Escape the urban bustle in Beijing at the Summer Palace, an extraordinary 2.9-square-kilometer imperial garden ensemble centered on Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. Built during the Qing dynasty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site originally served as a summer retreat for Empress Dowager Cixi and was inspired by the classical gardens of South China. Today, it stands as a masterpiece of landscape design, combining natural features with over 3,000 ancient Chinese structures.
As you explore, you will find three-quarters of the property is shimmering water. Walk along the front of Longevity Hill to discover grand halls and pavilions, or wander the quiet back hill for serene natural scenery. You can admire over 40,000 historical relics across various dynasties, view replica shopping streets styled after Suzhou and Yangzhou, and marvel at the 728-meter Long Corridor decorated with Chinese mythology, folktales, and famous landscapes.
From historic living quarters where Qing emperors were once confined to sprawling man-made lakes, the Summer Palace offers a captivating journey into China's imperial past.
What to see at Summer Palace
- Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill landscape
- The 728-meter-long artistic Long Corridor
- Seventeen-Arch Bridge and Nanhu Island
- Hall of Benevolence and Longevity court hall
- Dehe Garden featuring the Great Opera Hall
Visiting tips
Visit the peaceful back hill section of Longevity Hill to escape crowds and enjoy its quiet natural beauty.
How long: 2-4 hours · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Summer Palace is easy to reach on Beijing’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Forbidden City. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Beijing travel guide.
See the full Beijing travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.