The Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden located in the Haidian District of Beijing, China. It covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers and is situated about 15 kilometers northwest of the Forbidden City.
Generally, you would finish you tour in the Forbidden city at the north gate (Xuanwu gate), and there are several ways to get to the Summer Palace depending on your preference and budget. Here are some of the most popular options:
Bus + Subway: The most convenient way to get to the Summer Palace is to take the combination of bus and subway. From the Xuanwu Gate, you can take bus No. 101, 103, or 124 to Xisi Street Stop (西四街) and transfer to Subway Line 4 here. Take Line 4 to the Beigongmen Station (北宫门) and exit the station from Exit D. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to the entrance of the Summer Palace. The entire journey takes about 1 hour, and the fare is 7 RMB.
Bus: Another affordable way to get to the Summer Palace is to take the bus. From the north gate of the Forbidden City, you can take Bus 111 to Xizhimen Wai Stop (西直门外) and transfer to Bus 332 there. It will take you to the Beigongmen Station (北宫门). The journey takes about 1.5 hours, and the fare is CNY 5.
Taxi: If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, you can take a taxi from the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic, and the fare is around CNY 50-60. You can show the following phrase to the driver: “请带我到去颐和园北宫门”.
Private tour: If you want to make the most of your visit to the Summer Palace, you can book a private tour that includes transportation from the Forbidden City to the palace. A private tour will give you the flexibility to customize your itinerary and explore the palace at your own pace.