How to Get to the Summer Palace by Car, Metro, or Bus in 2025

Recommendation: hire taxi or customize route using maps for direct approach, then park near imperial gates; avoid peak hours to save time.

For rail fans, arrive at xinjiangongmenzhan station, then switch to taxi or a short train ride to resort entrance; station staff and specialists can guide paths; exquisite routes and amazing options help families with children who enjoy hiking.

Coach lines deliver budget options; check maps for variety of stops and platforms; from airport or office clusters, signs guide toward intended stop; namely, several routes lead directly to gate areas; check schedules in advance with local agencies.

flight connections from distant areas let travelers start quickly; after landing, choose taxi or rail transfer; from station xinjiangongmenzhan, amazing ride brings you into resort precinct; namely checking schedules helps customizing plan.

Should you prioritize comfort, specialists should propose best routes; customize plans by considering areas and maps from official offices; check recommendations ahead to fit hiking, kids, and relaxation.

Beijing Summer Palace Travel Guide 2025

Choose private vehicle approach to terminal near 新建宫门; upon arrival, free shuttles circulate to gate area, making access easy for visitors.

Underground rail option exists: ride to Qinglongqiao, then switch to shuttles that cover Xiangshan campus and surrounding lawns.

New gate phrase 新建宫门 anchors entrance, assisted by multilingual staff at office, ready to issue maps and answer faqs.

Visit seasons reflect changing scenery: spring blossoms near gallery, summer shade by ponds, autumn colors along corridors, winter quiet with lanterns. A variety of views awaits during visiting hours across days of your stay.

Customize itinerary by choosing from dropdown routes, namely Xiangshan hillside trails, Qichunyuan temples, New Gate area, Yuanmingyuan cross paths; you can tailor a route per your interests.

Flights arrive at capital airport; from there, shuttles, private rides, or subway lines connect to Beijing hubs; overnight options available through nearby hostels and hotels; nightlife near Qiandian region offers evenings after day visits.

For practical culture docs, check gallery section for recent photos, office hours, and official notices; detailed maps cover where to find crosswalks, entrances, and restrooms. Staff explain routes and their desk locations.

From Beijing Capital Airport to Summer Palace

Take PEK Airport Express to Dongzhimen, transfer to Line 13 toward Xierqi, exit at Xiyuan Station, then short walk to entrance.

Alternate route: Airport Express to Dongzhimen, then short taxi ride to gate near Liulangzhuang or Bagou.

Days of exploring begin with a classic option that blends quick transfers with appealing, exquisite views. From bagou or liulangzhuang, inner haidian streets lead past entrances to garden pavilions, gallery spaces, and treasures. dear travellers from guilin, shanghai, and other nations share tips from their experience, including a 21km swing into center along southeast routes, followed by a stroll along traditional street toward gate plazas. train services and railway links connect nearby stations, enabling safe, efficient travelling and trips. if you want, grab a taxi near there; stations, entrances, and gates vary by district and by station, namely dongzhimen, xiyuan, beigongmen, or others upon arrival. shared experience matters.

faqs cover hours, safety, luggage rules, and travel tips; more options suit different itineraries, whether seeking longer trip or swift transfer. shared rides may save time, while trains or railway links add flexibility.

Source: https://en.bcia.com.cn/

Subway to Summer Palace: Route options and transfers

Recommendation: Exit at xinjiangongmenzhan on an express link and transfer once to a local line serving Haidian; from there, a short taxi ride or stroll reaches nearest entrances.

Option A: From central zones, ride express toward Xiyuan corridor and alight at xinjiangongmenzhan; access entrances by foot or taxi in minutes, minimizing transferring and preserving leisure time.

Option B: Start at a major northern interchange, then switch to a local shuttle that stops near multiple entrances within walking distance; this path offers greater variety in travel times and reduces crowding during peak periods.

Tips for planning: check flight arrivals to align with subway service windows, avoid peak commuting hours, and consider a taxi for final access when bags are heavy or strolling is impractical, which keeps your experience smooth.

For visitors seeking a seamless extension, Mutianyu day trips pair well with a subway finale; after palace precincts, a taxi can link you to a highway express for a flight or onward exploration, delivering a paradise-like break from urban pace.

Practical notes: entrances vary by season and zone; if youre visiting with family or photography fans, aim for morning windows when birds and water features are most active, then follow marked paths toward exits that connect with xinjiangongmenzhan and Haidian corridors for easy transfer.

From Beijing Daxing Airport to Summer Palace

Recommendation: Taxi from Daxing International Airport to royal grounds is fastest, door-to-door, with fare around 180–260 CNY and travel time over 60–90 minutes in light traffic. Visitors with kids may appreciate this comfort; no transfers, few delays, and youll arrive near pinyinyiheyuan gates ready for a stroll.

Railway option via Daxing area connects to a central hub, then fast line toward central stops; from there a short taxi or walk to pinyinyiheyuan. This path works well for crowds who want a break-free ride and want to limit backtracking; stops around wangfujing and guilin streets offer tea, snacks, and reading rooms. Their schedules vary, so check latest times suggested by office counters.

Be mindful of gates near main entrances; avoid peak hours and plan a scenic leg through jingshan to catch a wonderful view of a lakeside area. There is much street life nearby featuring classic shops and a gallery. There are hong street vendors adding color to this stroll. dear readers, there are children-friendly corners, and plenty of reading areas for their families.

Tips: you should pace a visit, break at areas around wangfujing or guilin road for quick bites; office corners near gates may provide maps and assistance; bring light jackets; plan to depart from Daxing on early light, return after sunset for illuminated grounds; youll find much to see and much to explore, as suggested by locals. This approach helped many visitors travel smoother, and shared tips between their groups.

Transit to Imperial Gardens: Lines, stops, and travel times

Recommendation: From bagou station on Line 4, direct ride to Imperial Gardens center; typical duration around 60 minutes under normal traffic. For family trips should prefer this direct path; comfortable ride with minimal transfers. Reading live maps or readings helps plan ahead and customize timing.

• Line 4: bagou station → pinyinyiheyuan area → gate near central axis. 50–70 minutes; headways 6–8 minutes; first service 05:30, last 22:00. Comfortable for family; where to alight is easy with maps.
• Line 6 via central hub: bagou station → transfer at central hub → gate near pinyinyiheyuan. 70–90 minutes; headways 8–12 minutes. Use maps to customize route, where to walk from exit to pinyinyiheyuan entrance.

Special cases and planning

1. From airports: feeder services connect to bagou or nearby stations; total time 75–110 minutes depending on connections; choose a terminal exit that minimizes street walking.
2. From tianjin: high-speed rail to capital railway station, then city coach lines toward Imperial Gardens; total 90–120 minutes.
3. From mutianyu: highway coaches approach central zone; plan 60–90 minutes extra; use station maps to adjust route.

Practical tips

• Customize routine using maps, street views, and real-time readings; reading can help choose line with shorter delays.
• For travelers traveling with family, should choose direct line to minimize transfers; a professional guide can assist at bagou; comfortable seating options exist on most services.
• Nearby facilities: near bagou, railway links, terminals, and several stations; contacts and stations appear on maps; near central areas you can find comfortable waiting rooms and rest areas.

From Forbidden City to Summer Palace: Quick car, metro, or bus options

taxi offers door-to-door transfer from central Beijing to Xiyuan entrance; travel usually 40–60 minutes with light traffic; fare around 100–200 CNY.

subway route uses Line 16 to Xiyuan Station, then 10–15 minute walk to entrance; total travel 60–75 minutes including transfers; pay with card or mobile wallet; several transfer options from center exist.

public coach options connect central hubs with park gates; travel 90–110 minutes; check timetable at travel office or station; this service is cheap, but crowding is common, especially weekends.

practical notes: entrances near Xiyuan are easier to reach; reading maps at stations helps; youll plan a simple itinerary; for families with children, keep pace light; there are plenty of food options near entrances; pack a nest with snacks and water; if you crave a deeper exploration, a day trip to mutianyu is doable from capital center with early start; Jingshan offers a vantage point after a visit; from Bagou Station, grab a taxi to chosen entrance; there are also southeast routes and options for a flexible travel style; where next? mutianyu or a stroll around Jingshan area; Past visitors often recommend arriving before lunch to avoid crowds; trips can fit preferences and read like a well rounded experience; a resort stay nearby can complement itinerary.