A Detailed Travel Guide to Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace)
Introduction:
Yuanmingyuan, known as the “Old Summer Palace,” was once the most magnificent imperial garden complex in China. Though devastated by fire in 1860, its vast ruins and poignant history make it an essential stop for visitors seeking to understand China’s past. This Beijing travel guide will help you plan a meaningful visit to this UNESCO-listed site.
Beijing Travel Guide Tip #1: Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April-May) & Autumn (September-October): Ideal. Pleasant weather and beautiful foliage.
- Summer: Can be hot and crowded, but lakes offer some respite.
- Winter: Cold and stark, but the snow-covered ruins are powerfully atmospheric and crowds are minimal.
Beijing Travel Guide Tip #2: How to Get There
- Address: 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing.
- By Subway (Easiest): Take Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Station (Exit B). You’ll arrive at the South Gate.
- By Bus: Multiple buses serve “Yuanmingyuan Dongmen” (East Gate).
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: Say “Yuanmingyuan Dongmen” or “Nanmen.”
Beijing Travel Guide Tip #3: Ticketing & Opening Hours
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (May-August); 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (other seasons). Last entry 1 hour before closing.
- Tickets:
- Main Park Entrance: ¥10 (low season Nov-Mar: ¥10).
- Through Ticket (includes ruins area): ¥25 (low season: ¥20).
- Buying Tickets: Highly recommended to book online in advance (via WeChat, official platforms, or travel apps), especially on weekends and holidays. Foreign passports may require booking via specific third-party sites or at the gate.
Beijing Travel Guide: Must-See Areas Inside
- Changchun Yuan & Fuhai Lake: The central area with the largest water body. Rent a paddle boat in summer for lovely views.
- The European Palaces Ruins (Dashuifa Area): The most iconic section. See the remains of marble fountains and baroque architecture designed by Jesuits. The haunting skeleton of the Dashuifa (Great Fountain) is a symbol of the garden’s destruction.
- Haiyantang Ruins: The famous “12 Bronze Heads” were looted from here.
- Maze (Wanhua Zhen): A restored stone hedge maze. Fun for families.
- Relic Exhibition Halls: Located near the ruins, they display recovered artifacts and historical photos crucial for context.
Beijing Travel Guide: Suggested Itinerary
- Half-Day (3-4 hours): Enter at South Gate → Walk north to Fuhai Lake → Proceed to European Palaces Ruins (spend most time here) → Visit Exhibition Hall → Exit near East Gate.
- Full-Day (5-6 hours): Follow half-day route, then add exploration of Changchun Yuan gardens, try the Maze, and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the larger lake perimeter.
Beijing Travel Guide: Essential Tips
- Comfort is Key: The park is enormous (over 350 hectares). Wear excellent walking shoes.
- Bring Supplies: Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. While kiosks exist, they are spread out.
- Context is Crucial: The site is about emotion and history. Read about the Second Opium War (1856-1860) before visiting. The on-site signs provide good historical context in Chinese and English.
- Transport Inside: Battery carts and boat rides are available for an extra fee to save energy.
- Combination Trip: It’s close to Peking University and Tsinghua University. You can combine a morning here with an afternoon visit to one of the campuses (check current access policies).
Conclusion for Your Beijing Travel Guide:
Yuanmingyuan is not a typical “beautiful” park. It is a place for reflection on beauty, loss, and history. Its scars tell a vital chapter of modern Chinese history. Including it in your Beijing travel itinerary adds profound depth to your understanding of the city’s layered identity. Allow its silent stones to speak to you.