Summer Palace (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Summer Palace?
What makes it 94% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy private rowboats on Kunming Lake, sunset strolls along the Long Corridor, and quiet lakeside teahouses; limited seating and weekend crowds slightly lessen intimacy but not by much.
Positives:
- Romantic Moments: A private boat ride and sunset stroll create shared memories.
- Rich Cultural Insight: Audio guide reveals stories behind each pavilion and painting.
Challenges:
- Crowded Weekends: Lines at ticket booths and narrow corridors fill up by late morning.
- Hilly Terrains: Longevity Hill has steep steps; wear comfortable shoes.
What is Summer Palace?
- A Qing dynasty imperial garden and palace complex in northwest Beijing, sprawling across Longevity Hill and the shores of Kunming Lake
- An architectural ensemble of ornate halls, pavilions, painted colonnades, and marble structures such as the Hall of Benevolence and the Marble Boat
- A meticulously landscaped estate combining water features, rockeries, classical stone bridges, and willow-lined paths
What is so special about Summer Palace for couple trip?
- Glide across Kunming Lake on a private boat ride
- Explore 14,000 paintings along the Long Corridor at sunset
- Enjoy local tea at lakeside teahouses
- Learn palace history with a multilingual audio guide
- Capture panoramic views from Longevity Hill
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows for a boat ride, corridor stroll and a tea break without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Summer Palace
Kunming Lake Boat Ride:
Rent a two-seat rowboat or pedal boat to glide across the lake.
Tip: Head to Bafang Pavilion Dock; rowboats cost ¥80/hour with a ¥400 refundable deposit.
Sunset Stroll Along the Long Corridor:
Walk hand-in-hand under 728 m of painted beams to the Seventeen-Arch Bridge at dusk.
Tip: Time your walk to reach the Marble Boat by sunset for striking lake reflections.
Lakeside Tea Break:
Sip traditional tea at a teahouse near Suzhou Street overlooking the water.
Tip: Try jasmine tea and small snacks for about ¥20–50 per person; check the menu before ordering.
Audio Guide Tour:
Use a multilingual audio guide to uncover palace history and art.
Tip: Rent it for ¥40 plus a ¥50 deposit; pick up at any gate except West Gate.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Summer Palace
- Visit Early: Arrive before 9 AM to beat the crowds and eastern sun.
- One-Way Ferry: Take a ¥40 ferry across the lake to save walking time.
Reviews of Summer Palace
Stella Wei
Beautiful park with expansive grounds. Despite being a popular attraction, you can get away from the crowds quickly if you walk a few more steps. There are just so much to explore here.
N P
I came here in January 2026. Even though it was quite cold, the afternoon view was beautiful and very enjoyable. The ticket costs 20 yuan and can be purchased at the entrance. I recommend entering through the East Gate, as it is close to Kunming Lake
William Lu
Beautiful place. Too huge to cover all in one day. Didn't finish till the lake bridge because too cold. Guide is necessary else it is just a place to stroll around. No need to buy ticket in advanced, there is no particular needed to buy the ticket, there wasn't any queue on ticket on my visit.
Sergio OK
Imagine a massive park with a huge lake in the middle, surrounded by temples, bridges, and these beautiful old pavilions that look like they’re straight out of a kung fu movie. It’s peaceful, green, and full of history. One of the coolest things is how the whole place is designed around the themes of longevity and harmony. The main hill is literally called Longevity Hill, and the lake – Kunming La...
Clara Poh
Summer Palace 頣和园 yiheyuan Beijing is a UNESCO world heritage site built around Longevity Hill and Kuming Lake. The Longevity hill 60 metres (200 ft) high have steep rocks as steps and might be strenuous for some others to climb up.( ✌︎'ω')✌︎ Summer Palace is a place of retreat for the Qing Dynasty Royal family. Once up the Longevity Hill, you will see the Tower of Fragrance of Buddha, Hall of Be...
When is the best time to visit Summer Palace (Beijing, China)?
Summer mornings bring cool lake breezes; autumn shows red maples along the corridors; in winter, parts of Kunming Lake freeze for ice skating by February.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission for two | CNY 120 |
| Boat rental (1 hour) | CNY 80 |
| Audio guide | CNY 40 |
| Tea break for two | CNY 80 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 320 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Summer Palace
Address: Haidian District, China, 100091
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Summer Palace (Beijing)?
About Summer Palace
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+86 10 6288 1144Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!