meter-long walking path amidst rolling mountain scenery. This two-story pavilion was exclusively used by Empress Dowager Cixi for watching operas and hosting banquets.

Detailed Travel Guide to the Summer Palace

Choosing Accommodation Near the Summer Palace

When choosing a hotel near the Summer Palace, it's advisable to book early, especially during peak seasons. Below are some recommended hotels near the Summer Palace, offering a range of prices and room types:

*The hotel prices mentioned are subject to change depending on the season.

Hotels Near the Summer Palace (Photo: @booking)

How to Get to the Summer Palace

Getting to Beijing

- By Air: The most common way to reach Beijing is by air. Numerous direct and connecting flights are available from Vietnam to China's capital, operated by both domestic and international airlines at reasonable prices:

• Hanoi to Beijing flight tickets start from: 3,740,000 VND/leg (including taxes and fees).
• Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City flight tickets start from: 3,842,000 VND/leg (including taxes and fees).

- By Train: Traveling to Beijing by train is cost-effective, though the journey can be lengthy and may require transfers. For those interested in rail travel, consider one of the following routes:

• Hanoi (Vietnam) - Nanning (China) - Beijing (China).
• Hanoi (Vietnam) - Lao Cai (Vietnam) - Hekou (China) - Beijing (China).

- By Bus: For a unique experience, travelers can take a bus to the Lao Cai International Border Gate (Lao Cai Province) or the Tan Thanh International Border Gate (Lang Son Province). After completing immigration procedures, continue the journey from the border gate to Beijing.

Traveling from Central Beijing to the Summer Palace

Public transportation in Beijing is well-developed. Visitors can choose from three popular options: taxi, bus, or subway to travel from the city center to the Summer Palace.

• Taxi: Travelers can book a ride via apps or hail traditional taxis at any pickup point. Taxi fares in China typically start at 10 - 12 CNY (35,000 - 40,000 VND) for the first 3km and decrease thereafter.
• Bus: The most affordable option, buses also offer a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of Beijing. To reach the Summer Palace, take Sightseeing Bus Line 3 and alight at Beigong Men Station. Bus fares range from 2 - 15 CNY (7,000 - 52,000 VND) per trip.
• Subway: A punctual and traffic-free option, the subway is a reliable choice. Take Line 4 to Beigong Men Station, then walk about 3 minutes to the North Gate of the Summer Palace. Subway fares range from 3 - 15 CNY (10,000 - 52,000 VND) per trip.

Modern Subway System in Beijing (Photo: @wrx34297)

Dressing Appropriately

If planning to spend half a day or more exploring this picturesque landscape, visitors can prepare season-appropriate attire or rent traditional Chinese costumes for photo opportunities.

The seasonal temperatures here are similar to central Beijing. Early spring and winter can be cold with snow, so warm clothing, scarves, and woolen hats are recommended. Summers are slightly cooler than the city center due to the surrounding Kunming Lake.

Preparing Suitable Attire for Visiting the Summer Palace (Photo: @la_joie_des_petites_choses)

Adhering to All Visiting Regulations

Renowned for its precious artifacts and ancient architectural masterpieces, the Summer Palace is one of China's key national cultural heritage sites. Visitors must strictly follow the rules:

• Do not use filming or photography equipment in restricted areas.
• Avoid touching or damaging preserved artifacts within the Summer Palace.
• No smoking or climbing on structures for photos.
• Prepare appropriate clothing and accessories for the season.
• The palace provides official guides; external guides are unnecessary.

Once hailed as 'man-made yet resembling nature's masterpiece,' the Summer Palace in Beijing is a royal garden imbued with cultural and historical significance, embodying the harmony it seeks to convey.

Author: Dung

Image Source: Internet