How to Get to the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, together with Chengde Summer Palace (Chengde Mountain Resort), the Humble Administrator's Garden, and Lingering Garden, is one of the Four Famous Gardens in China. It fully embodies the aesthetic art of Chinese classical gardens and superb architectural art.

Exploring The Summer Palace is one of the top things to do in Beijing. So, how do you get to The Summer Palace? Read on to find out the answers.

Where The Summer Palace Is Located

Location: 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District (北京市海淀区新建宫门路19号)

The Summer Palace is located in the western suburbs of Beijing, 15 kilometers from the downtown area, and 23 kilometers from Tian'anmen Square, which is about 55 minutes' drive (on average, traffic permitting). It's 37 kilometers from Beijing Capital International Airport, which is a 47 minutes' drive.

There are some attractions near The Summer Palace:

• The Old Summer Palace is adjacent to The Summer Palace - their entrances are 5.4 kilometers apart, which is 10 minutes' drive.
• Zhongguancun Science Park, known as "China's Silicon Valley", is 5.5 kilometers away from The Summer Palace, which is 14 minutes' drive.
• Beijing Olympic Park is 8.7 kilometers from The Summer Palace, which is about 16 minutes' drive.
• Xiangshan Park is about 20 minutes' drive, being 12 kilometers away.

• 4-Day Beijing Private Tour
• 1-Day Beijing Hutong Tour

How to Get to The Summer Palace

You can get to The Summer Palace by taxi, subway, bus, and with a private tour like ours.

By Taxi

If you don't like crowds and want a relatively quick and direct way to get there, taking a taxi is a good choice.

In Beijing, the minimum charge is 13 yuan (within 3 kilometers). You will be charged 2.3 yuan per kilometer after driving more than 3 kilometers. If passengers are required to stop to wait or the taxi travels below 12 kph due to road conditions, there is an extra charge (2.3 yuan to 4.6 yuan according to the different time period) every 5 minutes. The cost from the Forbidden City to The Summer Palace is about 64 yuan, covering a distance of 21.2 kilometers, which is 46 minutes' drive.

The rush hour is from 7am to 9am and from 5pm to 7pm. During these periods, the traffic in Beijing will be very heavy. If you plan to go during this time, you must consider the traffic delay.

You can use cash, mobile payments, or a Beijing Transportation Smart Card for payment. Most taxi drivers do not speak English. It is helpful if you have your destination written in Chinese.

Useful tip: Just show this phrase to the driver: 请带我去颐和园, which means "Please take me to The Summer Palace".

By Subway

Compared with a taxi, taking the subway is an economical way to travel. If you don't have much luggage and enjoy exploring, taking the subway is a good choice.

You can take Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (北宫门站) and leave from Exit A1. The Summer Palace Entrance is 400m west.

Read more about the Beijing Subway.

By Bus (Not Recommended)

Taking a bus in Beijing is not recommended. It is crowded and time-consuming. You can use a sightseeing bus, which is more convenient for travelers than common city buses. Sightseeing bus line 3 runs from The Summer Palace's Beigongmen (North Palace Gate) and the Forbidden City's Shenwumen (Gate of Divine Prowess).

By Private Tour

All of the above ways include some degree of hassle. If you are looking forward to a hassle-free tour, try our private service - tailor-make a tour according to your interests and needs.

We believe that a wonderful journey should be relaxing and comfortable. Our private tour is hassle-free. You will be escorted by a professional English-speaking guide who will take care of you and a private car. You won't have to worry about your ticket or the transport.

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Travel to The Summer Palace with Us

Enjoy in The Summer Palace with us!

Use our Create My Trip service to tell us your preferences and needs. Enjoy the beauty and the story of The Summer Palace with us and explore more interesting attractions in Beijing. See our popular itinerary below for reference:

• Private 4-Day Emperor's Tour of Beijing: You can not only enjoy yourself in The Summer Palace but also have fun at the famous Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the old hutongs.