Summer Palace

The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan): The Complete Guide for Foreign Visitors

If the Forbidden City represents the rigid formality of imperial power, the Summer Palace reveals its softer side — a sprawling lakeside retreat where emperors escaped the sweltering Beijing summers, strolled through gardens inspired by China's most celebrated landscapes, and indulged in pleasures ranging from opera performances to lotus-viewing boat rides. Covering 297 hectares (734 acres), three-quarters of which is water, the Summer Palace is Beijing's most beautiful imperial site and one of the finest classical Chinese gardens ever created.

Overview and Why Visit

The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan, meaning "Garden of Nurtured Harmony") sits 15 kilometers northwest of central Beijing, at the foot of the Western Hills. Its centerpiece is Kunming Lake, a vast artificial body of water that mirrors the sky and mountains, flanked by the wooded slopes of Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan). UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 1998, calling it "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design" that "integrates the natural landscape of hills and open water with manmade features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value."

For foreign visitors, the Summer Palace offers something that the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven cannot: a full day of outdoor beauty. While those sites are primarily architectural, the Summer Palace is a landscape experience. You can cruise on Kunming Lake, hike up Longevity Hill for panoramic views, wander through corridors painted with thousands of unique scenes, cross a stunning seventeen-arch bridge, and lose yourself in side gardens that most visitors never discover. It is also significantly less claustrophobic than the Forbidden City — the open water and tree-covered hills create a sense of spaciousness and calm that makes the visit genuinely restorative.

The palace complex contains over 3,000 structures — halls, pavilions, bridges, corridors, pagodas, and temples — set within a landscape of gardens, forests, and waterways. The design draws on the classical Chinese principle of "borrowing scenery" (jiejing), incorporating the distant Western Hills into the garden's visual composition. On a clear day, the views from Longevity Hill extend to the mountains on the horizon, and the impression is of a palace that extends to the edge of the world.

A Brief History

The site has been used as an imperial retreat since the Jin Dynasty (12th century), when the emperors were drawn to the natural springs and hills northwest of Beijing. The Kunming Lake area was expanded by the Yuan Dynasty, which built canals connecting it to the capital. But the Summer Palace as we know it was essentially the creation of two rulers: the Qianlong Emperor and the Empress Dowager Cixi.

In 1750, the Qianlong Emperor — arguably China's greatest patron of arts and gardens — launched a massive project to create the "Garden of Clear Ripples" (Qingyi Yuan) on this site. He ordered the lake enlarged (the excavated earth was used to build up Longevity Hill) and commissioned hundreds of buildings, bridges, and garden features inspired by famous scenic spots across China. Qianlong was an obsessive traveler, and his garden designers replicated elements from West Lake in Hangzhou, the canals of Suzhou, and the lakes of Jiangnan. The project took 15 years and consumed vast sums — historians estimate it cost the equivalent of several years of the empire's silver revenue.

In 1860, during the Second Opium War, British and French troops — enraged by the torture and execution of captured envoys — burned the Garden of Clear Ripples to the ground, along with the nearby Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan). The destruction was deliberate and devastating. Most of the buildings were reduced to ash and rubble.

In 1886, the Empress Dowager Cixi — the formidable woman who effectively ruled China for nearly half a century — undertook the reconstruction of the garden, renaming it Yiheyuan (the Summer Palace). She notoriously diverted funds earmarked for the Imperial Navy to pay for the restoration, including the construction of the famous Marble Boat. This decision has been blamed for China's humiliating naval defeat by Japan in 1894–1895, though the historical reality is more complicated.

In 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, the Summer Palace was occupied by foreign troops but, this time, largely spared from destruction. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, the palace became public property and was opened as a park. It has been a beloved Beijing destination ever since, through war, revolution, and the modern tourism boom.

What to See: Top Highlights

The East Palace Gate Area and Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian)

The East Palace Gate is the main entrance and was the official gate used by the emperor. Immediately inside, the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity served as Cixi's throne hall and audience chamber. The interior is preserved much as Cixi left it, with the original throne, screens, and furnishings. Outside, a bronze qilin (mythical beast) and a pair of dragons guard the entrance. Note the ornamental rocks in the courtyard — Chinese scholars' rocks, prized for their bizarre natural shapes, were passion of the imperial family.

The Long Corridor (Chang Lang)

This is the Summer Palace's most extraordinary feature and holds a Guinness World Record as the longest painted corridor in the world. Stretching 728 meters along the northern shore of Kunming Lake, the covered walkway features over 14,000 individual paintings on its beams and crossbeams. No two paintings are alike. The subjects range from scenes of Chinese mythology, history, and literature to landscapes of famous places, flowers, birds, and geometric patterns. Walk slowly and look up — you are walking through one of the world's greatest open-air art galleries.

The corridor also functions as a social space. On any given day, you will find people sitting on the benches playing cards, napping, chatting, and enjoying the lake breeze. At the corridor's midpoint, a gate leads uphill to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, while the corridor continues to the famous Marble Boat at its western end.

Longevity Hill and the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge)

Rising 60 meters above the lake, Longevity Hill is the backbone of the Summer Palace's design. The centerpiece is the Tower of Buddhist Incense, an octagonal, 41-meter-tall wooden tower perched on a 20-meter stone base. The climb to the tower is steep — roughly 100 steps — but the panoramic view from the top is the highlight of any Summer Palace visit. Looking south, Kunming Lake spreads before you like a shimmering mirror, with the Seventeen-Arch Bridge connecting to South Lake Island. Looking north, the forested back hill descends to Suzhou Street. On a clear day, the Western Hills frame the horizon.

The Tower of Buddhist Incense is separately ticketed (included in the combination ticket). The hall at its base, the Hall of Dispelling Clouds (Paiyun Dian), contains Buddhist statues and was where Cixi celebrated her birthdays.

Behind the tower, on the north face of Longevity Hill, the atmosphere changes entirely. The north slope is forested and quiet, with Tibetan-style temples and hidden pavilions. The Sea of Wisdom Temple (Zhihui Hai) at the very summit is a remarkable structure made entirely of glazed tiles, featuring hundreds of small Buddha niches on its exterior walls. Many of the Buddhas have been defaced — their heads removed by foreign soldiers during the Boxer Rebellion — a haunting reminder of the palace's violent history.

Kunming Lake and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge (Shiqi Kong Qiao)

Kunming Lake occupies three-quarters of the Summer Palace's total area. It was modeled on West Lake in Hangzhou, which the Qianlong Emperor considered the most beautiful landscape in China. The lake is dotted with islands and crossed by bridges, dikes, and causeways.

The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is the most iconic structure on the lake. Connecting the eastern shore to South Lake Island (Nanhu Dao), the 150-meter bridge features 544 individually carved stone lions on its balustrades — each unique in pose and expression. According to tradition, no two lions are exactly alike. The bridge is best viewed from the eastern shore, especially in late afternoon when the setting sun illuminates the arches, or during the winter solstice phenomenon when sunlight passes through all seventeen arches simultaneously — an event that has become an annual pilgrimage for photographers.

Boat rides on the lake are available from several docks. Dragon boats, rowboats, and electric boats can be rented (CNY 60–120 per hour depending on type). The ferry crossing from the northern shore to South Lake Island provides beautiful perspectives of the palace buildings reflected in the water.

The Marble Boat (Qingyan Fang)

At the western end of the Long Corridor sits the Summer Palace's most whimsical — and politically controversial — structure. The Marble Boat is a 36-meter stone and marble structure built to resemble a paddle steamer, complete with a two-story superstructure with stained-glass windows (a Western influence). The original Ming-dynasty stone base was used by Qianlong, but the upper structure was rebuilt by Cixi in 1893 using, according to legend, funds meant for the navy. The irony of a landlocked, immovable "boat" built with naval money while real ships went unfunded has made the Marble Boat a symbol of imperial decadence.

Despite — or perhaps because of — its political symbolism, the Marble Boat is one of the most photographed structures in the Summer Palace. It sits at a particularly scenic point on the lake, with willows trailing into the water and the Western Hills in the distance.

Suzhou Street (Suzhou Jie)

On the back (north) side of Longevity Hill lies a remarkable piece of imperial play-acting. Suzhou Street is a reconstruction of a canal-side market street inspired by the water towns of Suzhou. The Qianlong Emperor, enchanted by the commercial bustle of southern Chinese canal towns, ordered his court eunuchs to dress as shopkeepers and operate the "stores" while he strolled through, pretending to shop. The original was destroyed in 1860 and rebuilt in 1986–1990.

Today, the street is a functioning commercial district with small shops selling traditional crafts, snacks, and souvenirs along a narrow canal. It is separately ticketed (included in the combination ticket) and often less crowded than the main lakeside areas. The atmosphere is charming, particularly on a quiet morning.

The Garden of Harmonious Pleasures (Xiequ Yuan)

This garden-within-a-garden, located northeast of Longevity Hill, is a miniature replica of the Jichang Garden in Wuxi (Jiangsu Province), which both the Kangxi and Qianlong emperors fell in love with during their southern inspection tours. Centered on a lotus pond surrounded by covered walkways, rockeries, and pavilions, it captures the essence of a Jiangnan (southern Chinese) water garden. It is one of the most tranquil spots in the Summer Palace and is often overlooked by visitors hurrying between the main sights.

The Bronze Ox (Tongniu)

Sitting on the eastern shore of Kunming Lake, this life-sized bronze ox dates from 1755 and bears an inscription by the Qianlong Emperor explaining that it was placed here to suppress floods — a reference to the ancient Chinese legend of the Great Yu, who tamed the waters. The ox has become one of the Summer Palace's most beloved landmarks, and visitors line up to photograph themselves next to it. The best views are in the early morning, when the lake behind the ox catches the sunrise.

Suggested Route and Walking Plan

Classic Route (4–5 hours)

This covers all major highlights and is the recommended route for first-time visitors.

• 8:30 AM — Enter via the East Palace Gate (Dong Gong Men). This is the main entrance, closest to the subway station. (5 minutes)
• 8:35 AM — Hall of Benevolence and Longevity. View the audience hall and courtyard. (15 minutes)
• 8:50 AM — Walk to the Garden of Harmonious Pleasures. Follow the signs northeast. Explore the lotus pond and pavilions. (20 minutes)
• 9:10 AM — Walk west along the northern shore to the Long Corridor entrance. Begin your walk along the corridor. Take time to study the paintings. (30 minutes for the full length, longer if you linger)
• 9:40 AM — At the corridor's midpoint, turn north and climb Longevity Hill. Ascend through the Hall of Dispelling Clouds to the Tower of Buddhist Incense. Take in the panoramic view. If you have energy, continue to the Sea of Wisdom Temple at the summit. (40 minutes)
• 10:20 AM — Descend the north face of Longevity Hill to Suzhou Street. Browse the shops, buy a snack, enjoy the canal atmosphere. (30 minutes)
• 10:50 AM — Walk back up and over the hill (or around the east side) to return to the Long Corridor. Continue west along the corridor to the Marble Boat. (20 minutes)
• 11:10 AM — The Marble Boat and western shore. Photograph the boat. Optionally, rent a boat from the nearby dock to cruise on Kunming Lake. (20–60 minutes depending on boat ride)
• 11:30 AM — Walk south along the western causeway. Cross the bridges and enjoy the lake views. (20 minutes)
• 11:50 AM — Seventeen-Arch Bridge and South Lake Island. Cross the bridge (examine the carved lions), explore the island's small temple. (30 minutes)
• 12:20 PM — Return to the eastern shore via the bridge. Visit the Bronze Ox. (10 minutes)
• 12:30 PM — Walk north along the eastern shore back to the East Palace Gate. (15 minutes)
• 12:45 PM — Exit.

Abbreviated Route (2–2.5 hours)

If pressed for time: Enter the East Palace Gate, walk directly to the Long Corridor (20 minutes along corridor), climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense (20 minutes up, 15 minutes for the view), descend to continue the corridor to the Marble Boat (20 minutes), then walk south along the shore to the Seventeen-Arch Bridge (20 minutes), cross and return via the eastern shore (20 minutes). This covers the essentials but skips Suzhou Street, the Garden of Harmonious Pleasures, and any boat ride.

Leisurely Full Day (6–7 hours)

Add the following to the classic route:

• Boat cruise: Rent a rowboat or electric boat and spend an hour on the lake, circling South Lake Island and viewing the palace from the water. (60 minutes)
• The West Causeway: Walk the entire western causeway, modeled on the Su Causeway at West Lake in Hangzhou. Six bridges, each with a different design, punctuate this scenic walk. (45 minutes)
• The back hill temples: Explore the Tibetan-style structures on the north face of Longevity Hill, including the Four Great Regions temple complex. (30 minutes)
• Lunch: The Tingli Guan restaurant, located within the palace complex, offers imperial-style cuisine in a historic setting (pricey but atmospheric, CNY 150–300 per person). For a budget option, the noodle shops near Suzhou Street are simple but adequate.

Practical Information for Foreign Tourists

Tickets: Price and Booking

General admission (park entry only):
Peak season (April 1 – October 31): CNY 30 (approximately USD 4)
Off-season (November 1 – March 31): CNY 20 (approximately USD 3)

Combination ticket (park + Tower of Buddhist Incense + Suzhou Street + other buildings):
Peak season: CNY 60 (approximately USD 8.50)
Off-season: CNY 50 (approximately USD 7)

Recommendation: Always buy the combination ticket. The Tower of Buddhist Incense alone justifies the upgrade, and the combination ticket provides access to all the interiors and Suzhou Street.

How to book: Tickets can be purchased online via the Summer Palace's official WeChat mini-program or at the gate. Unlike the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace still sells walk-up tickets, but online booking is recommended during peak periods (weekends in spring and autumn, national holidays). You need your passport number for online booking. Daily visitor limits apply during peak periods — book in advance to guarantee entry.

Passport required: Yes, for online booking and at the gate if booked online. For walk-up purchases, you may be able to pay with cash without ID, but bringing your passport is always recommended.

Opening Hours

Park gates:
Peak season: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
Off-season: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)

Interior buildings and exhibitions:
Peak season: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Off-season: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Best time to visit: Arrive at opening for the smallest crowds. The morning light on the lake is beautiful and the air is typically clearest. Autumn (September–November) is the finest season — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and the hillside trees turning gold and red. Spring (April–May) brings blossoming peach and magnolia trees. Winter is cold but uncrowded, and the frozen lake (sometimes used for ice skating) has a stark beauty. Summer is hot and crowded but lush and green, with lotus blooming on the lake in July and August.

How to Get There

By subway: Line 4 to Beigongmen (North Palace Gate) station, Exit D. This is the most convenient subway option, placing you at the North Palace Gate — useful if you want to start with Suzhou Street and descend to the lake. For the East Palace Gate (the main entrance), take Line 4 to Xiyuan station, Exit C, then walk north for about 10 minutes or take a short taxi ride.

By taxi: Show the driver: 颐和园东宫门 (Summer Palace East Palace Gate). From central Beijing (Wangfujing / Tiananmen area), the ride takes 30–50 minutes depending on traffic and costs CNY 50–80. Beijing traffic can be severe during rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM), so plan accordingly. Consider taking the subway and using a taxi only for the last stretch.

By bus: Several bus routes serve the Summer Palace. Bus 331 from Beijing Zoo, Bus 384 from Peking University, and Bus 332 from the Zhongguancun tech district all stop at the Summer Palace. Buses are cheap (CNY 2) but slow and crowded.

Foreign Passport Policies

The Summer Palace's ID requirements are less stringent than the Forbidden City. Walk-up ticket purchases are available, and the passport check at the gate is usually a quick scan. However, always carry your passport — Beijing's general requirement for foreigners to carry identification applies everywhere. If you book online, the passport number on your booking must match the passport you present at the gate.

Payment

Ticket windows accept cash (CNY). Inside the palace, the restaurants, boat rental docks, souvenir shops, and vending machines primarily accept Alipay and WeChat Pay. Cash is accepted at most locations but may cause delays at smaller vendors. International credit cards are generally not accepted except at the main souvenir shop near the East Palace Gate. The boat rental docks usually require Alipay or WeChat Pay — have mobile payment set up if you want to go on the lake.

Language and Audio Guides

English signage: Good throughout the main areas. All major buildings and scenic points have bilingual Chinese-English signs with historical descriptions. Some newer signs also include Japanese and Korean.

Audio guide: Available for rent at the East Palace Gate and North Palace Gate. The English audio guide costs CNY 20 with a CNY 100 refundable deposit (return at any gate). The guide covers approximately 50 stops and provides rich historical and cultural context. Highly recommended — the stories behind the buildings (particularly those involving Cixi and the Qianlong Emperor) make the visit far more engaging.

Guided tours: Licensed English-speaking guides are available at the East Palace Gate for approximately CNY 200–400. Quality varies significantly. For a premium experience, book through your hotel concierge or a reputable agency. The Summer Palace's history is complex and fascinating — a good guide transforms the experience.

Accessibility

The Summer Palace presents mixed accessibility. The lakeside paths and Long Corridor are flat and wheelchair-accessible. The boat docks have some stepped access but assistance is available. However, Longevity Hill involves steep, uneven steps with no ramp or elevator access — wheelchair users cannot reach the Tower of Buddhist Incense or the back-hill temples. Suzhou Street involves steps down to the canal level. The East Palace Gate area and most lakeside pavilions are accessible. Electric carts are available for elderly and disabled visitors — inquire at the East Palace Gate service center. Accessible restrooms are located at the main service buildings near each gate.

Tips and Warnings

• This is a full half-day commitment. The Summer Palace is much larger than it appears on the map. Budget at least 3–4 hours, ideally 5–6. Rushing through in under 2 hours means missing most of what makes it special.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes. You will walk 6–10 kilometers over mixed terrain including stone paths, stairs, dirt trails, and wooden bridges. Longevity Hill involves a genuine uphill climb.
• Bring water and snacks. There are shops and restaurants inside, but they are spread out, and the walking between them can leave you dehydrated, especially in summer. The lakeside vendors sell overpriced water — bring your own.
• Sunscreen and hat in summer. Large parts of the walk, especially the lake circuit and hill climb, are fully exposed. Summer temperatures routinely exceed 35°C (95°F).
• The Long Corridor can become a bottleneck. During peak hours (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on weekends and holidays), the corridor is shoulder-to-shoulder. Arriving early avoids this problem entirely.
• The boat ride is worth it. Seeing the palace from the water provides perspectives unavailable from shore and gives your feet a rest. The dragon boat ferry from the northern shore to South Lake Island is the best value.
• Explore the back of Longevity Hill. Most tourists stick to the south (lakeside) face. The north face is forested, quiet, and atmospheric, with Tibetan-style temples and very few visitors. It is a completely different experience from the manicured front.
• Winter considerations: In winter, some areas may be closed, and boat services are suspended when the lake freezes (usually December–February). However, the frozen lake is beautiful, and some winters allow ice skating on a designated area. Check conditions upon arrival.
• Photography drone ban: Drones are strictly prohibited. The Summer Palace is under flight path restrictions and near sensitive government areas. Do not attempt to fly a drone.
• Combine with nearby sites: The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) is just 1 kilometer east and can be combined for a full day of imperial gardens. Peking University and Tsinghua University campuses, both nearby, are also pleasant to walk through.

Nearby Attractions and Food Recommendations

Nearby Attractions

• Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): A 10-minute walk or 5-minute taxi east. The ruins of the original "Garden of Perfect Brightness," destroyed by Anglo-French forces in 1860, are hauntingly beautiful. The Western-style marble ruins (designed by Jesuit architects) are the most photographed section. The vast park also includes reconstructed Chinese-style gardens and a lake. Entry: CNY 10 (park) + CNY 15 (ruins area). Allow 1.5–2 hours.
• Peking University campus: A 15-minute walk south. The historic campus, centered on the former garden of the Qing prince Heshen, features a pagoda, a lake (Weiming Lake), and beautiful traditional-style architecture. Free to walk through (ID may be required at the gate). (45 minutes)
• Beijing Botanical Garden: About 4 km west by taxi. Over 6,000 plant species, including a large greenhouse complex and the temple where the last Ming emperor's consort sought refuge. Beautiful in spring (cherry blossoms, magnolias) and autumn (maples). Entry: CNY 5 (park) + CNY 50 (greenhouse). Allow 2 hours.
• Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan): About 8 km west by taxi or bus. Famous for its spectacular red-leaf scenery in October and November. A cable car takes you to the summit for views over Beijing. The Biyun Temple, within the park, is architecturally impressive. Entry: CNY 10. A full half-day trip.

Food Recommendations

• Tingli Guan (inside the Summer Palace): The on-site imperial-style restaurant, located near the Long Corridor, serves dishes inspired by Cixi's personal recipes. The setting is atmospheric — you are eating inside the palace grounds overlooking the lake. Expect CNY 150–300 per person. Reservations recommended for lunch (11:30 AM–1:30 PM).
• Suzhou Street snack stalls (inside the palace): Simple noodles, dumplings, and snacks at budget prices (CNY 20–40). Quality is basic but the setting is unique — eating beside the canal with traditional architecture surrounding you.
• Wudaokou area restaurants (20 minutes southeast by taxi): This university district near Peking University and Tsinghua University has a vibrant, affordable food scene. Korean BBQ restaurants line the streets (the area has a large Korean community), and excellent Sichuan, Hunan, and Yunnan restaurants serve bold, spicy food. Budget CNY 40–80 per person. Lao Tian's Korean BBQ and the Bridge Noodles (Guoqiao Mixian) restaurants on Chengfu Road are popular with locals.
• Zhongguancun area: 15 minutes south by taxi. This tech hub has modern restaurants in the shopping malls (especially Zhongguancun Plaza and Europlaza). International options including Japanese, Italian, and Thai are available here for visitors experiencing Chinese food fatigue. Budget CNY 80–150 per person.
• Near the North Palace Gate: Several small local restaurants serve northeastern Chinese cuisine (dongbei cai) — hearty dishes like braised pork with vermicelli, stewed chicken with mushrooms, and hand-pulled noodles. Look for busy restaurants with Chinese families eating — a reliable quality indicator. Budget CNY 30–60 per person.

Best Photography Spots

• Tower of Buddhist Incense from the lakeside: Stand on the eastern shore of Kunming Lake and photograph the tower rising above the hillside with the Long Corridor below. Morning light (before 10 AM) provides the best illumination. This is the classic Summer Palace composition.
• The view from the Tower of Buddhist Incense: The panoramic view south across Kunming Lake is spectacular. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge, South Lake Island, and the distant city skyline are all visible. Bring a telephoto lens to compress the layers. Clear days after rain provide the best visibility.
• The Seventeen-Arch Bridge at sunset: The golden light of late afternoon illuminating the stone arches and reflecting on the water is one of Beijing's great photographic prizes. Position yourself on the eastern shore, slightly south of the bridge. During the winter solstice period (around December 21–22), the sun aligns so that its light shines through all seventeen arches simultaneously — this rare phenomenon attracts hundreds of photographers.
• The Long Corridor from outside: From the lakeside, photograph the corridor's colorful eaves against the water and hills. A telephoto lens compressing the length of the corridor creates a powerful image of receding architectural detail.
• The Long Corridor paintings: Use a wide-aperture lens to isolate individual painted panels on the beams. The paintings are small masterpieces, and close-up photographs reveal extraordinary detail invisible to the casual glance.
• The Marble Boat: Best photographed from the western shore with willow branches framing the scene and the lake stretching behind. Late afternoon provides warm, directional light.
• Kunming Lake from a boat: The palace buildings reflected in the calm water create a mirror-image composition. Early morning, before the wind picks up, offers the stillest reflections. Rent a boat specifically for photography — it is worth the cost.
• The Bronze Ox at sunrise: If you arrive at opening time, the Bronze Ox on the eastern shore catches the first light beautifully, with the lake and Longevity Hill in the background still shrouded in morning mist.
• The back hill in autumn: The north face of Longevity Hill is forested with maples and ginkgoes that turn brilliant red and gold in October. The Tibetan temples emerging from the autumn foliage create compositions that look nothing like the manicured lakeside views.
• The West Causeway with weeping willows: In spring (April–May), the willows along the West Causeway trail their branches into the water, creating a classic Chinese landscape painting come to life. Photograph from one of the six bridges for the best framing.

The Summer Palace is the antidote to the intensity of central Beijing. After the Forbidden City's rigid geometry and Tiananmen Square's political weight, the Summer Palace offers beauty, breath, and space. It is a place where Chinese imperial ambition found its most humane expression — a garden designed not to intimidate but to delight. Take your time, rent a boat, climb the hill, and let yourself be enchanted. Few places in the world combine history, nature, and art so gracefully.