Summer Palace
✅ VerifiedBeijing
The Summer Palace has two ticket types — a basic park entry and a combined ticket that includes the paid gardens and halls inside.
Last verified: 2026-08-21
Why choosing is confusing
The Summer Palace (颐和园) is China's largest royal park. There are two main tickets: the park entry ticket (大门票) gets you into the grounds, but the key attractions — the Tower of Buddhist Incense (佛香阁), the Hall of Joy and Longevity (德和园), the Garden of Harmonious Interests (谐趣园), and the Suzhou Market Street (苏州街) — require the combined ticket (联票). If you only buy the park ticket, you will see the lake and长廊 (Long Corridor) but miss the most iconic buildings.
Local guide's shortcut
For most visitors
Buy the combined ticket (联票, ¥60 peak / ¥50 off-season). It includes everything — the park, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and all the paid sub-attractions. The price difference from the basic ticket is small, and buying sub-tickets individually inside is more expensive.
Choose by Travel Style
Which ticket fits you?
Guide first, booking second. The final product names and inclusions can be connected to the existing ticket inventory.
Combined Ticket (Park + All Sub-Attractions)
Best for most first-time visitors — covers everything in one ticket
What this combination includes
- ✓Full park entry
- ✓Tower of Buddhist Incense (佛香阁) — the iconic hilltop pagoda
- ✓Hall of Joy and Longevity (德和园) — the Grand Opera House
- ✓Garden of Harmonious Interests (谐趣园) — a miniature Suzhou garden
- ✓Suzhou Market Street (苏州街) — recreated imperial shopping street
What's not included
- Boat rental on Kunming Lake (separate, ~¥40–60)
- Audio guide (sold separately)
Main trade-off
Best value — you see everything without buying individual tickets. The only extra is if you want a boat ride on the lake.
¥60 peak / ¥50 off-season (≈ US$8–7) + US$0.99 service fee
Book this optionPark Entry Only
Best for locals or repeat visitors who only want a lakeside walk
What this combination includes
- ✓Full park grounds entry
- ✓Long Corridor (长廊) — the famous painted gallery
- ✓Kunming Lake shoreline
- ✓West Causeway
What's not included
- Tower of Buddhist Incense (the most iconic building)
- All four paid sub-attractions listed above
Main trade-off
You miss the Tower of Buddhist Incense — the most photographed spot. Not recommended for first-time visitors.
¥30 peak / ¥20 off-season (≈ US$4–3) + US$0.99 service fee
Book this optionBefore you book
Booking & Entry
- •Real-name booking required with passport. Book in advance via official channels or our service.
- •Booking window: up to 7 days ahead. Less competitive than Forbidden City but can sell out on holidays.
Best Route
- •Enter at the East Gate → walk the Long Corridor → climb to Tower of Buddhist Incense → descend to the lake → visit the paid gardens → exit at the North or East Gate.
- •Allow 3–4 hours minimum. A full relaxed day with a boat ride is also a great option.
Children & Seniors
- •Children under 1.2 m or under 6 years: free park entry.
- •Seniors 60+: half-price or free depending on the ticket type. Check current policy.
- •Students with valid ID: half-price.
Seasonal Tips
- •Best seasons: April–May (flowers) and September–October (fall colors).
- •Summer (June–August) is hot and crowded — go early morning.
- •Winter is quiet and beautiful with snow on the lake, but some boat services stop.
Ready to book?
We book the combined ticket at regular public price + US$0.99 service fee. Tell us your travel date and we handle the reservation.
Still unsure? Ask a Local
Tell us your travel date, group size, and preferences — we'll recommend the best option for you.
💬 Chat with a Local ExpertFrequently asked questions
Is the combined ticket really worth it?+
Yes. The individual sub-attraction tickets cost more in total than the combined ticket, and you save time by not queuing at each gate. For first-time visitors, the combined ticket is the clear choice.
Can I buy a boat ride separately?+
Yes. Boat rentals on Kunming Lake are separate (¥40–60 depending on boat type). You do not need the combined ticket to rent a boat — just the park entry.
How long does the visit take?+
3–4 hours for the main sights. Add 1–2 hours if you want a boat ride, tea break, or to explore the gardens at a leisurely pace.