Viator Rating : 5 (309 reviews)
Beijing
Summer Palace: Skip-the-Line Ticket & Explore at Your Pace
180
Overview
Summer Palace Ticket lets visitors explore a UNESCO World Heritage site. Instead of waiting in long lines to buy tickets with cash, people can pre-book online. When booking online they will get a QR code for quick entry to the imperial garden. People can visit in the morning or afternoon and explore at their own speed.
The Summer Palace has lots to see, including the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, where emperors made important decisions. People can walk through the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, a beautiful area with temples and gardens. Kungming Lake and Zhichuan Pavilion offer great views, and the Long Corridor is a covered walkway with paintings. The Tower of Buddhist Incense is a tall building with amazing views. People can enter through the Summer Palace East Gate and leave through the Beiruyimen or Beigongmen Exits.
The ticket includes entrance to the Summer Palace, the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. It does NOT include transportation, a tour guide, or boat tickets. This ticket is NOT for people with Chinese passports or IDs. The QR code from the platform is NOT the ticket; the supplier sends the QR code by WhatsApp. If WhatsApp doesn't work in China, do not book. If visitors can't speak English, they also should not book. 
Highlights
Skip the Line: Get into the Summer Palace faster by booking tickets online.
Explore at Your Own Pace: Walk around the Summer Palace and Kungming Lake without a tour group.
Easy Entry: Just scan the QR code on your phone to enter the Summer Palace.
Flexible Visit Times: Visit the Summer Palace whenever it works best for you, morning or afternoon.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers like being able to skip the long ticket lines by buying tickets ahead of time.
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Visitors enjoy exploring the Summer Palace and its beautiful gardens at their own pace.
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The QR code makes it easy to enter the palace quickly.
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People appreciate that they can visit the palace in the morning or afternoon.
Some visitors were confused about how to get their tickets because the QR code is sent via WhatsApp, not directly from the platform.
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The experience is not a good fit for people who don't have WhatsApp or don't speak English.
The Journey
Summer Palace East Gate
Begin your exploration of the Summer Palace at the East Gate, the primary entrance to this imperial garden. As you step through, prepare to be transported back in time to the Qing Dynasty. The Summer Palace, originally built as a gift to Empress Dowager Cixi, stands as a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. The East Gate provides immediate access to the palace's key attractions, setting the stage for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity served as the main audience hall where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu conducted state affairs and received foreign dignitaries. Admire the intricate details of the architecture, the symbol of power and longevity, and imagine the important historical events that transpired within its walls. This hall provides a glimpse into the political heart of the Qing Dynasty and the lives of its rulers.
Garden of Virtue and Harmony
Escape into the serene beauty of the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, a tranquil oasis within the Summer Palace. This enchanting garden, with its meticulously crafted landscapes, embodies the principles of traditional Chinese garden design. Wander through its winding paths, discover hidden pavilions, and admire the stunning architecture that blends harmoniously with nature. It's a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of the imperial aesthetic.
Kunming Lake and Zhichuan Pavilion
Kunming Lake, a vast expanse of water that covers three-quarters of the Summer Palace, offers breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility. Visit the Zhichuan Pavilion, one of the several structures along the lake's edge, to fully appreciate the surrounding scenery. Take a moment to admire the lake's expansive beauty, the pagodas in the distance, and the surrounding gardens. Kunming Lake is not just a body of water but a centerpiece of the Summer Palace's artistic and recreational essence.
Long Corridor
Stroll along the iconic Long Corridor, a covered walkway that stretches for over 700 meters along the northern edge of Kunming Lake. Admire the thousands of intricate paintings that adorn its beams, each depicting scenes from Chinese history, mythology, and folklore. The Long Corridor provides not only a scenic route but also a visual narrative of Chinese culture. Its vibrant artistry and historical significance make it a must-see landmark within the Summer Palace.
Tower of Buddhist Incense
Ascend to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, an iconic landmark of the Summer Palace, perched atop Longevity Hill. This majestic tower offers panoramic views of the entire palace grounds and the surrounding landscape. Admire the stunning architecture, which blends Chinese and Buddhist styles, and feel a sense of awe at the grandeur of this imperial retreat. The Tower of Buddhist Incense stands as a symbol of power, spirituality, and the artistic achievements of the Qing Dynasty.
Beiruyimen or Beigongmen Exits
Conclude your exploration by exiting through Beiruyimen or Beigongmen, reflecting on the splendor and historical significance of the Summer Palace. These gates offer a final glimpse into the imperial world, leaving you with lasting memories of this UNESCO World Heritage site. As you depart, carry with you the beauty, history, and cultural richness that define the Summer Palace.
Know Before You Go
This ticket includes entrance to the Summer Palace, the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. It does NOT include transportation, a tour guide, or boat tickets. This ticket is NOT for people with Chinese passports or IDs. The QR code from the platform is NOT the ticket; the supplier sends the QR code by WhatsApp. If WhatsApp doesn't work in China, do not book. If visitors can't speak English, they also should not book.
Hot Tip
Make sure WhatsApp is working on your phone before you book this ticket, because that is how you will get your QR code. Also, wear comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking.
Review Summary
Customers generally say the Summer Palace ticket is convenient and saves time, especially with the QR code entry that avoids long lines. Many appreciate the flexibility to visit at their preferred time and enjoy exploring the beautiful gardens and historic halls. Some note that the site is large and involves walking, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues, but overall, travelers find the experience worthwhile and hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
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