Summer Palace

Beautiful and very historic attraction. We went on a Saturday and it qasvery busy. Being g comfortable shoes as there is lots to see. We just bought a basic ticket and were able see so much. The boat ride was a great way to see the grounds and how huge it is. You have a huge range if different landscapes from buildings to gardens. Definitely worth it.

Summer Palace, Beijing – A Must-Visit Gem The Summer Palace in Beijing is a stunning example of classical Chinese architecture set within vast, beautifully landscaped grounds. The scale of the place is truly impressive, and so is its popularity—be prepared for crowds, even as early as 8 a.m.! Finding a quiet corner to soak in the natural beauty and historical charm can be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort. One highly recommended experience is renting an electric boat. Gliding across the lake offers a peaceful escape from the crowds and gives you a unique perspective of the palace, its bridges, and the surrounding scenery. It’s the perfect way to take in the elegance and tranquility of this iconic site. Don’t miss it!

In A Nutshell: -Summer Palace is worth visiting as long as you have a lot of patience to deal w/ the crowds. -It is about an hour drive from the Beijing city center. -You will be walking many steps exploring this vast area. -Parking is found on the street just outside the palace. -I enjoyed climbing up to the top where you can view the lake & the surrounding area. Overall, it's worth checking out & learn more about the ancient Chinese culture.

The Summer Palace is an absolutely enchanting place! From the moment you step onto the grounds, you're transported to a world of stunning traditional Chinese architecture, serene lakes, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Wandering through the pavilions, bridges, and walkways feels like stepping into a painting. The sheer scale and artistry of the Summer Palace are breathtaking, and there's something beautiful to discover around every corner. Whether you're strolling along the shores of Kunming Lake, admiring the Long Corridor's intricate artwork, or marveling at the Marble Boat, there's a sense of history and tranquility that's truly special. Allow plenty of time to explore everything this magnificent imperial garden has to offer. It's a perfect escape from the city and a testament to China's rich cultural heritage. A definite must-see in Beijing!

Iconic. One of China's most outstanding sights. The area is huge so be sure to bring enough time. There are nice parks between the palaces and buildings. Some paths are very steep and almost need climbing skills. Can be very crowded in weekends. Ferry boats are charged extra. In the vicinity there are a lot of restaurants, inside there are only snacks and drinks available. Tickets can be bought at the counters near the entrances, no need to but online. Getting there by subway coming from downtown will take a while and a little walk but the taxis can be stuck in traffic.

A must-visit place when you visit Beijing. One of UNESCO World Heritage site. The Summer Palace is an incredible destination. Many of beautiful structures, longest corridor with artworks of various stories and cultural reference. The lake, the largest historical man-made lake i have ever seen. The excavated soil from the lake has been used to build the mountain for the temple.

Nicely maintained large summer palace campus. When entering from one side you not feel the enormity of the place but once you start walking along the lake, you feel awed at the size of the place. Clean and efficient. Food options are less here. The place is very beautiful and photo worthy.

The Summer Palace in Beijing is a true masterpiece of Chinese imperial landscape art. The buildings, palaces, and pavilions blend into a panorama of hills, gardens, and water, evoking a living painting. After the original palace was looted and destroyed by British and French troops during the Opium Wars (see Victor Hugo's excellent letter to Captain Bulter on this subject), the palace was rebuilt to restore the site to its former splendor and tranquility. You can take advantage of your morning excursion on the Great Wall to visit the Summer Palace in the afternoon. Even if the crowds are large, the size of the site allows for large numbers of visitors without spoiling everyone's experience. If you are there at the end of the day, buy a ticket to sail on Kunming Lake aboard one of the boats. A guaranteed spectacle