Beijing Old Summer Palace Travel Guide: 3-Hour Essential Route & Must-See Attractions

The Old Summer Palace, a Qing Dynasty imperial garden founded in 1709, spans over 350 hectares with a rich history and diverse landscapes that leave visitors in awe.

Without planning, it’s easy to lose your way in this vast complex and miss key highlights.

Practical Information for the Old Summer Palace: Tickets, Transportation, and Opening Hours

1. Opening Hours and Address

• Opening Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last entry at 7:00 PM)
• Address: No. 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing

2. Ticket Guide (Key Points)

Purchase Method: The most convenient way is to buy tickets online via the “Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park” mini-program on WeChat.

Ticket Options:

• Combination Ticket (Highly Recommended): ¥25. This is the most cost-effective choice, covering the main entrance ticket plus admission to the core Western-style buildings and ruins area, the sand-table panorama model exhibition, and Zhengjue Temple (housing the authentic horse head sculpture). The ¥10 main entrance ticket alone does not grant access to the Western-style building ruins.
• Main Entrance Ticket: ¥10 (access to public areas only).
• Free Admission Policy: Children aged 6 or younger (inclusive) or under 1.3 meters in height, and seniors aged 60 or older (inclusive) may enter free with a valid ID.

3. Transportation (Subway is most convenient)

• Recommended Entrance (East Gate): Take Subway Line 4 to “Xiyuan Station.” Exit via Exit A and take a shared bike or taxi to the East Gate (approx. 1.5 km). This is the fastest route to the core scenic area.
• To the Main Entrance (South Gate): Take Metro Line 4 to “Yuanmingyuan Station.” Exit via Exit B/C to reach the South Gate.

Transportation Within the Park:

• Sightseeing Bus: Regular route costs approximately 20 RMB per person one-way, offering a convenient way to conserve energy.
• Boat Tours: Currently suspended.

4. Additional Practical Tips

• Zhengjue Temple Closure Day: The temple houses the important cultural relic, the Horse Head, but is closed every Monday. Plan your visit to avoid Mondays.
• Dress Recommendation: The park is vast; comfortable sneakers are essential.
• Food Recommendation: Dining options within the park are limited. Bring some snacks and drinking water.

Core Route: 3-Hour Essentials Tour (East Gate In, South Gate Out)

This route is designed for visitors with limited time, efficiently covering the core ruins area in approximately 3 hours.

Route Sequence: East Gate→Black Swan Viewing Area→Panoramic Sand Table→Western-Style Buildings Ruins→Sightseeing Bus Ride→Zhengjue Temple→South Gate Exit

Starting Point: Enter via East Gate

• Black Swan Viewing Area: First encountered upon entry, offering waterfowl observation.
• Panoramic Sand Table: A large-scale model that provides a visual understanding of the grandeur of the Yuanmingyuan before its destruction.
• Western-Style Buildings Ruins (Key Area): Visit the iconic Grand Waterworks (fountain ruins), Hall of Harmony and Peace (original site of the Zodiac animal heads), and the intriguing Yellow Flower Maze.

Transportation & Shuttle

After exploring the ruins, take the sightseeing shuttle (approx. ¥20) from a nearby stop toward the
“Three Gardens Junction.” Riding is the best way to connect to the next attraction and avoid tiring walks.

Cultural Finale (approx. 30 min): Zhengjue Temple & Horse Head

After disembarking the shuttle, walk to Zhengjue Temple. Use your combined ticket to enter and view the authentic bronze Horse Head statue, one of the Twelve Zodiac Heads.

Reminder: Zhengjue Temple is closed on Mondays.

Final Exit: South Gate

After visiting Zhengjue Temple, exit through the South Gate. The Yuanmingyuan Station on Metro Line 4 is conveniently located just outside the gate. Nearby is also the West Gate of Tsinghua University, which you may visit on your way.

Other Attractions & Activities

Seasonal Highlights:

• Spring: Admire peach blossoms along Peach Blossom Creek
• Summer: View lotus flowers in Changchun Garden
• Autumn: Stroll along the Ginkgo Avenue
• Winter: Watch ice formations on Fuhai Lake

Unique Experiences:

• Stamp Collection: Purchase a “passport booklet ” to collect commemorative stamps at designated shops within the park.
• Cultural Ice Cream: Enjoy uniquely shaped ice cream bars featuring designs like the Horse Head and Black Swan, perfect for photo souvenirs.

I hope this well-organized guide helps you efficiently plan your visit and enjoy exploring the significant historical site of the Old Summer Palace. Have a wonderful tour!