Yuanmingyuan Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Yuanmingyuan Park?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy open lawns, model palaces and winter snow-play, and they enter free under 1.3 m, yet parents must watch near unfenced water and be ready for long walks.
Positives:
- Free Entry for Young Child: Children under 6 years old or under 1.3 m enter free, saving on tickets.
- Spacious Play Areas: Open lawns near the South Gate are perfect for kids to burn off energy.
- Rich Visual History: Crumbling European-style ruins spark children’s curiosity about past dynasties.
Challenges:
- Large Park Area: The site spans 800 ha; kids may tire—plan breaks or use the shuttle bus.
- Limited English Signage: Signs are mostly in Chinese; bring a map or use a translation app.
- Sun Exposure: Few shaded spots midday—bring hats, sunscreen and water.
What is Yuanmingyuan Park?
- A sprawling 18th-century imperial garden complex in western Beijing that served as the Qing dynasty’s Old Summer Palace, encompassing ornate pavilions, halls, and artificial lakes
- A 350-hectare ensemble blending traditional Chinese rockeries and water features with mid-19th-century European-style palaces, exemplified by the Xiyang Lou ruins
- A designated cultural heritage site preserving the architectural remains and ruins resulting from the palace’s destruction during the Second Opium War of 1860
What is so special about Yuanmingyuan Park for with kids?
- Explore Xiyang Lou’s photogenic European ruins
- Cruise Fanghu Lake among lotus blooms
- Enjoy free entry for kids under 6 and vast lawns to play
- Discover the detailed scale model exhibition
- Use shuttle buses and picnic spots to keep kids happy
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to see main ruins, enjoy a boat ride and let kids run on open lawns without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Yuanmingyuan Park
Xiyang Lou Ruins:
Wander among the broken columns, fountains and statues of the European-style palaces.
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and snap photos in soft morning light.
Fanghu Lake Boat Ride:
Take a one-way boat across lotus-filled waters to Qichun Garden.
Tip: Buy tickets at the dock near the Management Office; kids under 1.3 m ride free.
Scale Model Exhibition:
Explore detailed miniatures of the Old Summer Palace buildings.
Tip: Head here after the boat ride to keep kids engaged indoors.
South Gate Lawns:
Let children run and play on the open grass near the South Gate.
Tip: Pack a picnic and a blanket for a snack break under shaded trees.
Sightseeing Bus:
Hop on the park’s shuttle to cover large distances with minimal walking.
Tip: Board at any of the 9 stops; one-way is 20 RMB per person.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Yuanmingyuan Park
- Arrive Early: Enter when gates open to enjoy cooler temperatures and thinner crowds.
- Use the Shuttle Bus: Take the sightseeing bus to rest little legs and cover distant ruins.
- Rent a Pedal Boat: Choose a four-seat pedal boat in summer for a fun family activity among lotus beds.
Reviews of Yuanmingyuan Park
Hector Lau
Old Summer Palace is now just a bunch of ruins and a grim reminder to what happened in the past. The horse bronze head is the only one that is currently displayed here.
tiffany
Old Summer Palace. Historical park featuring old ruins and shattered monuments from what was once a formidable imperial dynasty - rich in architecture and beautiful gardens.
W Tate
The older summer palace is so huge that we only managed to completed a small area in order to complete the rest of our itinerary for the day. The ruins are magnificent although much has crumpled to ground.
R N
Big park! Lots of historical ruins. Would be great if you have a guide to explain its significance. Not easy to get around with kids as it’s impossible to cover everything in a day. To save your legs, you could take a boat ride. There was quite a queue for the boat ride, however I came on a weekend so that is to be expected. If you only have limited time and have to choose between this and summer ...
Nhi Sorge
This park is especially beautiful in autumn. It’s very close to the subway. But normally in autumn when is the leaves turn yellow it will be full of people. So if you want to go here and take beautiful pictures you should go before 8 o’clock in the morning. Normally in high season, they would ask you to book ticket one day before you go. It’s always check this problem before you decide to visit h...
When is the best time to visit Yuanmingyuan Park (Beijing, China)?
Spring (late April): cherry blossoms bloom near Changchun Garden. Summer (Jun–Aug): lotus flowers peak—rent pedal boats. Winter (Jan): Ice & Snow Festival offers slides and snow zorbing (separate ticket).
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Park admission (3 paying persons) | CNY 75 |
| Fanghu Lake boat ride (3 × 35 RMB) | CNY 105 |
| Snacks and drinks | CNY 30 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 210 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Yuanmingyuan Park
Address: 275X+67P圆明园 Haidian District, China, 100084
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About Yuanmingyuan Park
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 6262 8501Explore Popular Things to Do
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