From the north gate of Zizhuyuan Park, we turned right and walked a few steps to board a boat at the Royal River Cruise Terminal. I thought it would be a cool and breezy ride, but I ended up sitting on the side of the boat in direct sunlight, and almost got a “dry” sunburn. However, as the boat slowly traveled along the Cixi waterway, the weeping willows on both sides and the rippling blue water of the river made the mood still soothing 🌿.
Arriving at the South Gate Pier of the Summer Palace, the place was bustling like a summer beach with people frolicking in the water. Now that I'm here, of course I have to buy a ticket to enter the garden. Although the south gate is remote, once you enter the garden, you can see the magnificent view of Kunming Lake, which feels super value 🏞️.
We chose to start our tour of the Summer Palace from the left side of the south gate, strolling counterclockwise along the lakeside. The surface of the lake shimmered, and the 17-hole bridge and the Buddha's Fragrant Pavilion glittered in the sunlight. On the lake, cruise ships floated leisurely, as if we were also people in a painting, enjoying a picturesque landscape. We picked up small stones as we walked and hit a few waterfalls when we encountered big rocks, and the leisurely afternoon was easily spent 🌊.
Due to time and weather constraints, we only walked to the next gate and left without going to the northern area (which we've been to before). The Summer Palace is a hit and miss hotspot in Beijing, and for a first time visit, the north gate entrance is much more lively, crowded but focused on the sights. If you want to enjoy the scenery quietly, today's route is perfect.
📍 Address info:
From the north gate of Zizhuyuan Park, turn right and walk about fifty meters to the Royal Royal River Cruise Pier. The Summer Palace South Gate Pier is our disembarkation point and is located at No. 19, New Palace Gate Road, Haidian District, Beijing.
🎫 Ticket & Boat Cruise Information:
▪️ Summer Palace Tickets: 30💰/adult, children enjoy half price discount.
▪️ Boat cruise tickets: about 60💰/person, can be purchased in advance from group-buying websites.
▪️ Cruise frequency: every hour, the whole point of the boat, the whole about half an hour to arrive at the Summer Palace.
📝 Tour Tips:
🌟 If time permits, it is recommended to arrange a whole day for an in-depth tour of the Summer Palace. In the morning, you can explore the popular attractions in the northern area, and in the afternoon, you can choose to go boating on the lake to enjoy the serene lakes and mountains.
🌟 Due to the large size of the Summer Palace, please wear comfortable shoes and take precautions to protect yourself from the sun or keep warm according to the weather conditions.