Summer Palace Boat Guide | Summer Palace Boat Ride Types & Routes

Running Time: 8:30 – 17:30

The electric ferry has up to 11 routes, which nearly charge the same. It sails in a single way rather than a round way and stops at a fixed but different port. One ferry can accommodate 20 to 98 people, so normally you won't wait too long, and one single-way ferry trip will only take you around 15 minutes. Since you'll have to hike around Kunming Lake at a large length, if you want to save your energy and time to look at more wonderful architecture and scenery in Summer Palace, you're highly recommended to take this ferry.

Normally, visitors will choose the nearest ferry ports to transfer to other spots. Seventeen Arch Bridge is a hightlight of Kunming Lake, which at dawn and dusk the golden sunlight shining over unfolds a glorious painting. Lots of routes either pass by Seventeen Arch Bridge and South Lake Island that links it, or stop in or near them. Routes 1, 4, and 6 enable you to closer admire Seventeen Arch Bridge on the water, and the most recommended routes 2, 8, 10, and 11 will offer you a chance to roam on the exquisite bridge. Since most old architecture gathers in the northern part of Summer Palace, you can visit them one by one down to the Tower of Buddhist Incense (佛香阁), then take a ferry at the nearby Paiyun Gate Port following Route 3 to have a circle-shaped relaxing trip by admiring more lake scenery, and finally sail back to travel to the rest buildings.

Running Time: 8:30 – 17:30 (stopping selling tickets at 16:30)

Boat Fare: CNY 200/boat for an hour

If you want to sail without a fixed route to more attractions you want, taking a small electric boat for 6 passengers at most is the best choice. You can drive the boat by yourself in an hour, either leisurely admire the intricate details of lakeside bridges, halls, towers, and pavilions, or speed up for a more thrilling tour, as well as capture stunning photographs along your way.

There are Yulan Hall Port (玉澜堂码头), Wenchang Tower Port (文昌阁码头), and Bafang Pavilion Port (八方亭码头) for boats. The first two are located in the northeast of Kunming Lake and the last one is near Seventeen Arch Bridge. Since there are only three ports, you may need to queue for a long time. Choosing a small boat will bring you an in-depth journey. However, different from stopping at a different terminal port when taking a ferry, you'll have to sail back to your initial starting port.

Service Period of this Year: March 23 – October 31

The Beijing Royal River Cruise opens to the public three ports including the departure Beijing Zoo Port, 700-year-old royal Ziyuwan Port (紫御湾码头) in Zizhuyuan Park (紫竹院公园), the terminal Tongniu Port (铜牛码头) near South Ruyi Gate of Summer Palace (颐和园南如意门), via Beijing Aquarium (北京海洋馆), Wanshou Temple (万寿寺) originally built in Tang Dynasty, Changhe Bridge (长河桥), and other notable attractions with a length of 9km for around 60 minutes. The cruise launches three themes from Spring to Autumn. In Spring, go to Changhe (Long River 长河) to admire the riverside luxuriantly green willow; in Summer, visit Summer Palace to see elegantly blossoming lotus; in Autumn marvel at the beautiful colors of foliage along the long river. On this cruise, you're able to see some historical sites to experience the life of ancient people as well as admire natural beauty along the long river.

To explore Beijin's highlights, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall (with Mutianyu as the top recommendation), the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Beijing Hutongs - plan for about 4 days, including arrival and departure.

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If you have extra days, consider hiking the scenic Jinshanling Great Wall, enjoying the stunning night views of Simatai Great Wall, or visiting other sections like Huanghuacheng, Gubeikou, and Juyongguan.

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Families with children should not miss Universal Beijing Resort, while museum enthusiasts should visit the National Museum of China, home to the nation's most valuable treasures.

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As a major transportation hub, Beijing offers easy access to other top destinations in China by flight or train, such as Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, and Tibet. China Discovery provides a variety of tour packages from Beijing, or we can customize an itinerary to suit your preferences.

Recommended Beijing Tours with Other Top Cities in China:

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