Beijing attraction

Summer Palace

Walk between palace courts, Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake in one of Beijing's best-preserved imperial garden landscapes.

Summer Palace guide

Longevity Hill from the lake

The Qianlong emperor created the Garden of Clear Ripples in 1750. It was later rebuilt and renamed the Summer Palace. The Tower of Buddhist Incense anchors the main view, tying hill, galleries and water into one composition.

Kunming Lake and the Tower of Buddhist Incense

Kunming Lake occupies most of the grounds. Pavilions, embankments and borrowed views of distant hills unfold as you follow the shore. Boats reduce backtracking in warmer months; winter services stop.

Snowy lakeshore and distant hills

The Seventeen-Arch Bridge links Nanhu Island with the east shore and is especially clear in low winter light.

Seventeen-Arch Bridge in snow

Continue through Beijing

More Beijing sights

Great Wall

Compare Badaling's easy rail access with Mutianyu's wooded ridges and close-set watchtowers before choosing your day trip.

Nanluoguxiang

A busy commercial hutong street that works best as an entry point to the quieter lanes between the Drum Tower and Shichahai.

Qianmen Street

A restored commercial street on Beijing's central axis, known for historic brands, the Qianmen archery tower and a sightseeing tram.