Summer Palace of Beijing How to Buy Tickets 2025
Step by Step Guide to get Summer Palace Tickets in 2025
So, you want to visit the Summer Palace in Beijing? Great choice!
The Summer Palace isn’t just another tourist attraction – it’s a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. But before you get lost in its beauty, there’s one thing to sort out first: your tickets. Depending on the season, they can sell out fast! 🔥
Good news? You can book them directly on WeChat! Here’s exactly how to do it:
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Best time to visit
- Peak Tourist Season (July to August)
- Best Time to Travel (Spring or Autumn)
Where to stay
- ($) Donghua Hotel
- ($$) Orange Hotel Wangfujing
- ($$$) Hilton Hotel Wangfujing
TOP ATTRACTIONS
*prices shown are accurate at the time of writing and, unless otherwise stated are in USD.
Summer Palace Tickets: Everything You Need to Know
The Summer Palace is one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks, known for its beautiful lakes, gardens, and historic architecture. If you’re planning to visit, here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets, prices, and entry requirements.
When Do Summer Palace Tickets Become Available?
Tickets for the Summer Palace become available for purchase 7 days in advance. Before you buy your tickets, you’ll need to know when you can go!
⏰ Summer Palace Opening Time
- April–October: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- November–March: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April–May): Pleasant weather with blooming flowers.
- Autumn (September–October): Comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Weekdays: Less crowded compared to weekends and public holidays.
🛂 ID Requirements for Entry
Visitors must present a valid passport when purchasing tickets, whether online or in person. If booking through a Chinese app, you may need to enter your passport details in advance.
How to Get to the Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is easily accessible by public transport. To make public transport easier when travelling in China, I recommend downloading the MetroMan App (especially if you are an Android user). Check out our blog post on 8 apps you need for China!
By Subway:
Take Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate), Exit D.
For most visitors, Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate) is the best entrance, as it provides direct access to the main attractions.
Bus:
Multiple buses stop near the main entrances, including routes 303, 331, and 332.
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Summer Palace Ticket Options
Okay, we are almost there. Now you know when you want to go and how to get there. Now it’s time to work out what type of ticket you want to get.
There are different ticket options depending on which areas you want to explore.
The main entrance fee grants access to the palace grounds, while additional tickets are required for special attractions like the Tower of Buddhist Incense and the Suzhou Street area.
🎟️ Ready to Explore? Secure Your Summer Palace Tickets Here! 👈
Ticket Prices & Entry Options
There are two main ticket types:
- Entrance Ticket: 30 RMB (low season) / 40 RMB (high season)
- Through Ticket (includes special attractions): 50 RMB (low season) / 60 RMB (high season)
💰 Discounts: Students, older people, and children may be eligible for reduced fares with valid identification.
🚨 Important: Suzhou Street, Dehe Garden, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense are closed on Mondays (except national holidays). Plan accordingly!
How to Buy Summer Palace Tickets
There are several ways to buy tickets for the Summer Palace. I would recommend booking in advance ensures you secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays.
The cheapest way to get tickets, below, I will break down exactly how to do this 👇
At the Entrance
If you prefer to buy tickets in person, you can do so at the ticket counters near the main gates. However, ticket lines can be long during weekends and holidays, so online booking is the faster option.
Through a Third Party
If you prefer a hassle-free option, third-party platforms like Get Your Guide allow you to book in English with confirmation saved right to your phone.
If you use Get Your Guide often, downloading their mobile app is a game-changer. It makes booking and retrieving tickets a breeze!
Yes, you will pay a slight premium for convenience, but it’s a hassle-free way to book!
👉 SUMMER PALACE: Book Your Tickets Here! 🚨
How To Book Summer Palace Tickets Through WeChat
Okay, this is the cheapest way to get tickets to the Summer Palace of Beijing. It does take a little bit of effort but for cheap skates like us, we think it is totally worth it!
Step 1: Open WeChat & Find the Official Booking
- Open WeChat (download it if you haven’t yet).
- Go to ‘Discover’ → ‘Mini Programs.’
- Search “颐和园” (Summer Palace in Chinese) or use the English term.
- Once inside, tap the three dots (top right) to enable translation.
Step 2: Select Your Ticket Type
- Entrance Ticket: ¥30 (low season) / ¥40 (high season)
- Through Ticket (includes special attractions): ¥50 (low season) / ¥60 (high season)
If you want access to all the scenic spots inside (like Suzhou Street & the Tower of Buddhist Incense), go for the through ticket. Note, these attractions are closed on Mondays.
📅 Pro tip: Tickets open 7 days in advance, and weekends/holidays book out quickly – so don’t wait!
Step 3: Fill in Your Passport Info & Pay!
Since you’re a foreigner, you’ll need to:
- Select “护照” (Passport) instead of ID card.
- Enter your passport number and full name (match your travel doc exactly).
- Choose your visit date & time slot.
✅ Double-check everything before you hit confirm – typos can cause headaches at the entrance.
Process your payment – WeChat Pay is the easiest way (if you have it set up).
Step 4: Scan & Enter on Arrival
- Once paid, you’ll get a QR code in WeChat, take a screenshot to save this to your photos.
- At the Summer Palace entrance, go to the ticket gate (no need to pick up a paper ticket).
- Scan your QR code + passport and you’re in! 🎉
⚡ Last-Minute Tips
⏰ Arrive early if you want fewer crowds—this place gets PACKED.
🛂 Bring your passport.
🎟️ If you didn’t book in advance, you can try buying at the entrance (but online is safer).
Summer Palace of Beijing FAQ
Why is the Summer Palace famous?
The Summer Palace is famous for being one of China’s best-preserved imperial gardens, showcasing traditional Chinese landscaping, architecture, and historical significance as a retreat for emperors.
Fun Fact: The palace covers 2.9 square kilometers – that’s three times the size of Vatican City! 🤯
Why was the Summer Palace destroyed?
The Summer Palace was destroyed in 1860 during the Second Opium War by Anglo-French forces and later rebuilt in 1886 by the Qing Dynasty.
What is the entry fee for the Summer Palace?
- Entrance Ticket: ¥30 (low season) / ¥40 (high season)
- Through Ticket (includes special attractions): ¥50 (low season) / ¥60 (high season)
What is the Summer Palace used for today?
Today, the Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, showcasing China’s imperial history and traditional garden design.
Final Thoughts on Summer Palace of Beijing
Now you know exactly how to book your Summer Palace tickets! Make sure to secure them early, plan your visit wisely, and don’t forget your passport!
🎟️ Ready to Explore? Secure Your Summer Palace Tickets Here! 👈
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