The awesome and beautiful Summer Palace in BeiJingWith WestChinaGo ...
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[320],shadow=true,start=,stop=Summer Palace Visitor Guide - BeiJing
Overview
The Summer Palace, located in the HaiDian district of Beijing, is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a royal garden and retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting There
Location: 19 XinJianGongMen Road, HaiDian District, Beijing, China.
Public Transport:
- Subway: Line 4, Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate), Exit D. Alternatively, Line 10, Xiyuan Station, Exit C2.
- Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Summer Palace, including routes 303, 330, 331, 332, 346, 508, 579, and 584.
Opening Hours
- April 1 to October 31: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 4:00 PM)
- November 1 to March 31: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 3:00 PM)
Tickets
- April 1 to October 31: Entrance Fee: ¥30, Through Ticket (includes Dehe Garden, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, and Wenchang Hall): ¥60
- November 1 to March 31: Entrance Fee: ¥20, Through Ticket: ¥50
Main Attractions
The Summer Palace is rich with historical and cultural sites. Here are some of the main attractions:
- Kunming Lake: This large lake dominates the Summer Palace and is ideal for boating. It covers about three-quarters of the park's area.
- Longevity Hill: Standing 60 meters high, it provides excellent views of the lake and surrounding area. Important buildings such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense are located here.
- Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A long, beautiful bridge that connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island.
- Long Corridor: A 728-meter-long covered walkway decorated with intricate paintings, connecting the Hall of Dispelling Clouds to the Marble Boat.
- Marble Boat: A lakeside pavilion built from marble and wood, symbolizing stability and the enduring nature of the Qing Dynasty.
- Hall of Benevolence and Longevity: The administrative center of the Summer Palace, where Empress Dowager Cixi handled state affairs.
- Suzhou Street: A charming area designed to resemble the canals and traditional shops of Suzhou, complete with waterways and bridges.
Activities
Visitors to the Summer Palace can engage in various activities:
- Boating: Rent a paddleboat or take a dragon boat tour on Kunming Lake.
- Walking and Hiking: Stroll along the scenic paths, the Long Corridor, or hike up Longevity Hill for panoramic views.
- Photography: Capture the stunning architecture, landscapes, and historical sites.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the Summer Palace.
Dining and Refreshments
Several cafes and snack stalls are available within the Summer Palace, offering light refreshments, drinks, and local snacks. For a more substantial meal, visitors can dine at restaurants near the park entrances.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather. Summer can be very hot, and winter can be quite cold.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Summer Palace is vast, and exploring it involves a lot of walking.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the hotter months.
- Respect the Site: The Summer Palace is a cultural heritage site. Avoid touching artifacts, stay on marked paths, and do not litter.
- Plan Your Visit: Due to its size, plan which sections you want to visit in advance to make the most of your time.
Nearby Attractions
- Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): Located nearby, this former imperial garden offers ruins and beautiful landscapes to explore.
- Beijing University: One of China’s most prestigious universities, known for its beautiful campus and Weiming Lake.
- Tsinghua University: Another top university in China, with an expansive and scenic campus.
Conclusion
The Summer Palace in Beijing is a magnificent site rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in Chinese history, stunning architecture, or beautiful landscapes, the Summer Palace offers a memorable and enriching experience.
Beijing, the capital city of China, is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history, culture, and modernity. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect as a tourist in Beijing:
Historical Landmarks:
The Great Wall of China: One of the most iconic structures in the world, the Great Wall is easily accessible from Beijing. Mutianyu and Badaling sections are popular among tourists.
Forbidden City (Palace Museum): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast imperial palace complex was home to Chinese emperors for over 500 years. It houses numerous halls, courtyards, and historical artifacts.
Temple of Heaven: A masterpiece of Chinese architecture, this ancient temple complex served as a place of worship for emperors to pray for good harvests.
Summer Palace: A stunning ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces, the Summer Palace served as a retreat for emperors during the Qing dynasty.
Tiananmen Square: One of the largest city squares in the world, Tiananmen Square is flanked by important landmarks such as the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
Cultural Sites:
Beijing Hutongs: Explore the narrow alleyways and traditional courtyard residences of Beijing's historic neighborhoods. You can take a rickshaw tour or simply wander around on foot.
Beijing Opera: Experience traditional Chinese opera performances at venues like the Liyuan Theater or the Chang'an Grand Theatre.
798 Art District: A hub of contemporary art and culture, this former industrial area is now home to numerous galleries, studios, and cafes.
Modern Attractions:
Olympic Park: Visit iconic structures such as the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
CBD (Central Business District): Marvel at the futuristic skyline of Beijing's modern business district, which includes landmarks like the CCTV Headquarters and the China World Trade Center Tower III.
Culinary Delights:
Peking Duck: Indulge in Beijing's most famous dish, crispy roast duck served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
Street Food: Explore the city's vibrant street food scene and sample local delicacies like jianbing (savory crepes), lamb skewers, and dumplings.
Practical Tips:
Transportation: Beijing has an extensive public transportation system, including the subway, buses, and taxis. However, traffic can be heavy, so plan your travels accordingly.
Language: While English is not widely spoken, especially outside tourist areas, many signs and transportation announcements are in English. It's helpful to carry a translation app or a phrasebook.
Weather: Beijing experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and comfortable.
Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home and using both hands to pass or receive items.
Beijing offers a rich tapestry of experiences for tourists, blending ancient heritage with modern innovations. Whether you're fascinated by history, culture, or culinary delights, there's something for everyone in this dynamic city.
