Summer Palace is an ingenious combination of manmade architecture with the scenic beauty of nature .and is an architectural masterpiece and treasure of the traditional art of Chinese gardening. It occupies a total area of over 290 hectares (716 acres).

It was first built at the beginning of the 12th century and first called Golden Hill Palace then renamed to the Garden of Clear Ripples during Qing Emperor Qianlong’s reign .the building of imperial gardens reached its culmination. The famous “Three Hills and Five Gardens” were built or enlarged .Emperor Qianlong , in order to celebrate his mother’s 60th birthday, ordered the rebuilding of the Garden of Clear Ripples. In 1860, the Anglo-French Allied Forces invaded Beijing and the “Three Hills and Five Gardens” were burnt down to ashes .

In 1888, Empress Dowager Cixi spent a fabulous sum of money having the Garden of Clear Ripples.and then renamed it the Summer Palace . after that , The Summer Palace became not only her summer resort and pleasure garden ,but also the secondary imperial palace for the administration .After the last Emperor Puyi was driven out of the Forbidden City , the Summer Palace was turned from an imperial garden into a public park .and opened to the public.

Summer Palace Tickets

• Entrance Fee: April to October : CNY30 ; November to March : CNY20
• Tower of Buddhist Incense :CNY10
• Combo Ticket :April to October : CNY60 ; November to March : CNY50

Summer Palace Opening hours

• April to October : 06:30--18:00; Scenic spots are open from 08:30 to 17:00.
• November to March : 07:00 - 17:00; Scenic spots are open from 09:00 to 16:00.

Top Day Tour : Mutianyu Great Wall - Summer Palace

Your private tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel after your breakfast in the morning ( earlier or later based on your request).It will take about 1.5 - 2 hours drive to Mutianyu Great Wall . Lunch will be arranged on your own.After lunch ,head to visit Summer Palace. return you to your hotel at the end of day tour.