Beijing Attractions
Bridge in the grounds of the Summer Palace
Summer Palace
The magnificent Summer Palace in northwest Beijing at Kunming
Lake was built in 1750 by the Emperor Qianlong, and continued to be
an imperial residence until the Empress Dowager Cixi died in 1908.
The palace and stunning gardens are open to visitors, who enter
through the East Palace gate, pass through a grand courtyard into
the Hall of Benevolent Longevity, the Hall of Jade Ripples, and the
Hall of Joyful Longevity. Empress Cixi's private theatre in the
Garden of Moral Harmony is a must-see, as is the long corridor that
skirts Kunming Lake's northern shoreline to reach the marble boat,
an elaborate two-storey structure of finely carved stone and
stained glass.
Transport: Buses 907, 375, 801, 808, 732, 394 or 718;
Opening time: Daily 7am to 5pm (November to March), 6.30am to 6pm (April to October);
Admission: ¥25 (November to March), ¥35 (April to October)
