The Summer Palace (颐和园) in Beijing is vast—so large that it’s four times the size of the Forbidden City! Many visitors are surprised by its size, especially those expecting a serene park with picturesque views. After all, who would think that such a beautiful place would involve mountain climbing? If you haven’t done your homework before visiting, the Summer Palace can feel like an intense workout, with some days reaching 30,000 steps of walking and hiking. Here’s everything you need to know to make your visit enjoyable and avoid common mistakes.
Beware of the Northern Palace Gate (北宫门): Entering through the Northern Palace Gate means preparing for some serious uphill climbing. Whether you’re heading to the Four Great Buddhist Continents, the Gallery in the Picture (画中游), or the Buddha Fragrance Pavilion (佛香阁), you’ll be in for a strenuous hike.
Buddha Fragrance Pavilion (佛香阁) Is a Big Climb: This pavilion is where Empress Dowager Cixi used to pray, and to reach it, you’ll face numerous steps. Though the views of Kunming Lake are beautiful from the top, if you want an easier route, opt for the Gallery in the Picture, which is much more accessible.
The Northern Palace Gate (北宫门) Is Close to the Subway but Involves Climbing: The Northern Palace Gate is convenient due to its proximity to the subway, but be prepared for a significant climb, especially to reach the Buddha Fragrance Pavilion. However, if you’re in good physical condition, the views from the pavilion make the climb worth it.
Enjoy a Relaxed Lake Walk and Boat Ride: If you want to avoid strenuous hiking, consider entering through the Northern Palace Gate and walking along the lake. You can also take a boat ride, which offers a fantastic way to relax and enjoy Kunming Lake’s scenery.
A More Relaxing Route via the New Palace Gate (新建宫门): Entering from the New Palace Gate offers an easier start to your visit. This entrance leads directly to Kunming Lake and the famous Seventeen-Arch Bridge. From here, you can explore the area on foot or take a boat ride.
Skip the Rugged Climb Near the Four Great Buddhist Continents: While the Four Great Buddhist Continents offer a nice theme, the mountain hikes are exhausting, and the views aren’t particularly exceptional. Feel free to skip this area to save energy for other parts of the park.
Avoid the Eastern Gate (东宫门): The Eastern Gate is crowded with tour groups, which can make it a frustrating entrance. Opt for quieter gates like the Northern Palace Gate or the New Palace Gate.
Plan Your Meals in Advance: There aren’t many food options inside the Summer Palace. Bring your own snacks or plan to have a meal outside the park. Nearby, you’ll find places like Longhu Xingyuehui, Sanyuan Meiyuan, and local favorites like Xiyuan Baozi and Dehua Hot Pot.
The South and North Ruyi Gates Offer Less Scenic Routes: While these gates are less crowded, they don’t offer much in terms of attractions. The South Ruyi Gate leads to a flat walk along the West Causeway, offering views of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, but it’s not as exciting as other parts of the park.
Consider the Luxurious Boat Ride to Zizhuyuan: For a more luxurious entry, take a boat from Zizhuyuan (紫竹院) along the waterways to Kunming Lake. This route provides a scenic and comfortable way to enjoy the beauty of the park.