Old Summer Palace(Yuanmingyuan)

Address No. 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Hours 07:00-19:30
Phone +86 10 6262 8501
Announcement: National Archeological Park
Entrance ¥25
Hours 07:00-19:30
Best Season Summer (for lotus blossoms)
Time needed 3-4 hours
Last visit: May 22, 2026
Author: Lei Li
Reviewer: Ying Zhang

Old Summer Palace(Yuanmingyuan) Travel Guide

Yuanmingyuan Park: Is It Worth Visiting? Beijing’s Ruined Garden

Yuanmingyuan Park: Is It Worth Visiting? Beijing’s Ruined Garden

Is Yuanmingyuan Park worth visiting in Beijing? This guide from a local tour guide cuts through the hype. Discover the real experience, from ticket prices and transport tips to hidden spots most tourists miss. Learn why these ruins move some visitors to tears and leave others underwhelmed.

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Old Summer Palace(Yuanmingyuan) Overview

Once an imperial wonder, it was destroyed during the Second Opium War. Today, it stands as a beautiful park and a poignant historical ruin.

Old Summer Palace(Yuanmingyuan) Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 07:00-19:30
  • Best season: Summer (for lotus blossoms)
  • Ticket note: 25 CNY (Through Ticket)

Essential Old Summer Palace(Yuanmingyuan) Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 10 6262 8501
  • Electric Carts
  • Restrooms
  • Exhibition Halls
  • Vending Machines

How to Get to Old Summer Palace(Yuanmingyuan)

Take Subway Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Station.

Old Summer Palace(Yuanmingyuan) Travel Safety & Advice

Security guards constantly patrol the park. Emergency: 120.

Practical Info

  • No. 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing
  • 07:00-19:30
  • +86 10 6262 8501
Lei Li
Lei Li
Certified Master Tour Guide
Lei Li, a Beijing-based Certified Master Tour Guide, specializes in North China itineraries covering the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

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On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • 25 CNY (Through Ticket)

Online booking may be required

Tips

The European-style palace ruins (Xiyang Lou) are the main photography spot and require the through ticket.

Reality Check

  • Long queues — arrive early
  • ID / passport may be required
  • Weather gamble
  • Cooler at higher elevation
  • Not fully accessible
  • No direct transit in some areas
Where to Stay Near Yuanmingyuan: Smart Areas & Hotels for Tourists

Where to Stay Near Yuanmingyuan: Smart Areas & Hotels for Tourists

Lei Li 2026-05-25

Planning a visit to the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) in Beijing? Discover the best areas to stay, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, with insider tips on transportation, dining, and avoiding tourist traps. This guide from a local tour guide helps you choose the perfect base for your trip.

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Old Summer Palace(Yuanmingyuan) Travel FAQ

Are there guides or audio tours available?
Official guided tours in English are sporadic and not reliably scheduled. Your best bet is to use a reliable travel app that offers offline audio guides or download a map with detailed annotations beforehand. The on-site signage in English is minimal, so some prior research is essential to understand what you're looking at.
Is it worth visiting with young children?
It depends. Young kids might find the ruins "boring" compared to the interactive Summer Palace. The vast space can be tiring for them. However, the maze, the boat rental, and the open spaces to run can be enjoyable. Bring snacks, water, and manage expectations. It's more of an educational trip than a purely fun one for children.
Is the Old Summer Palace the same as the Summer Palace?
No, they are two distinct sites with different histories. The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) is a restored and functioning imperial garden from the late 19th century, famous for its long corridor and marble boat. The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) is the ruins of an earlier, larger 18th-century complex destroyed in 1860. The Summer Palace is more of a "park" experience; Yuanmingyuan is a historical site for reflection.
How much walking is involved, and is it accessible for those with mobility issues?
It involves a significant amount of walking on uneven paths, gravel, and grass. The main ruin areas have paved walkways, but the park is vast. There are battery-operated sightseeing carts for rent near the gates that can shuttle you between major areas for a fee (around 15-30 RMB per leg). However, exploring the ruins themselves requires navigating steps and broken ground. It is not particularly wheelchair-friendly.
What's the one thing I shouldn't miss at Yuanmingyuan?
Beyond the obvious Great Fountain ruins, make sure you find a quiet spot by Fuhai Lake. The contrast between the serene water, weeping willows, and the knowledge of the destruction just a short walk away is the emotional core of the visit. It turns a history lesson into a personal experience.
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