Old Summer Palace Tours and Activities

Old Summer Palace which includes a ruin
Old Summer Palace showing a bridge, a river or creek and a garden
Old Summer Palace which includes a river or creek and a bridge
Old Summer Palace showing building ruins
Old Summer Palace which includes building ruins


Visit the fascinating remains of this formerly lavish complex of imperial palaces, devastated during the 1800s.

The Old Summer Palace once had pride of place in the Chinese Empire, and included opulent gardens, pagodas and towers. It was a symbol of the power and affluence of the royal dynasties, and was also known as Yuanmingyuan, or the Gardens of Perfect Brightness. But the buildings were largely razed to the ground in 1860 and the relics and art stolen during the Second Opium War with the British and the French.

The palace complex was ruined in retaliation for the killing of twenty members of a negotiating team sent by the invading British forces. Widespread looting of the precious porcelain and other artifacts took place when French and British troops arrived. Then, the commanders of these forces decided to burn the imperial palace to discourage the use of kidnapping as a bargaining tool – this took 3,500 soldiers three full days to complete. The ruins have been kept as they are by the Chinese people as a reminder of this act. Stolen antiques are still in many foreign museums and houses of the wealthy to this day.

Thankfully, much of the garden complex survived the fires, and it is still very attractive. The shore of the lake is perfect for a picnic and some bridges, terraces and a few buildings survive from the Qing Dynasty of the 18th century. Admire the Garden of Perfection and Light, or take in the beautiful Garden of Blossoming Spring or the Garden of Eternal Spring during your walk around the enormous 348-hectare site. Children will be delighted by the fantastic labyrinth.

There is a model of the complex at the height of its glory on display in the Yuanmingyuan exhibition hall, while you can also visit the European-style stone palaces. Both of these attractions will incur an extra fee.

The Old Summer Palace is eight kilometres from the centre of Beijing you can take a bus or subway to Yuanmingyuan Park Station. The palace is open longer on summer evenings, and there is a reasonable admission fee.

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Popular places to visit


Top Old Summer Palace Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Lake View Hotel Beijing
The Lake View Hotel Beijing
4.5 out of 5
No 127 North Street, Zhongguancun, Beijing, Beijing
The Lake View Hotel Beijing
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Shangdi, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Shangdi, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
No 33 Shangdi East Road, Beijing, Beijing
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Shangdi, an IHG Hotel
Wenjin Hotel
Wenjin Hotel
4 out of 5
South Gate of Tsinghua University, Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Wenjin Hotel
Beijing Yanshan Hotel
Beijing Yanshan Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No.38A Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing
Beijing Yanshan Hotel
Xijiao Hotel Beijing
Xijiao Hotel Beijing
3.5 out of 5
No.18 Wangzhuang Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing
Xijiao Hotel Beijing
Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No.106 Zhi Chun Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing
Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun, an IHG Hotel
Liaoning International Hotel
Liaoning International Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No.2 West Road of 4th North Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing
Liaoning International Hotel
Ariva Beijing West Hotel & Serviced Apartment
Ariva Beijing West Hotel & Serviced Apartment
4 out of 5
36 Haidian South Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing
Ariva Beijing West Hotel & Serviced Apartment
Park Plaza Beijing Science Park
Park Plaza Beijing Science Park
4 out of 5
No.25 Zhichun Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Beijing
Park Plaza Beijing Science Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.