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Summer Palace guided insights
John explained many interesting facts and insights from the summer palace, things that we couldn't grasp alone, leaving us after two hours with a clear list of things to check around at our pase. Thanks a lot.
Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service)
+2 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 1–4 hours
- Price from
- $8 / person
- Rating
- 4.5 / 5 · 137 reviews
- Languages
- ZH-TW, EN, ZH-CN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Meeting point
- If you choose the guide service, the meeting point is in front of Summer Palace East gate ticket office( 颐和园东宫门Chinese name for the pick up location)
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Beijing
Description
No Beijing itinerary is complete without the Summer Palace—the city’s iconic imperial garden and a must-visit landmark. Securing tickets in advance can be a hassle, but we’re here to streamline your trip: book with us ahead of time, skip the long on-site queues, and explore this sprawling heritage site stress-free. Choose from two core ticket options tailored to your schedule: a regular ticket, perfect for a 1–2 hour visit to the main garden areas; or a combination ticket, ideal if you plan to stay 2 hours or longer and want access to the palace’s exclusive on-site museums (closed on Mondays). To make your journey even more convenient—especially since the Summer Palace is a distance from downtown—we also offer upgraded packages including a 2-hour guided tour, round-trip city transportation, or a fully inclusive bundle with tour, transfers and driver service.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Explore Beijing’s iconic imperial garden hassle-free with our four tailored packages, designed to fit every traveler’s needs and schedule: Package 1: Ticket-Only Service Choose between two ticket types, with your entry QR code delivered via email 5–7 days before your travel date—be sure to download it upon receipt, as this is your sole entry credential. Simply scan the QR code at the gate on your tour day, and note that the code is required at every checkpoint within the palace grounds. Regular Ticket: Perfect for a 1–2 hour visit, granting access to the Summer Palace’s core scenic areas, including its iconic lakes and pavilions. Combination Ticket: Ideal for stays of 2 hours or longer, unlocking entry to exclusive attractions like the Grand Opera House, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, and the Summer Palace Museum (please note these sites are closed on Mondays).
Elevate your visit with a knowledgeable local guide who will meet you at the East Gate of the Summer Palace. You can opt for either a regular or combination ticket with this package. Over two informative hours, your guide will lead you through the garden’s most celebrated landmarks, including the opulent Hall of Joyful Longevity, the majestic Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the world-famous Long Corridor adorned with intricate paintings, and the iconic Marble Boat floating serenely on Kunming Lake. They’ll share vivid historical anecdotes and lesser-known facts about each site, bringing the Summer Palace’s royal legacy to life. After the guided session, you’re free to explore the on-site museums or wander the garden at your own pace.
Package 3: Ticket+Round-Trip Private Car Transfer Beat the hassle of navigating public transit to the Summer Palace—located a convenient distance from downtown Beijing—with our private car round-trip service. This package includes either a regular or combination ticket, plus door-to-door transfers between your downtown Beijing hotel and the palace. Skip the crowds and enjoy a comfortable, time-saving journey to and from this iconic landmark. Package 4: All-Inclusive Package (Ticket+Guided Tour+Round-Trip Transfer) Our most popular option for a fully stress-free experience! This package combines all the best of our services: your choice of regular or combination ticket, a 2-hour guided tour with an expert local guide who will showcase the garden’s top attractions, and private round-trip transfers from your downtown hotel. No planning, no transit headaches—just show up and immerse yourself in the Summer Palace’s royal charm.
Pick the package that matches your travel style, and let us take care of the rest!
Highlights
Private Hotel Round Trip Transfer if you choose option 2 and option 4
Combo ticket if you choose the option( Including extra gardens and museums inside the Summer Palace)
English speaking tour guide if you choose option 2 and 3
Regular Ticket(Main Entrance fee to the Summer Palace)
What's included
Included
Private Hotel Round Trip Transfer if you choose option 2 and option 4
Combo ticket if you choose the option( Including extra gardens and museums inside the Summer Palace)
English speaking tour guide if you choose option 2 and 3
Regular Ticket(Main Entrance fee to the Summer Palace)
Not included
Gratuites
Traveller Ratings
4.5
137 reviews
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The ticket is only valid on the booked travel date. Please note that your reservation is not the actual admission ticket. You will receive a dedicated QR code from us separately, which serves as the valid entry pass—be sure to download it promptly.
- We will send you an email with the QR code ticket 5–7 days before your trip. Download the QR code in advance, and scan it directly to access the Summer Palace on your scheduled travel day.
- The Summer Palace is open daily all year round. However, the on-site museums—accessible only with a combined ticket—remain closed every Monday. For visitors planning a 2-hour visit, a standard ticket will be more than sufficient.
- Please scan the QR code we have send to you at any of the main entrance to get into the Summer Palace.
- Senior is free of charge, but you have to show passport with your date of birth on the spot and explain to them yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service) lasts about 1–4 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $8 per person for this Beijing experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 6 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is If you choose the guide service, the meeting point is in front of Summer Palace East gate ticket office( 颐和园东宫门Chinese name for the pick up location). Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in ZH-TW, EN, ZH-CN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible The Summer Palace is open daily all year round. However, the on-site museums—accessible only with a combined ticket—remain closed every Monday. For visitors planning a 2-hour visit, a standard ticket will be more than sufficient.
Reviews(137)
A
Big Family
Very positive experience, especially the park with the water lilies; we saw a lot of girls dressed in traditional clothes, it felt like being in Ancient China.
K
Quick, easy, and convenient ticketing
Tickets were provided well in advance, making the whole process seamless. We could enter through any gate, just by scanning the QR code at the turnstile. Super easy! We didn’t use the guide so cannot comment on that. The Summer Palace itself was very pretty - we enjoyed the walk around the lake more than the buildings area by the north gate.
I
Recommended!
It was a good experience - Sherry showed me the whole area . She is very knowledgeable and experienced. I had no problems communicating with her and she answered all my questions. Would recommend
M
Very beautiful!
It is an immense park; you can spend the whole day there! Very interesting and beautiful! I recommend taking it easy.
3
Best guide
Cassie was fabulous. Very personable, funny and knowledgeable. I would do more tours with her.
R
Summer Palace
We were picked up at our hotel by Su Debin. Although he spoke little English we conversed through a translation app. He was really great alerting us to landmarks as we drove. He dropped us off and helped us with entry into the Summer Palace. Once we finished touring he met us at the exit and then took us by the Beijing Olympic sites Berds Nest and the Cube. All in all it was a great overall experience. Thank you Su Debin.
2
Fully recommended
Moko was a superb guide, with all round fantastic knowledge of the summer palace, and also provided further recommendations for Beijing as well. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
M
Allen was our tour guide...
Allen was our tour guide for visiting the Summer Palace and we couldn’t have wished for a better person. He was very competent, he taught us a lot about Chinese history and he was very kind and patient with our questions. Being our first day in China he helped us with the first difficulties on top of being our guide. We for sure recommend him!
P
Xing Jian was great and...
Xing Jian was great and let me take my own time to explore the summer palace. He was punctual on pick up.
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