After our visit to Tian’anmen Square and the Temple of Heaven this morning, we went as the next stop to the Summer Palace in Beijing.
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What is the best way to get to the Summer Palace?
The palace, which was the preferred residence of the imperial court of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in the hot and stuffy summer, is located in the northwest of Beijing at Kunming Lake and is very easy to reach by metro. In addition, the Summer Palace is served by a large number of public buses. We chose the Metro. Directly at Himmelstempel Park we used the metro (Tiantan East Gate, line 5) and cycled 2 times (Ciqikou, line 7 and Caishiko, line 5) to the Summer Palace (Station Beigongmen). From the Metro station Beigongmen it is then only about 5 minutes walk to the north entrance of the complex. If you want to go to the main entrance of the complex (East Gate), you simply get off one station before (Xiyuan) and have about 10 minutes to walk. If this is too far, you can also take advantage of one of the countless rickshaws and tuktuks that are waiting for tourists all around the complex.
Admission & Map of the Summer Palace
The palace was originally completed in 1764, but was destroyed several times by attacks and had to be rebuilt. It is now one of the most important sights in the Chinese capital and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Sitesince 1998. Admission costs 20 RMB (approx. 2.60 €) in low season (November to March) or 30 RMB (4 €) in high season (April to October). This price does not include admission for all buildings. Admission including all buildings costs 50 RMB (6.60 €) or 60 RMB (8 €). The English side of the Summer Palace, including opening hours, can be found here: www.summerpalace-china.com
The Summer Palace in Beijing
On the site, which is considered to be the best preserved imperial garden in the world, you will find interesting buildings on every corner, such as Suzhou Street, a long walkway, various halls and temples, bridges, a marble boat and much more.
Shortly before the end of the opening time we left the park again via the East Gate and took the metro back to the city centre.
All travelogues from China
We find China incredibly exciting as a travel destination. The culture, the history, modern cities, UNESCO world heritage sites - the country is really huge and there is so much to see. So far we have only seen a small part of China, but we are certainly planning a longer trip there in the future.
» Hong Kong: Explore tourist attractions & things to do» Hong Kong: Peak Tram & the viewpoint from Victoria Peak
» Hong Kong: Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery & the Big Buddha
» China: Beijing – Our problem with the 72-hour transit visa
» China: Beijing – Tian’anmen Square & The Temple of Heaven
» China: Beijing – A daytrip to the New Summer Palace
» China: Beijing – Local Street Food at Wangfujing Snack Street
» China: Great Wall of China – The Wall Section at Mutianyu
» China: Great Wall of China – The Wall Section at Huanghuacheng
» China: Beijing – The Forbidden City & Jingshan Park