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Lakefront palace renowned for its ornate temples & artworks plus its lavishly landscaped grounds.
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Reviews — 8
One of the must-visit places in Beijing, the summer palace offers visit to a vast area of the summer palace, which is a large ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces. The area was an imperial garden in the Qing dynasty, which includes the Longevity Hill, the Kunming Lake and the Seventeen Hole Bridge. It covers an area of approximately 3 square kilometers.
This is a top attraction but a little bit of a let down after The Forbidden City. It's a pleasant park to explore, with plenty to see and do. You could spend a good half day here. It has one truly stunning view, across the lake to the Summer Palace, spoiled slightly by the regular heavy smog in the city.
You need a ticket, of course. There's two kinds of tickets: one for the park and one that includes the park and the palace/museums. We bought the more expensive one, but didn't end of up going inside anywhere. The park is huge.
We bought our tickets through trip dot com, which puts you in touch with third parties in China who can sort out the tickets for you. I wasn't sure if I could trust them, or that the email ticket they sent me would even work, but I was prepared to take a risk to reduce the hassle and learn more about what works and doesn't in China.
And our tickets worked fine.
You need a ticket, of course. There's two kinds of tickets: one for the park and one that includes the park and the palace/museums. We bought the more expensive one, but didn't end of up going inside anywhere. The park is huge.
We bought our tickets through trip dot com, which puts you in touch with third parties in China who can sort out the tickets for you. I wasn't sure if I could trust them, or that the email ticket they sent me would even work, but I was prepared to take a risk to reduce the hassle and learn more about what works and doesn't in China.
And our tickets worked fine.
The summer palace is so incredibly beautiful. I could walk around the ground for hours!! There is an incredible view every corner you turn. I could not stop taking pictures!! Definitely worth a visit!
Ticketing is done in 2 tiers - access to the park and lake; and then access to the palace buildings. There are loads of domestic tourists as you get nearer the palace buildings and things can get a bit rowdy.
Otherwise the grounds itself are beautiful. Before exiting there are some buildings where Cixi used as offices and held court.
Tickets can be bought right at the entrance, we did not find it necessary to prebook.
Otherwise the grounds itself are beautiful. Before exiting there are some buildings where Cixi used as offices and held court.
Tickets can be bought right at the entrance, we did not find it necessary to prebook.
Nestled in the heart of Beijing, the Summer Palace stands as a testament to China's rich history and architectural splendor. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a serene retreat from the bustling city, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a world of natural beauty and cultural significance. The Summer Palace is a picturesque landscape of tranquility and elegance. Its vast gardens, serene Kunming Lake, intricately designed pavilions, and ancient bridges create a mesmerizing panorama. Whether strolling along the Long Corridor adorned with vibrant paintings or admiring the views from the Marble Boat, every corner exudes a sense of timeless beauty. The Summer Palace is an enchanting haven that seamlessly intertwines natural beauty with historical grandeur. It's a place where one can appreciate the splendor of ancient China while finding solace amidst its breathtaking surroundings. A visit here is not just a sightseeing excursion but a profound journey through time and culture.
Stunning palace with interesting history and lovely views. The boat ⛵ ride is fabulous ,you get to drive it yourself, and is definitely worth the price. Like the Forbidden city, this magnificent structure is also a hidden masterpiece of China 🇨🇳. I would recommend a visit.
Very beautiful ancient palace over 300 years old. Regardless of old sad stories, this place is worth visiting. The environment is so good and gave relaxing vibes. The lake was human made and it was so big.
