CityBuddy
Summer Palace
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon in spring or autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and light is best for photos; avoid Chinese national holidays when crowds spike.
Budget tips
Basic entry typically costs around 30-60 CNY, with full-route or high-season tickets up to about 60-80 CNY; students and seniors receive discounts with a valid ID, and buying e-tickets on the official site or reputable platforms can save time and small fees.
Recommended for
History buffs, Garden lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Families
Plan your visit
2-4 hours
About
Quick facts: In a park where lakes and ancient architecture merge, there is a vast man-made lake covering about two-thirds of the garden. Small boats can navigate beneath several stone bridges and by waterside corridors. The beams and pillars of the corridors are painted with thousands of small paintings. Walking here, you often encounter live performances of guqin or Kunqu opera. The sounds and scenes together tell stories of daily life long past.
Highlights: Strolling the approximately 728-meter-long corridor at dusk, the aroma of wood and old lacquer blend together. The paintings under the lights appear soft and almost within reach. Legends about the Stone Boat often mention Empress Dowager Cixi holding private lake-viewing parties on the painted boat. Guides narrate details of her birthday celebrations when attendants scattered candies to tease children, and one can imagine the soft plopping sounds of candy falling into the water.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, many paths are uneven and there are steep stone steps up Longevity Hill.
- Arrive at opening and head straight to Longevity Hill to beat large tour groups and secure clear photos of the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
- Take a short boat on Kunming Lake for low-angle views of the marble boat and bridges, choose smaller operators to avoid crowded large ferries.
- Avoid visiting during Golden Week or National Day holidays, instead pick weekdays for quieter paths and shorter lines.
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