Summer Palace Walking Tour

The Summer Palace Walking Tour offers visitors an enchanting three-hour exploration of one of China’s most iconic historical sites. Guided by knowledgeable English-speaking experts, attendees will discover the captivating beauty of Kunming Lake, the artistry of the Long Corridor, and the significance of Longevity Hill and Emperor’s Prison. With a focus on intricate architecture and rich cultural narratives, this tour is sure to delight history enthusiasts and architecture admirers alike. From the serene lakeside to the grand imperial structures, the tour promises an unforgettable experience in a truly stunning setting. What makes this tour truly remarkable, however, is the way it brings the past to life, allowing visitors to step back in time and enjoy China’s remarkable heritage.

Good To Know

Explore the iconic Kunming Lake, Long Corridor, Longevity Hill, and Emperor’s Prison during the three-hour Summer Palace walking tour.
Dive into the rich history and intricate architecture of the palace, including insights on notable figures like Empress Dowager Cixi.
Admire the scenic beauty of the palace, featuring a large artificial lake and the longest wooden corridor in the world.
Enjoy engaging historical storytelling and personalized attention from professional English-speaking guides included in the tour.
Tour options include mini-group or private experiences, with additional add-ons like the Beijing Zoo and Panda House.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The Summer Palace Walking Tour offers visitors a three-hour exploration of this iconic Beijing landmark for €52.68 per person.

Guests can cancel their reservations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour allows visitors to discover Kunming Lake, the Long Corridor with 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings, Longevity Hill, and the Emperor’s Prison.

Highlights include insights into the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, and stories about the influential Dragon Lady Cixi and Emperor Guang Xu.

The tour includes professional English-speaking guides and tickets to the Summer Palace, but excludes hotel pickup, drop-off, tips, and public transportation costs.

Tour Highlights and Experience

One key highlight of the Summer Palace Walking Tour is the opportunity to explore Kunming Lake, the Long Corridor with its 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings, Longevity Hill, and the Emperor’s Prison.

The tour also includes insights into the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, and stories about the influential Dragon Lady Cixi and Emperor Guang Xu.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful garden featuring a huge artificial lake and the longest wooden corridor in the world.

The comprehensive experience offers a glimpse into the palace’s rich history and architecture, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those appreciating intricate Chinese design.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Summer Palace Walking Tour includes several key items, such as a professional English-speaking guide and tickets to the Summer Palace itself, excluding the museum and Suzhou Street.

Participants can also opt to add on entry tickets to the Beijing Zoo and Panda House.

However, the tour doesn’t include hotel pick-up and drop-off, unless booked as a private group, nor tips for the guide. Plus, the cost of public transportation isn’t covered.

Meeting Point and Directions

To begin the tour, you will want to meet at Exit C2 of the Xi Yuan subway station on Line 4, near the McDonald’s dessert station. From there, the journey to the Summer Palace can commence.

Travelers have a few options to reach the meeting point:

By subway, simply follow the signs to Exit C2.
By taxi, instruct the driver to take you to the "McDonalds Dessert Station" or provide the local address.
For private groups, hotel pick-up and drop-off can be arranged.

Once the group has assembled, the professional English-speaking guide will be ready to lead the way and provide insights into the Summer Palace’s rich history and stunning architecture.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers consistently rate the Summer Palace Walking Tour highly, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 47 reviews.

Reviewers praise the engaging historical storytelling by the guides, who provide personal attention during the mini-group or private tours.

History enthusiasts and those who appreciate intricate architecture particularly recommend the experience.

Highlights include insights into the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, and the stories behind Dragon Lady Cixi and Emperor Guang Xu.

Visitors are enchanted by the beautiful garden, the huge artificial lake, and the longest wooden corridor in the world.

Exploring Kunming Lake

Nestled within the sprawling grounds of the Summer Palace, Kunming Lake enchants visitors with its serene beauty. The artificial lake, spanning over 2.2 square kilometers, is a centerpiece of the palace’s exquisite gardens.

Visitors can explore the lake in several ways:

Take a leisurely boat ride across the tranquil waters, admiring the scenic shores and the iconic Marble Boat.
Stroll along the winding paths that hug the lake’s edge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding architecture and lush greenery.
Climb to the top of Longevity Hill, where the magnificent views of Kunming Lake and the Summer Palace’s palatial structures come into full view.

Admiring the Long Corridor

After exploring the serene Kunming Lake, visitors turn their attention to the Long Corridor, an architectural marvel that stretches for an impressive 728 meters.

This breathtaking structure features 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings adorning its intricate wooden beams and columns.

As visitors stroll along the corridor, they’re transported back in time, marveling at the attention to detail and the seamless integration of art and architecture.

The Long Corridor’s sheer length and the exquisite craftsmanship on display make it a must-see highlight of the Summer Palace, showcasing the remarkable engineering and artistic prowess of ancient Chinese builders.

Visiting Longevity Hill and Emperor’s Prison

Visitors next make their way to the iconic Longevity Hill, a prominent feature of the Summer Palace grounds. Atop the hill, they’ll discover:

The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, an elegant structure housing artifacts and artwork from the Qing dynasty.
The Hall of Happiness and Longevity, where the Empress Dowager Cixi once entertained guests.
The Emperor’s Prison, a secluded area where the Guangxu Emperor was confined during a period of political upheaval.

These sites offer a glimpse into the palace’s remarkable history, showcasing the opulent architecture and the intricate narratives that have unfolded within its walls.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be ideal for young children, as it involves a lot of walking and exploration of historical sites. However, families can consider the optional entry to the Beijing Zoo and Panda House for kids to enjoy.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Summer Palace?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Summer Palace. However, flash photography may not be permitted in certain restricted areas to preserve the delicate artifacts and structures. It’s best to follow the guide’s instructions for photography during the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is casual and comfortable. Visitors should wear lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. There’s no need for formal attire, as the focus is on exploring the palace grounds.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. All visitors pay the standard rate of €52.68 per person. However, there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks to the tour. However, consumption is not allowed inside the Summer Palace grounds. It’s recommended to enjoy the provided refreshments during the tour to fully immerse in the experience.

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The Sum Up

The Summer Palace Walking Tour offers an unforgettable exploration of one of China’s most iconic historical sites. Guided by experts, you will discover the breathtaking beauty of Kunming Lake, the artistry of the Long Corridor, and the significance of Longevity Hill and Emperor’s Prison. It’s the perfect experience for history enthusiasts and architecture admirers, ensuring an unforgettable journey through this stunning setting.