Summer Palace

Summer Palace featuring heritage elements
This majestic former summer residence of the Qing Dynasty is now a world heritage site and favourite Beijing attraction.

The Summer Palace on the shore of Kunming Lake was built as a retreat in the 1750s by China’s last great ruling dynasty, the Qing. It later became their principal residence and, although it suffered damage during the Second Opium War and the Boxer Rebellion, it has gone on to become one of Beijing’s most-loved attractions.

The 60-metre hill in the middle of Kunming Lake is a stunning location for the magnificent buildings and manicured pavilions that UNESCO describe as “a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design”. Along with the remarkable temples, halls and bridges, there is plentiful natural beauty here. In fact, the unique setting and one-of-a-kind architecture led to the palace being declared a world heritage site in 1998.

The entrance to the complex is at the East Palace Gate where you’ll be faced with the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, which houses ornate furnishings including intricate engravings and bronze sculptures. Further along the north-west shore from here is one of the man-made island’s most remarkable structures: the Boat of Purity and Ease. It has the appearance of a lavish boat but it is in fact a wooden pavilion constructed on a stone base.

The earth that was excavated to create Kunming Lake created Longevity Hill, the foot of which is just a short stroll from the boat. Take a deep breath, then set off up the steep front slope towards the towering Hall of Dispensing Clouds, taking time to admire the symmetrically laid-out buildings on both sides. At the top, you can enter the three-storey Tower of Buddhist Incense for a small additional charge where you’ll find an incredible gold statue of the Buddha with a thousand eyes and hands.

After you’ve admired the view, make your way back down the rear end of the hill which is covered in natural woodland and scattered ruins. The best way to get to the Summer Palace, located in the Haidian district, north-west of Beijing, is via a 30-minute taxi ride as the subway can take twice as long. There is a small charge for admission to the complex.

Top 10 Hotels Near Summer Palace

Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian
Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian
4 out of 5
Tower 1 25 Yuanda Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing, 100097
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$135 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
S$135
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and breakfast. Popular attractions Haidian Park and Buddhist Temple of ...
8/10 Very Good! (61 reviews)
Great but NOT for Winter/Autumn stays
"They do not turn on the airconditioning during winter which made the room very stuffy!"

Reviewed on 11 Dec,2018

Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian
Wenjin Hotel
Wenjin Hotel
4 out of 5
South Gate of Tsinghua University, Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084
The price is S$196 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
S$196
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the comfy beds in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (143 reviews)
"Wifi was not stable; the electric shaver's electric socket will cause a short circuit"

Reviewed on 18 Mar,2023

Wenjin Hotel
Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No.106 Zhi Chun Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing, 100086
The price is S$170 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
S$170
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the comfy rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (289 reviews)
"Good location easy access to Subway"

Reviewed on 10 Mar,2023

Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
ManXin Qianmen Courtyard Hotel
Carpenter's Rustic Courtyard-Great Wall
Beijing Yijingjiali Inn

Popular places to visit


Top Summer Palace Hotel Deals

Aloft Beijing, Haidian
Aloft Beijing, Haidian
3.5 out of 5
No.25 Yuan Da Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing, 100097
Aloft Beijing, Haidian
Wenjin Hotel
Wenjin Hotel
4 out of 5
South Gate of Tsinghua University, Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084
Wenjin Hotel
Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No.106 Zhi Chun Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing, 100086
Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun, an IHG Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian
Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian
4 out of 5
Tower 1 25 Yuanda Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing, 100097
Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Shangdi, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Shangdi, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
No 33 Shangdi East Road, Beijing, Beijing, 100085
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Shangdi, an IHG Hotel
Park Plaza Beijing Science Park
Park Plaza Beijing Science Park
4 out of 5
No.25 Zhichun Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing, 100083
Park Plaza Beijing Science Park
Vision Hotel
Vision Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No.39 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District., Beijing, Beijing, 100191
Vision Hotel
Shangri-La Beijing
Shangri-La Beijing
5 out of 5
29 Zizhuyuan Road, Beijing, Beijing, 100089
Shangri-La Beijing
Hotel Nikko New Century Beijing
Hotel Nikko New Century Beijing
3.5 out of 5
6 SOUTHERN ROAD CAPITAL GYM, HAIDIAN, DISTRICT, 6, Beijing, PEK, 100044
Hotel Nikko New Century Beijing
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.