Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Palaces

Summer Palace

Beijing, China

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST PALACES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 45 2026
Summer Palace

Former Qing imperial summer retreat in Beijing, built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother and later used by Empress Dowager Cixi, set around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Visitors walk painted corridors, climb to temples, cross stone bridges and take boats across the lake.

Highlights

  • Long Corridor
  • Tower of Buddhist Incense
  • Marble Boat

Good to know

  • Combined ticket covers separately ticketed sections
  • Entry free for visitors aged 60+
  • Inner sections closed on Mondays

Also in China

  1. Forbidden City N° 14 Forbidden City Beijing Palace
  2. Potala Palace N° 46 Potala Palace Lhasa Palace