The Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is open, green, and easy to enjoy at your own pace. This guide explains what it is, what it feels like to visit, how much time you need, and why it’s a nice contrast to Beijing’s bigger sights.
The Summer Palace, Beijing. Space to Breathe After the City
The Summer Palace felt like a break from Beijing in the best way. After busy streets, security checks, and big historical sites, this place felt open and calm. Wide paths, water, trees, and room to slow down a bit.
It is still very much a historical site, but it doesn’t feel heavy or intense. You can just walk, look around, and enjoy being outside.
What the Summer Palace actually is
The Summer Palace was a royal retreat for emperors during the Qing Dynasty. It was used as a place to escape the heat of the Forbidden City, which makes sense once you are there.
The whole area is built around Kunming Lake, with hills, temples, pavilions, bridges, and long covered walkways. It is large, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming because everything is spread out and connected by water and greenery.
This is not a palace you rush through. It’s more like a landscaped park with history built into it.
What it’s like to visit
Most of your time is spent walking along the lake, crossing bridges, and following paths up small hills for views. The long corridor runs along the water and is painted with scenes, so you can walk for a long time without being in direct sun.
There are also quite a few birds around the lake. I don’t know what kind they were, but they were not birds I’m used to seeing at home. Ducks, heron-like birds, and other water birds staying close to the paths. It was a small detail, but it made the walk more interesting and added to the calm atmosphere.
The overall vibe is relaxed:
- tourists walking at an easy pace
- locals out for a stroll
- people sitting by the water
- families spending time outside
It feels much less formal than most major sights in Beijing.
How much time you actually need
Two to three hours is a good amount of time. You can stay longer if you enjoy walking or just want to slow down.
It works well as a half-day activity, especially if the weather is good. I wouldn’t try to squeeze it in between two intense sightseeing stops.
Practical things you should know
- Tickets are easy to get and can be bought on site or online
- Basic entrance is around 30 RMB
- Some buildings inside cost extra, but they are optional
- Opening hours are early morning to early evening, longer in summer and shorter in winter
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water
- Boat rides on the lake are optional and nice, but not essential
I took a Didi to get there, and it was both cheap and convenient. Metro also works well if you prefer public transport.
Is the Summer Palace worth it?
Yes, especially if you want contrast.
After the intensity of places like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace feels softer and slower. You still get history and scenery, but with space to breathe.
If you want one outdoor, calm experience in Beijing, this is an easy pick.
