Royal Retreat and Serene Gardens
The Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a sprawling complex of gardens, palaces, and lakes built as a royal retreat for the emperors of China.
Suggested Duration - 3-4 hours
Explore the picturesque gardens, admire traditional Chinese architecture, enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake, and discover the fascinating history of the imperial family at the Summer Palace.
The Summer Palace, or Yiheyuan, is located in Beijing, the capital city of China. Beijing is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. This vibrant city blends ancient traditions with modernity.
The Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it served as a luxurious royal retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat. The palace seamlessly integrates natural elements such as hills and water with exquisite architectural structures like pavilions, halls, temples, and bridges.
Highlights | Renowned for its stunning gardens, majestic buildings, and the serene Kunming Lake. |
---|---|
Timings | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October) and 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March). |
Entry Fee | ¥30 (INR 16.45) during the off-season (November to March) and ¥60 (INR 32.90) in the peak season (April to October). |
Tips | Wear comfortable shoes for walking as the palace complex is expansive. |
Required Time | Approximately 3-4 hours for a thorough exploration. |
Restricted Items | Smoking is strictly prohibited within the palace complex. |
The Summer Palace offers visitors a chance to enjoy boat rides on the tranquil Kunming Lake, providing a unique perspective of this royal retreat.
The palace is an exquisite example of traditional Chinese architecture. Highlights include the Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, complemented by temples, gardens, and pavilions. A standout feature is the Long Corridor, a covered walkway adorned with over 14,000 vibrant Chinese paintings.
The best time to visit the palace is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
The palace is conveniently accessible via the subway. Take Line 4 and alight at Beigongmen Station, which is near the northern gate of the palace.
How to explore a place by yourself?
How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?
How to choose a destination to travel to?
Top banner images
powered by Google