Old Summer Palace | Ruins of the Garden of Gardens | Admission Ticket / Half-Day Tour with Beginner Korean-Speaking Guide
🌟 Flexible options: Choose between a self-guided admission ticket or a half-day tour with a Korean-speaking guide to suit your needs.
🌟 Professional beginner-level Korean-speaking guide: A fixed 3-hour itinerary covering garden art, the history of the Western-style buildings, and modern history. No shopping stops.
🌟 World-famous historical photo spots: Visit key attractions including the Panorama Model Exhibition, the Maze (Huanghuazhen), Haiyantang, Dashuifa, Guanshuifa, and Yuanyingguan.
🌟 Exclusive benefits for guided tours: Book the half-day tour with a Korean-speaking guide to receive a 1GB global eSIM and a 20% off coupon.
Package options
Product Info
Enter the Old Summer Palace, known as the 'Garden of Gardens,' to reflect on its ruins and century-long history. You can choose to purchase admission only or join a 3-hour in-depth half-day tour with a beginner-level Korean-speaking guide. Booking the Korean-speaking guide package includes a bonus 1GB global eSIM and a 20% off coupon.
Package Details
Option 1 | Old Summer Palace Basic Admission
✅ Included: Old Summer Palace admission ticket
ℹ️ Note: Admission only. Explore at your own pace without any guided commentary.
⏰ Opening Hours April 1–October 31: 06:00-21:00 (Ticket sales and entry stop at 19:00) November 1–March 31: 06:30-19:30 (Ticket sales and entry stop at 17:30)
Option 2 | Old Summer Palace Admission + 3-Hour Beginner Korean-Speaking Guided Half-Day Tour (Includes 1GB Global eSIM + 20% off coupon)
✅ Included: Old Summer Palace admission ticket + full guided commentary by a beginner-level Korean-speaking guide
⏱ Tour Duration: 3 hours
📍 Departure Time: 09:00
📍 Meeting Point: South Gate of the Old Summer Palace
📌 Itinerary
09:00-09:15 | Meet at South Gate | 15 minutes
Meeting, general introduction to the Old Summer Palace, layout of the three gardens, and historical timeline
09:15-09:45 | Panoramic Model Exhibition | 30 minutes
1:150 scale panoramic model, the Old Summer Palace in its prime, and the layout of the three gardens
09:45-10:55 | Walking through Qichun Garden | Huanghuazhen (Maze) | Ruins of Haiyantang
10:55-11:55 | Dashuifa + Guanshuifa | Yuanyingguan | Walk back to the South Gate
11:55-12:00 | Tour Conclusion, Exit via South Gate | 5 minutes
Cultural review and farewell from the guide
- The itinerary is for reference only; the actual order may be adjusted based on crowd conditions in the park.
📍 Meeting Instructions: Please make your own way to the South Gate of the Old Summer Palace. The guide will hold a sign with your name for easy identification.
🎁 Exclusive Bonus: 1GB global eSIM + 20% off coupon
Dashuifa is the most iconic ruin of the Old Summer Palace, with its remaining stone pillars silently telling the story of the century-old history of this Garden of Gardens.
Haiyantang was once home to the Zodiac Fountain and is a classic masterpiece of Chinese and Western garden art fusion.
How to Use
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Experience Location
Location Name: Old Summer Palace
Address: Old Summer Palace, Haidian District, Beijing, ChinaFAQs
1. Why was the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) destroyed?
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) was extensively looted and burned by Anglo-French forces in 1860 during the Second Opium War. This devastating act was largely a reprisal for the imprisonment and execution of British and French envoys, resulting in a significant loss of cultural heritage.
2. What is the current state of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) today?
Today, the Old Summer Palace is preserved as the Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park. While much of the original architecture was destroyed, visitors can explore the scattered stone remnants of the grand Western-style palaces, tranquil man-made lakes, waterways, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The park also features a Full Panorama Model Exhibition, vividly showcasing its former glory.
3. What was the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) originally known for?
The Old Summer Palace, also known as Yuanmingyuan, was an imperial garden complex constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries of the Qing dynasty. It was celebrated for its vast collection of palaces, pavilions, intricate gardens, artificial lakes, and a magnificent blend of traditional Chinese and European architectural styles, earning it the esteemed title "Garden of Gardens."
4. Is the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) located near the Forbidden City?
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) is situated in the Haidian District of Beijing, to the northwest of the city center. While both are important imperial sites, Yuanmingyuan is not directly adjacent to the Forbidden City. It is a distinct complex located several kilometers away and is often visited in conjunction with the nearby Summer Palace (Yiheyuan).
5. Are reservations required to visit the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)?
Yes, it is generally recommended or sometimes required to make reservations for the Old Summer Palace, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Visitors typically need to book entrance tickets in advance online. Booking through a platform like KKday can ensure a smooth entry process and confirmed access to the park, saving you time and hassle at the entrance.
6. What are the main differences between the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) and the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)?
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) primarily functions as a historical site of ruins, highlighting its tragic destruction and the remaining foundations of its grand structures, serving as a powerful historical lesson. In contrast, the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) is a remarkably well-preserved imperial garden, featuring expansive lakes, hills, and beautifully restored traditional buildings, offering a vibrant landscape for recreation and cultural appreciation.
7. What are the operating hours for the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Ruins Park?
The operating hours for the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Ruins Park can vary by season. Generally, the park opens around 7:00 AM and closes between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM, with ticket sales typically stopping one to two hours before the official closing time. It is always advisable to consult the official park schedule prior to your visit for the most current daily times.
8. What unique features can visitors experience at the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)?
Visitors to the Old Summer Palace can immerse themselves in its unique blend of poignant history and natural beauty. Key experiences include exploring the foundations of the magnificent Western-style palaces, particularly the iconic Grand Fountain (Da Shuifa), Haiyantang, and Yuan Ying Guan. The park also hosts a comprehensive Full Panorama Model Exhibition, offering a detailed glimpse into the garden's splendid past before its destruction.
