Summer Palace
A vast imperial garden and palace complex around Kunming Lake, showcasing classical Chinese landscape design.
History & Background
Originally built in 1750 during the Qing dynasty, the Summer Palace was the imperial garden retreat for emperors seeking respite from the stifling heat of the Forbidden City. Largely destroyed by Anglo-French forces in 1860, it was rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi using funds diverted from the navy. The 290-hectare site centers on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
What to See & Do
- Long Corridor - 728m of painted galleries with 14,000 scenes
- Tower of Buddhist Incense atop Longevity Hill
- Marble Boat on Kunming Lake
- Seventeen-Arch Bridge with 544 stone lions
- Garden of Virtue and Harmony with the Grand Theater
Visitor Tips
- Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake
- Walk the full Long Corridor slowly
- Climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for views
- Visit the Marble Boat for photos
- Allow half a day for a complete visit
Visit Summer Palace with QTour
Our private tours include this attraction with an expert guide, private vehicle, and flexible itinerary.
QTour builds private itineraries around Summer Palace with a dedicated English-speaking guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide arranges entrance tickets, skips the queues where possible and explains the history in your language — no fixed group schedule and no shopping stops. Every booking follows our one-booking-one-team policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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