Summer Palace: 3 Expert-Curated Routes for Every Traveler

The Summer Palace, as one of the iconic tourist attractions in Beijing, not only carries rich historical and cultural heritage, but also attracts countless tourists with its beautiful natural scenery and unique garden art. To fully appreciate the charm of the Summer Palace, why not follow in our footsteps and choose a suitable travel route to embark on an unforgettable cultural journey in Beijing. If you have any questions or would like to customize your trip, please contact us! 

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Route 1: Classic Tour Route

● Entering the park through Donggong Gate

Entering the Summer Palace through the East Palace Gate, the first thing that catches the eye is the Renshou Hall, which was the place where Qing emperors handled government affairs and received ministers, full of historical significance.

● Strolling along the long corridor

Next, take a stroll along the famous long corridor, which is painted with tens of thousands of colorful paintings, each telling a touching story that allows people to appreciate art while also feeling the influence of culture.

● Visit Kunming Lake

When you come to Kunming Lake, you can choose to take a boat tour to enjoy the lake and mountains, and feel the tranquility and beauty of the Summer Palace. The Seventeen Arch Bridge on the lake is an unmissable attraction, with stone lions of various shapes and lifelike appearances on the bridge.

● Climbing Mount Wanshou

Finally, climbing Mount Wanshou, the Buddha Fragrance Pavilion at the top of the mountain is an iconic building of the Summer Palace. Standing here, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Summer Palace and feel the magnificence and vastness of Beijing.

Route 2: Cultural Exploration Route

● Newly built palace gate for entering the garden

Entering the Summer Palace through the newly built palace gate, the first thing to visit is the bronze ox, which is a precious cultural relic in the Summer Palace, symbolizing the spirit of diligence and perseverance.

● Visit Wenchang Academy

Next, head to Wenchang Academy, which houses a large collection of precious cultural relics and artworks, making it a great place to learn about the local culture of Beijing. By visiting the exhibition, one can gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and cultural arts of the Qing Dynasty royal family.

● Visit Dehe Garden

Deheyuan is a large royal garden in the Summer Palace, which was once a place for Qing emperors to enjoy traditional Chinese opera. The architectural style in the park is unique, blending elements of Chinese and Western cultures, making people linger and forget to leave.

● Taste Suzhou Street

Finally, we arrived at Suzhou Street, a commercial street full of Jiangnan water town charm. The shops here are dazzling, with various Handicrafts and specialty snacks available, making it a great place to experience local life in Beijing.

Route 3: Leisure Walk Route

● Entering the park through the North Ruyi Gate

Entering the Summer Palace from the North Ruyi Gate, you can first take a stroll along the path by the lake, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kunming Lake, and feel the tranquility and harmony of nature.

● Visit the Fun Park

Next, head to Xiequ Garden, which is a small and exquisite garden with pleasant scenery, making it a great place for leisurely walks. Here, you can quietly enjoy the beautiful scenery of the garden and feel the comfort of life.

● Visit Jiqing Pavilion

Jiqing Pavilion is a quiet place in the Summer Palace, with a serene environment and a great place to escape the heat and cool off. Here, you can taste a cup of fragrant tea and enjoy a moment of tranquility and comfort.

● Ending at Xidi

Finally, we arrived at the West Embankment, which is a long embankment where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Summer Palace along the way. Here, you can slow down and feel the beauty of life.

Beijing travel suggestions

When traveling to Beijing, the Summer Palace is a must visit destination. In addition to the above three routes, you can also freely combine scenic spots according to your interests and schedule. Meanwhile, it is recommended that tourists plan their itinerary in advance, arrange their time reasonably, and avoid missing out on exciting attractions. In addition, you can also taste Beijing's special snacks, such as zhajiangmian, fermented sour milk made from ground mung bean wow gold, etc., to feel the authentic flavor of Beijing.