Summer Palace

⭐ 5.00

No. 23A, Gongmenqian Street, Haidian District, Beijing, China

Yíhé Yuán is situated on Mount Wan Shou, skillfully connecting the Kunming Lake with the mountain, forming a wonderful layout of “mountain scenery and lake light together as one garden.” A seven-hundred-meter-long painted corridor, along with lifelike paintings such as the “Jade Boat” and “Harmonious Interest Garden,” has solidified the poetic atmosphere between crimson-lacquered beams and columns. The Kunming Lake ripples with azure waves, and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge lies like a dragon on the waves. The bronze ox at the head of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge witnesses the garden’s thousand-year wishes. The Dehe Garden Theater once hosted “Dream of the Garden,” while the Feihang Pavilion’s eaves point upwards, directly reflecting the solemn and dignified atmosphere of Qing Dynasty royal sacrifices to the heavens.

Traveler reviews

The Summer Palace was absolutely worth the trip! I went in expecting just a standard sightseeing visit, but the tour guide's commentary really brought the history to life—every little story and ane...

⭐ 5 · Quinn Lee Expand

Strolling through the Summer Palace feels like stepping into a royal landscape garden — the noise of the city just fades away. The whole park is built around Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, and it beautifully blends the graceful charm of Jiangnan water towns with the grand majesty of northern imperial architecture. Walking through the stately Renshou Hall and taking a closer look at the carved pillars and painted corridors, you can easily imagine the emperors handling court affairs here. The Long Corridor winds along the lakeshore, its beams covered in colorful paintings depicting classic stories and landscapes — every step reveals a new picture. It's endlessly charming. Climbing up the Tower of Buddhist Incense for a panoramic view is absolutely breathtaking: the vast lake stretches out, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge lies across the water, and pavilions and towers are scattered in perfect balance. Taking a boat out on Kunming Lake is another highlight — a light breeze skims the surface, distant mountains reflect in the water, and it all feels wonderfully peaceful. And...

⭐ 5 · Skyler Moon Expand