Beijing: Summer Palace Entrance

Built in 1750 as the Garden of Clear Ripples, the Summer Palace stands as China's most well-preserved royal garden in Beijing's Haidian District. This imperial retreat centers around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, with three-quarters of its 290 hectares covered by water. The design draws inspiration from Hangzhou's West Lake, blending natural landscapes with the architectural grandeur of Qing Dynasty royalty.

The 728-meter Long Corridor remains one of the garden's most striking features, adorned with over 14,000 colorful paintings that create a gallery of decorative art. You'll find the Buddhist Fragrance Pavilion crowning Longevity Hill, offering sweeping views across Kunming Lake below. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge stretches 544 meters to South Lake Island, its balustrades carved with over a hundred stone lions. Suzhou Street recreates ancient Jiangnan-style marketplaces, while temples and pavilions dot the grounds throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This guided tour runs during the afternoon session, giving you expert insight into the palace's history and architectural significance. The combination of water features, hillside temples, and covered walkways creates a landscape that has enchanted visitors since the days of imperial China.

You'll begin your afternoon guided tour at this expansive imperial garden, where your guide will lead you through the historical context of the 1750 estate. The visit takes you along Kunming Lake's shoreline and up Longevity Hill, with the 728-meter Long Corridor providing shade as you admire its 14,000 painted panels depicting classical Chinese scenes and landscapes.

The route includes the Seventeen-Arch Bridge's 544-meter crossing to South Lake Island, where you can examine the carved stone lions up close. You'll climb to the Buddhist Fragrance Pavilion for panoramic lake views before exploring Suzhou Street and other pavilions scattered across the grounds. Your guide provides commentary on the Qing Dynasty architecture and the garden's UNESCO heritage status throughout the tour.