The Summer Palace (颐和园) is vast, and it can be overwhelming to explore it all in one day. If you’re looking for a quick but comprehensive visit, or if you’re traveling with elderly family members, this 2-hour route will help you experience the highlights without straining your legs. It’s a perfect blend of walking and leisurely boat rides to enjoy the best of the park.
Recommended Entrance and Exit
- Entrance: Xinjian Palace Gate (新建宫门)
- Exit: East Palace Gate (东宫门)
This entrance is less crowded and offers a convenient exit route. From here, you can easily walk to the nearby boat dock.
2-Hour Tour Details
Method: Boat Ride + Walking
Tour Route: Xinjian Palace Gate (新建宫门) – Copper Bull (铜牛) – Seventeen-Arch Bridge (十七孔桥) – Boat Dock – Qingyan Boat (清晏舫) / Stone Boat (石舫) (disembark) – Gallery in the Picture (画中游) – Long Corridor (长廊) – Buddha Fragrance Pavilion (佛香阁)- Le Shou Hall (乐寿堂) – Ren Shou Hall (仁寿殿) – East Gate Exit (东门出口)
Total Costs:
- Entrance Ticket: ¥30
- Buddha Fragrance Pavilion: ¥10
- Boat Ticket: ¥40
Why This Route is Great:
This route is not only easy and relaxing but also covers the most iconic spots of the Summer Palace. You’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride on Kunming Lake, pass under the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and get a distant view of the Buddha Fragrance Pavilion and Gallery in the Picture. It’s a stress-free way to experience the beauty of the palace while saving your energy.
Food Recommendations
- Sanyuan Meiyuan (三元梅园)
- Mi Village Bibimbap (米村拌饭)
- Xijia De Dumplings (喜家德水饺)
After exiting from the East Palace Gate, you can head to Xiyuan Xingyuehui (西苑星悦荟), which is a 15-minute walk away. This area has a commercial street with plenty of dining options, including these recommended restaurants and even Starbucks.