The Old Summer Palace was a large royal garden during the Qing Dynasty in China, known as the "Garden of Gardens."
This guide will take you through the must-see sights, the best ways to explore, and personal insights from my years as a tour guide here.
Facts about the Old Summer Palace
- Chinese Name: 圆明园 (Yuanmingyuan)
- Location: North of Beijing, about 15 minutes by car from the Summer Palace and around 40 minutes from the Forbidden City.
- Tickets: Approximately 10 RMB for park entrance, with additional fees for specific sites.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Built: Construction began in the early 18th century during the Qing Dynasty.
- Time Needed: At least 3-4 hours to fully explore.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring (April to May) or early autumn (September to October).
Hi, I'm Lily, a tour guide in Beijing. I have lived in Beijing for nearly twenty years, and in my heart, it has become my second hometown. I deeply love this city. I used to live in a hutong, but I have now moved into an apartment building, witnessing the changes in Beijing over the past twenty years. From the magnificent Forbidden City to the bustling Tiananmen Square, every corner of Beijing hides endless stories.
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- Old Summer Palace vs. Summer Palace
- What to See and the Best Route
- Accessibility
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Go to the Old Summer Palace
- How to Get Tickets
- Why was the Old Summer Palace Destroyed?
Old Summer Palace vs. Summer Palace
You might have heard of the Summer Palace in Beijing. So, what is the relationship between the Old Summer Palace and the Summer Palace?
The Old Summer Palace and the Summer Palace are two different gardens, located 5 kilometers apart. Both are royal gardens but have distinct differences.
Map of Yuanmingyuan and Summer Palace in BeijingThe Old Summer Palace is more about the ruins and its tragic history, while the Summer Palace is well-preserved with beautiful lakes and pavilions. Unlike the Summer Palace, which is more intact and grand, the Old Summer Palace offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past.
Personally, I find the Old Summer Palace more poignant and thought-provoking.
The Summer PalaceIf time allows, I recommend visiting both to get a full picture of Chinese imperial gardens. Or you could see our 4-Day Beijing Private Tour.
What to See in the Old Summer Palace
The Old Summer Palace covers an area of over 350 hectares, including 140 hectares of water surface area. It is composed of Yuanmingyuan, Qichun Garden ('Gorgeous Spring Garden'), and Changchun Garden ('Forever Spring Garden'). Yuanmingyuan is the largest, so the Old Summer Palace is also called Yuanmingyuan.
Changchunyuan: You can see the best-preserved relics there.
The most famous are the marbled ruins of the Western Mansions (Xiyang Lou). You'll also find the Great Fountain Ruins (Dashuifa, 'Great Water Way'), built in 1759, and the Guanshuifa ('Watch Water Way'), where emperors once admired the fountains.
Additionally, the remains of the Fangwai Mosque are noteworthy.
Great Fountain RuinsYuanmingyuan: The biggest garden.
Qichunyuan: The smallest garden, where concubines lived. It features flower gardens and pavilions.
Pavilion in the QichunyuanWhen visiting these sites, try to imagine the grandeur of the original structures. For example, the European-style palaces once showcased exquisite Baroque architecture, and now their ruins offer a unique perspective on history.
One hidden gem is the small lake near the northwestern corner, where you can find some tranquility away from the main paths.
The Best Route to Explore the Old Summer Palace
The park has several entrances, but I recommend starting from the East Gate. From there, you can follow a clockwise route to cover the main attractions.
Since the park is quite large, walking can be tiring. You can consider taking the sightseeing tram between the European-style palaces and the Grand Waterworks to save energy.
If you're looking to explore the Old Summer Palace in a more personalized way, consider booking a private Beijing tour.
With a knowledgeable guide, you'll gain deeper insights into the history and significance of this remarkable site. A private tour offers flexibility in pace and focus, allowing you to spend more time at the attractions that interest you most.
Is the Old Summer Palace Wheelchair-Friendly?
The Old Summer Palace is partially wheelchair-friendly. The main paths are accessible, but some areas with ruins may have uneven surfaces.
For elderly visitors or those in wheelchairs, I suggest sticking to the main routes and using the sightseeing tram when available.
There are also rest areas with benches throughout the park. You could check our 5-Day Beijing Family Tour.
Best Time to Visit the Old Summer Palace
The best time to visit the Old Summer Palace is during late spring (April to May) or early autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and the park is less crowded.
My personal favorite time is early autumn when the leaves start to change color.
During the day, the morning light casts a beautiful glow on the ruins, but if you can, stay until sunset. The evening light creates a magical atmosphere, especially around the Grand Waterworks.
Sunset at the Old Summer PalaceRead more about Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Beijing.
How to Go to the Old Summer Palace
The most convenient way to reach the Old Summer Palace is by taking the subway. Line 4 stops at Yuanmingyuan Station, which is just a short walk from the East Gate.
After your visit, consider exploring the nearby campuses of Tsinghua University and Peking University, both renowned for their beautiful architecture and academic atmosphere. If you plan to visit, contact us if you need to make a reservation in advance.
Building on the campus of Peking UniversityHow to Get Tickets for the Old Summer Palace
You can purchase tickets online through the official website's QR code or at the entrance. Online tickets are recommended to avoid long queues, and you can book up to 7 days in advance. Foreign visitors need to show the passport at the entrance.
Why was the Old Summer Palace Destroyed?
The Old Summer Palace was built in the early 18th century as a royal retreat for emperors of the Qing Dynasty. It was a symbol of China's cultural and artistic achievements.
However, due to corruption and insufficient combat power within the Qing government, in 1860, British army leader Lord Elgin ordered the burning of Yuanmingyuan to retaliate and force the Qing government to accept terms during the Second Opium War.
The British and French allied forces looted and burned the palace. This tragic event left the once-magnificent garden in ruins, a stark reminder of the past.
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