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Summer Palace

(颐和园)

Historic and Protected Site, Park, and Palace

Haidian, 北京市

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Summer Palace

9.2^/10

782

ratings

Ranked #2 for scenic views in Beijing
"Great for a whole day trip, beautiful architecture"(5 Tips)
"The Beigongmen subway station is closest if you use the North gate."(3 Tips)
"You can get some really awesome candid shots here with a great view."(14 Tips)
"great view of Summer Palace and Kunming Lake."(2 Tips)

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112 Tips and reviews

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scenic views
whole day
architecture
gardens
north
palaces
historic sites
trails
picnics
tours
quiet
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lakes
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陳雄暉弟兄September 15, 2017
Unfortunately, if you're traveling with a tour group, you will not see much or go far. You'll only see one section of the palace. You'll need at least a whole day to see everything. Get here early!
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Upvoted Dec 31, 2024
Ana LoftusJune 14, 2018
Make sure to plan your visit since all temples inside close their doors at 5 pm. However, you can walk around til 8 pm. There are beautiful spots to watch the sunset. Don’t buy the map! Not worth it.
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WinnieJuly 20, 2015
It is SO big. Definitely try the paddle boats and instead of walking to each corner of the palace, take the boats! It's 15 yuan for one way. The further corners are quieter with less people
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Gregory K.April 19, 2019
Really interesting place. Get audio guide (multiple languages support) at north gate entrance. If you walk the lake, palace, and park you spend 2-4 hrs here easily
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Stacy Bo BacyMay 31, 2017
Make time for at least 3 hours to explore the area and feel bewildered by the fact that this massive area was once just for royalty. It’s the most beautiful place I went to in Beijing.
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Guillermo LemaAugust 14, 2014
Here you can climb Longevity Hill (must buy ticket) and have a great view of Summer Palace and Kunming Lake. You can also visit marble boat or watch seniors singing and playing traditional songs.
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Hafid MohadiJune 28, 2016
Beautiful all man made landscape (yes the lake and the mountains too). Spend at least half day here. Make sure you take the boat from Suzhou Village! Food are a bit expensive though!
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CPAugust 15, 2014
Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to stay for at least half of the day. There will be a lot of walking, a lot of stair climbing, but it will be worth it. A must see for anyone visiting Beijing.
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LiLi S.May 3, 2017
Must see !!! The place, garden and palace everything there will make you simply breathless
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Artyom FedosovAugust 10, 2015
Artificial lake looks like a small sea, and all these big hills are made of excavated ground. Forethought and accuracy of medieval chinese landscape design could impress anyone. Come for a whole day.
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Sophie ArenasOctober 18, 2014
Beautiful park one of the best in Beijing. You can really spend the whole day there and yet not see everything. Bring some food and have a picnic. Amazing scenery.
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Alessandro LocatelliJune 10, 2018
A gigantic park in the hearth of Beijing: definitely worth a visit! You can rent a boat or jus walk around the area.
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Venny F. VenistineApril 20, 2013
Wouw.. It's a wonder of Emperor Qianlong. The scenery is. gorgious, m'over in sunset. W' BrightRed&GoldPalace, TheTemples are set againts an exotic stunning view of KunmingLake&TheForest surrounding
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Fabian RubilarJuly 7, 2014
This is a place where you can breathe the culture of China. Every detail, every ruin, every pedestrian makes the summer palace the very MUST of Beijing. Hope I could return someday.
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Simple DiscoveriesMay 6, 2016
Be sure to note the art work on the extensive corridor. Also note how some were defaced as part of the cultural revolution under Mao Zedong.
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Tho TranApril 23, 2018
Lovely site and a must see in Beijing. My tip: Don’t buy the full ticket for 60RMB. 30RMB is enough.
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Conrad Hotels & ResortsMarch 21, 2016
Marvel at a masterpiece of Chinese landscape and design, be astonished by Empress Cixi's Boat and admire the aesthetics of the palaces, temples, bridges and halls. Read more
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Gato MongeJuly 15, 2013
SUMMER PLACE AN IMPERIAL GARDEN - World Heritage UNESCO The Summer Palace in Beijing first built in 1750, is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Read more
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Jordanna OliveiraSeptember 28, 2019
Beautiful Palace! Visit during the morning hours 👌
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Ahn BustamanteJune 8, 2012
It gets really Crowded on weekends. Try to go here early in the morning or sometime in the afternoon. You can get some really awesome candid shots here with a great view. Spring looks lovely here.
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Andrew CMay 21, 2017
Entrance fee gets you into grounds and can walk around, climb the stairs/hills, etc... also portions that have additional cost to enter/see
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Quentin LafonJuly 25, 2014
Very nice Chinese palace. One of the best historical place in Beijing. The view from the lake is awesome in the morning !
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Wong RickyOctober 6, 2013
The Palace is most often associated with the Empress Dowager Cixi, who resided here for much of the year. Compared with Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is more for pleasure and relaxation. Read more
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China Daily USAFebruary 28, 2011
Winter can also be a good season to visit the Summer Palace, which will be all covered in white and has a stunning look. You can also skate on the ice of the Kunming Lake when it's extremely cold. Read more
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Bedirhan UstunOctober 14, 2013
elegnant setting; ambiance is excellent: you feel like the royalty with fine cuisine; service may improve in terms language but is genuine, not-exaggerated and swift...
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Sidney CheoNovember 24, 2016
Beautiful place, great view and cozy palace. Worth to visit
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John BoothJuly 13, 2015
Of course it's busy, welcome to China, but the grounds of this palace are stunning. Head up the hill for the best views.
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Natalia CmSeptember 3, 2015
Magnificent sites, lake, go to the main incense temple. The view is stunning. One of my favorite places in Beijing
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Andrew CerdaDecember 14, 2011
Grab some foods at the entry and head out for a hike! Plenty of space to get lost and picnic! Also, some amazing old trails and bridges to explore.
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MyPlanIt - China Travel AppJune 15, 2014
Drop by beautiful and nearby Aman Resort for an afternoon tea. Come on a cool autumn day and smell the history in the air. Read more
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Defeng Bob NIUDecember 12, 2018
The Summer Palace ia so beautiful in early winter
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imnotAbeautyqueen iamAtopmodelApril 27, 2013
I dont agree with people's comments that this is the best place to visit while ur in beijing.If youre a lover of history; great wall and forbidden city should be enough to make u both happy and tired.
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Glenn GarriockOctober 1, 2012
If its busy and you're struggling to get in, use one if the many side entrances avoiding the main gate. We used the north entrance and didn't have to queue at all, even on National Day!
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Alex DobyanApril 28, 2016
Maybe the nicest park I've visited in my life. Use the lake boats strategically to get around.
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Jacopo SobreroAugust 26, 2014
The best place to visit in beijing! Amazing time spent here!
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YinApril 28, 2012
Best place for a date. Stroll around the park, go on one of the little boats and enjoy the 1kuai popsicles sold throughout the park.
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Selene PintoSeptember 12, 2015
Best place to get souvenirs and not having to bargain is "Beijing Gifts" store that's inside.
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Mindaugas StonkusMay 2, 2014
Didint had a chance to go up to a tower, that day they closed for Obamas wife😊 but still, park is beautiful!
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Niclas SkoldApril 22, 2018
Take a walk around the lake and see the views. Skip the ferry, it’s expensive considering how short the trip is.
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Jane BosmansApril 11, 2018
Definitely worth a visit, try to plan for a whole day to see the palace!
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Parisa HaqiqatJanuary 11, 2015
Unfortunately in winter u haven't a chance to use boats n go around the lake but great view of Beijing on top of it.
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Kai HockertsMay 14, 2015
Calm place outside the inner city bussle. Don't go on a Chinese hholiday though.
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Andrew O BC 翁March 23, 2015
Famous historic site & tourist spot in Beijing
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Ruth BanburyDecember 5, 2018
Beautiful walk around the lake
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Dyg. MaisarahDecember 16, 2012
Stunning. Architecture, the detailing of the buildings and so on.. everything beyond perfection.
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Ann-Marie ClementsNovember 19, 2010
Excellent beautiful place to do massive walking and sightseeing... Enjoyed it tremendously and will return in the Spring of 2011, since they almost closed the gates on us... ;>)))
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Will Riquet-PetterAugust 22, 2016
One of the best spot in beijing to escape from the noise.
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huang chengMay 8, 2013
The sunshine fall into the water is pretty beautiful in the evening.
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Herbert YangApril 14, 2012
1) it's a very big park, plan your route carefully in advance; 2) best to visit at sunset or in snow
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Nicolás SouzaMarch 28, 2016
A must go place in Beijing, don't miss it !
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Summer Palace

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