Best Summer Palace Tours & Trips

The Summer Palace, known as Yiheyuan in Chinese, is located in the northwest of Beijing, a complex of lakes, gardens, and palaces used as a royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. The Summer Palace was inspired by the gardens of southern China and houses a collection of valuable artifacts from various dynasties. The highlights of the building are Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, the promenade, the palace, and the lush gardens.
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4-Day Beijing Private Tour with Lunch: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Hutong and Yonghe Palace
Free Cancellation
Daily Departure
5.0 ( 5 reviews ) Tour Code: 710487
Start / End City
Beijing
Duration
4.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven +3 more
Languages
English Live
Group Type
Private Tour
From
$1,180.00
8-Day Beijing and Shanghai Highlights Tour: 2 Free Days | Badaling Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Yu Garden, The Bund丨Airport pickup
Free Cancellation
Daily Departure
Chinese Meal
4.8 ( 28 reviews ) Tour Code: 739935
Start / End City
Beijing, Shanghai
Duration
8.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Shanghai, Forbidden City +6 more
Languages
English Live
Group Type
Small Group Tour
Save 5%
From $878.90
$834.96
Limited-Time Offer
4-Day Beijing Splendors Private Tour: Tian'anmen Square, Temple of Heaven and The Summer Palace**24-Hour Free Airport Transfer**
Daily Departure
Daily breakfast
Chinese Meal
4.8 ( 15 reviews ) Tour Code: 709641
Start / End City
Beijing
Duration
4.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven +3 more
Languages
English Live
Group Type
Private Tour
Tour Audience
Primarily English-Speaking Travelers
From
$771.15
11-Day Classic China Private Tour from Beijing: Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai | Summer Palace | Xi'an History Museum
Daily Departure
Daily breakfast
5.0 ( 8 reviews ) Tour Code: 690213
Start / End City
Beijing, Shanghai
Duration
11.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin +13 more
Languages
English Live
Group Type
Private Tour
Tour Audience
Primarily English-Speaking Travelers
From
$3,991.84
14-Day China's Natural Marvels Expedition Private Tour from Beijing: Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai
Daily Departure
Daily breakfast
Chinese Meal
4.8 ( 18 reviews ) Tour Code: 690222
Start / End City
Beijing, Shanghai
Duration
14.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie +19 more
Languages
English Live
Group Type
Private Tour
Tour Audience
Primarily English-Speaking Travelers
Save 5%
From $4,368.83
$4,150.38
Limited-Time Offer
8-Day Private China Tour from Beijing: Xi'an, Shanghai, Forbidden City, The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and Summer Palace| 13 Meals Included
Daily breakfast
Select Meals Included
5.0 ( 5 reviews ) Tour Code: 738990
Start / End City
Beijing, Shanghai
Duration
8.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai +17 more
Languages
English Live
Group Type
Private Tour
Tour Audience
Mixed International Travelers
From
$1,879.00
9-Day China’s Three Capitals Tour from Beijing: Shanghai, Xi'an | Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors Museum & Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Daily breakfast
Select Meals Included
5.0 Tour Code: 751476
Start / End City
Beijing, Shanghai
Duration
9.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai +13 more
Languages
English Live
Group Type
Small Group Tour
From
$1,648.71
17D16N · Group Tours · Best of China: Kung Fu Pandas, Scenic Wonders, and Imperial Icons·Discover China's legendary landscapes on this 17-day journey. From sacred temples to cinematic views, this trip blends soul, spice, and scenery into one unforgettable adventure.
Guaranteed Departure
Free Cancellation
5.0 Tour Code: 753906
Start / End City
Shanghai
Duration
17.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an +53 more
Languages
English Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
From
$3,567.50
12-Day Traditional China Tour from Beijing: Shanghai, Qufu, Xuzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou & Xi'an | Longmen Caves & Taishan Mountain
Daily breakfast
Select Meals Included
5.0 Tour Code: 745896
Start / End City
Beijing, Xi'an
Duration
12.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Qufu, Nanjing +27 more
Languages
English Live, Spanish Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
Operator
Europamundo Vacaciones
From
$3,055.00
11-Day Classic China Tour From Beijing: Xi'an, Chongqing,Yangtze River and Shanghai | 20 Meals Included | Private Tour
Daily breakfast
Select Meals Included
5.0 ( 5 reviews ) Tour Code: 739044
Start / End City
Beijing, Shanghai
Duration
11.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing +21 more
Languages
English Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
Tour Audience
Mixed International Travelers
From
$2,629.00
Exclusive Experience with Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Day Tour
Free Cancellation
Daily Departure
5.0 ( 15 reviews ) Tour Code: 739341
Start / End City
Beijing
Duration
8.0 Hours
City & Attractions
Beijing, Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall
Languages
Chinese Live, English Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
From
$336.00
8D7N · Group Tours · Explore Iconic China in Small Group: Imperial & Modern Wonders·Discover the Timeless Allure of China: An 8-day journey through Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. It's culture, cuisine, and unforgettable moments that you can cross off your bucket list—all in one epic escape.
Guaranteed Departure
Free Cancellation
5.0 Tour Code: 753918
Start / End City
Beijing, Shanghai
Duration
8.0 Days
City & Attractions
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an +22 more
Languages
English Live
Group Type
Small Group Tour
From
Live
14-Day Korea and the Golden Triangle in China Tour from Seoul: Busan, Daegu, Beijing, Shanghai, Luoyang & Xi'an | Bukchon Hanok Village & Mt. Hua
Daily breakfast
Select Meals Included
5.0 Tour Code: 745809
Start / End City
Seoul, Xi'an
Duration
14.0 Days
City & Attractions
Seoul, Busan, Bulguksa +38 more
Languages
English Live, Spanish Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
Operator
Europamundo Vacaciones
From
$4,199.00
11-Day Korea and China Highlights Tour from Seoul:  Busan, Daegu, Andong, Beijing, Shanghai | Hahoe Village, Great Wall & Wangfujing Street
Daily breakfast
Select Meals Included
5.0 Tour Code: 745791
Start / End City
Seoul, Shanghai
Duration
11.0 Days
City & Attractions
Seoul, Busan, Bulguksa +24 more
Languages
English Live, Spanish Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
Operator
Europamundo Vacaciones
From
$3,399.00
14-Day Essential China and Silk Road Tour from Shanghai: Luoyang, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi & Beijing | Su Gong Ta Mosque, Mogao Caves
Daily breakfast
Select Meals Included
5.0 Tour Code: 745737
Start / End City
Shanghai, Beijing
Duration
14.0 Days
City & Attractions
Shanghai, Luoyang, Xi'an +16 more
Languages
English Live, Spanish Live
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
Operator
Europamundo Vacaciones
From
$6,604.00
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Best Time to Visit Summer Palace

Spring 2026/2027
Spring at The Summer Palace (March-May) brings mild 12-22°C (54-72°F) days, perfect for exploring. Peach blossoms frame Kunming Lake while willows sway in gentle breezes. Visitors enjoy boat rides on the water, strolling the Long Corridor, or climbing Longevity Hill for panoramic views. The marble boat and ancient temples shine under clear skies, making it an ideal time for photography and cultural immersion in Beijing's royal heritage.
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Summer 2026
Summer brings warm days averaging 26°C (79°F) with lush green willows framing Kunming Lake. Visit between June and August to see lotus flowers in full bloom across the water. Rent a traditional dragon boat or stroll along the Long Corridor for shaded views of ancient paintings. Early mornings offer cool breezes perfect for tai chi sessions near the Marble Boat, while evenings host lively local dance gatherings. This UNESCO site transforms into a vibrant oasis where history meets nature's peak beauty.
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Autumn 2026
Autumn with temps ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 20°C (68°F). Golden ginkgo leaves frame Kunming Lake, creating a mirror for the Long Corridor. Visitors enjoy boat rides on calm waters or hiking Fragrant Hill nearby for vibrant red foliage. The harvest season offers fresh chestnuts and persimmons at local stalls. This period avoids summer crowds, making it ideal for photography and quiet strolls through historic pavilions.
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Winter 2026/2027
Winter transforms Beijing's imperial gem into a serene, snow-dusted wonderland. From December to February, temperatures hover around -5°C (23°F), often dropping lower, freezing Kunming Lake into a vast natural rink. Visitors glide across the ice on traditional sleds or stroll along frost-covered causeways framing ancient pavilions. The Snowy West Causeway offers breathtaking views of ice-encrusted willows against red walls, while the Long Corridor provides sheltered walks adorned with intricate paintings. This season highlights quiet beauty and unique activities unavailable in warmer months.
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Reviews for Summer Palace Tours

R
11-Day Classic China Private Tour from Beijing: Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai | Summer Palace | Xi'an History Museum

Perfectly Paced Discovery

The 11-day itinerary balanced history, nature and modernity flawlessly. From the Great Wall's majesty to Guilin's stunning vistas and Shanghai's energy, each destination complemented the others to create a comprehensive China introduction.

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S
4-Day Beijing Private Tour with Lunch: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Hutong and Yonghe Palace

A Fantastic and Comprehensive Beijing Experience!

This 3-day private tour was absolutely fantastic. From the moment we were picked up, everything was well-organized and tailored to our preferences. We explored Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven with in-depth commentary from our guide. The Great Wall hike was a highlight, and the Hutong tour gave us a charming glimpse into traditional Beijing life. Lunches were delicious, and the Yonghe Palace was a serene finish to our tour. Highly recommend this tour for an immersive Beijing experience!

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A
4-Day Beijing Splendors Private Tour: Tian'anmen Square, Temple of Heaven and The Summer Palace**24-Hour Free Airport Transfer**

Love this tour

We love this tour. Tian'anmen Square was awe-inspiring, and learning about its historical significance was enlightening. The Temple of Heaven's architecture and rituals were a unique cultural experience. The Summer Palace's vast gardens and lake views were breathtaking.

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P
14-Day China's Natural Marvels Expedition Private Tour from Beijing: Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai

Wonderful and beautiful trip

This trip was a visual feast. Zhangjiajie's mountains were stunning, the Li River cruise in Guilin was picturesque, and Yangshuo's countryside was incredibly relaxing. Each day brought new surprises and discoveries. The Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, historical sites in Xi'an, and the vibrant city life in Shanghai were all captivating. Highly recommend for nature and culture enthusiasts.

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FAQs about Summer Palace Tours

Why is the Summer Palace famous?

It is famous for being the best-preserved imperial garden in China, featuring classical Chinese landscape design, the large Kunming Lake, and the Longevity Hill. It was a summer retreat for Qing emperors and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What happened to the Summer Palace?

The Summer Palace was severely damaged in 1860 during the Second Opium War, when Anglo-French forces destroyed many buildings. It was later rebuilt and expanded in the late Qing dynasty, especially under Empress Dowager Cixi.

How much does the Summer Palace cost?

Standard tickets are about 30–60 RMB (≈ $4–$8 USD) depending on the season.

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