Summer Palace

Honestly a bit disappointed. We paid for a combo ticket but half the buildings inside were closed for renovation. The lake was nice but the water was murky. Food options near the East Gate were overpriced and bland. For the price, I'd rather go to the Temple of Heaven again.

Nice place, but I didn't think it was *that* amazing given the hype. The Summer Palace is huge—you’ll need at least half a day. Some sections felt a bit rundown and the signs in English were scarce. The views from the hill are great though. It's a solid 4, not a 5.

I visited on a crisp winter day and the palace looked magical with a light dusting of snow. Few tourists, so it felt like I had the place to myself. The marble boat is cool, but the real highlight was walking across the Seventeen‑Arch Bridge at sunset. A perfect afternoon escape from the city.

Decent experience but felt a bit let down by the crowding. Midday was a zoo—selfie sticks everywhere. The gardens are beautiful but you can't really enjoy the peace. Also, the tea house near the lake was overpriced and the service was slow. If you go, pick a weekday morning.

Absolutely stunning! The lake was like a mirror reflecting the autumn leaves. We rented a boat and paddled around for an hour—pure bliss. The Long Corridor is a masterpiece; I could spend hours just looking at the painted ceilings. Totally worth the entrance fee. Highly recommend going early to avoid crowds.

Decent enough for a half-day trip, but I expected more wow factor. The artificial hill felt a bit underwhelming compared to natural parks I’ve seen, and the food stalls inside were overpriced and mediocre. The boat ride was nice but short. I’d say it’s a solid 3-star experience—pleasant but not unforgettable.

As a photographer, I was in heaven. The symmetry of the architecture, the reflections in the lake, and the golden hour light hitting the tower—I got some of my best shots here. Only downside was the sheer number of tourists pushing through the corridor, but if you’re patient, you can find quiet corners. Worth every yuan.

I loved the mix of natural beauty and imperial history here. Walking along the lakeside at sunset was incredibly peaceful, and I even saw locals doing tai chi near the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. The marble boat is a bit overhyped, but the overall atmosphere more than makes up for it. A must-see in Beijing.

Honestly, I was a bit let down for the price of admission. The grounds are huge and pretty, but a lot of the buildings were closed for renovation. The lake is nice, but there’s not much else to do unless you pay extra for the boat or the internal exhibits. Feels like a money grab. Maybe come back when it’s fully open?

Visited the Summer Palace on a crisp autumn morning and it was absolutely magical. The long corridor with its intricate paintings took my breath away, and the view of Kunming Lake from the top of the hill is something I’ll never forget. Even the boat ride felt like a scene from a painting. Highly recommend going early to avoid the crowds.