Summer Palace Walking Tour – Beijing

Traveling to Beijing and looking for an authentic way to experience the grandeur of the Summer Palace? This guided walking tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into one of China’s most iconic imperial parks, blending history, scenic beauty, and cultural insights—all in under two hours. From the moment we read about it, we appreciated how this tour emphasizes comfort and unique perspectives, avoiding the crowds at the main entrance and including a peaceful boat ride.

What really caught our eye were three standout features: first, starting from the North Palace Gate allows visitors to dodge the usual throngs, making the experience feel more intimate. Second, the boat ride on Kunming Lake adds a relaxing element that also helps conserve energy—perfect after navigating the sprawling grounds. Lastly, the detailed storytelling from knowledgeable guides can make even seasoned travelers see the Palace in a new light.

That said, one thing to consider is the extra cost for the boat ride, which isn’t included in the tour price. For those who prefer a more budget-friendly experience, this could be a small surprise. Still, overall, this tour suits visitors who want a manageable, culturally rich glimpse of the Summer Palace without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s especially ideal for first-timers or travelers short on time but eager to see this breathtaking site.

Good To Know

• Starting at the North Palace Gate helps avoid crowds, providing a more relaxed experience.
• The boat ride on Kunming Lake offers a scenic, restful break during the tour.
• Expert guides bring history alive with engaging stories and useful tips.
• The itinerary covers highlights like Suzhou Market Street, Longevity Hill, and the Long Corridor.
• All stops are free of admission charges except the boat, with most attractions included in the tour.
• A small group size (max 15 travelers) enhances intimacy and personalized attention.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point: North Palace Gate and Suzhou Market Street

The tour kicks off at the North Palace Gate, an excellent choice for avoiding the usual crowds that gather at the main entrance. This strategic start creates a more relaxed, unpacked atmosphere, allowing us to absorb the surroundings better. Our guide, whose name we wish we remembered, was notably knowledgeable and lively, sharing insights that brought the history of the Summer Palace to life.

The first stop, Suzhou Market Street, is a charming, modeled water town street that once served as entertainment for the imperial family. It’s a lively scene with shops and traditional architecture, offering a glimpse into imperial leisure activities. The best part? It’s free to enter, giving us a taste of China’s water town culture without extra cost.

Tibetan Style Temples: Xumiling Jingzhi

Next, we visit a cluster of Tibetan-style temples known as Xumiling Jingzhi. Walking among these structures felt like stepping into Tibet itself—serene, solemn, and beautifully crafted. The temples, free of charge, showcase intricate details that highlight the blend of Tibetan and Chinese influences. Our guide explained their historical significance, and we appreciated the contrast they provided to the more traditional Chinese architecture elsewhere in the park.

Pictorial World on Longevity Hill

The tour continues up Longevity Hill, where a group of buildings offers some of the best panoramic views of Kunming Lake and the Beijing skyline. It’s a perfect spot for photos and taking in the vastness of the Summer Palace. We loved how the guide pointed out subtle details in the architecture that we might have missed on our own.

Walking Along Kunming Lake & Long Corridor

A walk along the lakeside of Kunming Lake is a highlight, especially with the chance to spot fish and Mandarin ducks swimming peacefully. The Long Corridor, the world’s longest painted walkway with over 14,000 unique paintings, is just a few minutes away. Walking through this corridor, you feel like strolling through an open-air art gallery—a record-breaking feature that adds a touch of wonder to the experience.

Standing on Longevity Hill

Reaching the top of Longevity Hill, we encountered one of the few original buildings remaining from the 1750s. Most structures were destroyed during the Opium War, so this preserved building is a rare glimpse into the imperial past. The view from here is sweeping, encompassing the entire Summer Palace and parts of Beijing. The guide’s stories about its history added depth, making it more than just a scenic vista.

The Living Quarters: Hall of Happiness and Hall of Benevolence & Longevity

Moving into the living quarters, we visited the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, where imperial mothers once resided. Its spacious courtyard felt peaceful, and we appreciated learning about its role in court life. Next was the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, a significant political building second only to the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s Forbidden City. Our guide highlighted its historical importance, adding context to its architectural grandeur.

End of Tour and Sunset Views

The tour concludes near the East Palace Gate, where we can linger to enjoy the sunset over Kunming Lake—around 6 p.m. in September and December. Sitting by the water, watching the fading light reflecting on the palace roofs, was a peaceful way to end our visit. The lakeside walk during sunset is a perfect ending for those with time, offering a different perspective on the scenery.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration and Group Size

At approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, the tour offers a compact yet comprehensive visit. The group size is limited to 15 travelers, fostering conversation and personalized attention. We found this small group setting much more enjoyable than crowded large tours, allowing us to ask questions freely.

Price and Value

The tour costs $39 per person, which includes the guided commentary and admission tickets for most stops. The boat ride isn’t included, which is a slight extra—around 15 minutes of peaceful cruising across Kunming Lake. Considering the detailed guidance, scenic stops, and the ease of organized logistics, this fee represents good value for a hassle-free experience.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

Meeting at Beigongmen, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation. The start and end points are clearly marked, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with moderate mobility. The tour’s design allows you to see key highlights without excessive walking or exertion.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

The tour operates in good weather, with a full refund available if canceled due to rain or bad conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible option if your plans are uncertain.

What Reviewers Say

One traveler, Jennifer_S, gave this tour a perfect 5-star rating, praising the “incredibly informative” guides and noting how they shared fascinating facts about the Palace. She emphasized that the guides knew the best spots for photos—something valuable for those wanting memorable snapshots. Such reviews reinforce that guided expertise makes this experience stand out.

This guided Summer Palace walk is ideal for first-time visitors to Beijing who want a structured, insightful overview of the site. It’s a good fit for travelers with limited time, as it covers key attractions efficiently. The small group size and engaging guides make it suitable for those who appreciate a more personal experience.

If you’re someone who enjoys scenic boat rides, appreciates historical context, and prefers walking through iconic sites with expert commentary, this tour ticks all those boxes. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer self-guided exploration, you might find the extra expense for the boat and guide services less appealing.

This Summer Palace walking tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, historical insights, and comfort. The emphasis on starting from a less crowded entrance, combined with a peaceful boat ride and expert guidance, makes it a compelling choice for travelers seeking a meaningful experience without the overwhelming crowds.

While the price includes most attractions, the optional boat ride is a nice upgrade for those wanting a relaxing cruise on Kunming Lake. The small group format ensures a personalized touch, and the knowledgeable guides help bring the Palace’s history to life.

Ultimately, this tour excels in offering a manageable, insightful, and scenic window into one of China’s most treasured imperial sites. It suits travelers who value ease, expert storytelling, and authentic views of the Palace’s most picturesque corners.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the small group size makes it comfortable for different ages and mobility levels.

Does the tour include the boat ride?
The boat ride is not included in the tour price but can be purchased separately for approximately 15 minutes of peaceful lake cruising.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Beigongmen and ends near the parking lot at the East Palace Gate of the Summer Palace.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, making it a manageable sightseeing option.

Are admission tickets included?
Yes, the tour includes the tickets for all stops except the boat ride.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

Is the tour guided in English?
Absolutely, the tour features an excellent English-speaking guide who shares detailed historical and cultural insights.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and possibly a camera—especially if you want to capture the stunning views.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
While most stops are accessible, specific details about mobility accommodations aren’t provided, so checking in advance is recommended for travelers with special needs.