Discover the stunning Beijing Summer Palace on this free walking tour and explore one of China’s most famous imperial gardens. This guided tour takes you through the beautiful landscapes, historic temples, majestic lakes, and ornate pavilions of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the Qing Dynasty emperors, traditional Chinese architecture, and the fascinating stories behind the gardens and palaces. Ideal for first-time visitors and history lovers, this tour offers an authentic, budget-friendly way to experience Beijing’s cultural heritage and natural beauty on foot. Book your free walking tour today to uncover hidden gems and enjoy expert insights from a local guide.
Tour starts at 09:00 AM every day.
Note: Schedule may vary on some days. Please check the calendar for available dates.
📍 Look for the PANDA flag at the meeting point.
⏰ Please arrive 5–10 minutes early.
🔒 Advance booking required.
Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate Station), Metro Line 4, Exit C.
Important Notes:
Please carry your passport with you for ticket verification and entry
Take cash with you to buy tickets at the entrance as some ticket counters may not accept cards
Same as the meeting point – Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate Station), Metro Line 4, Exit C.
The tour concludes near the North Gate of the Summer Palace, providing easy access back to the metro or the option to continue exploring the scenic palace grounds at your own pace.
Comfortable walking shoesPersonal skincare essentials
Cash for tipping – Show appreciation to your guide at the end.
(Suggested tip: 200–250 RMB / 25–30 USD or EUR per person)
An open mind – Bring curiosity and a sense of adventure!
Beijing Summer Palace Free Walking Tour
East Palace Gate
Enter through the grand main gate, traditionally used by emperors and empresses
Suzhou Street (view from outside)
See the Qing-style shopping street built along a canal to resemble Suzhou’s water town charm
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
Learn how emperors handled state affairs in this important political hall
Kunming Lake
Enjoy scenic views of this vast man-made lake, representing Chinese landscape aesthetics
17-Arch Bridge
Marvel at this iconic stone bridge linking Nanhu Island with the lakeshore
Longevity Hill (view from base)
Hear stories of imperial power and religion as you view temples built on this symbolic hill
Marble Boat
Discover the meaning and irony behind this lavish stone boat built for Empress Dowager Cixi
Beautiful Gardens and Ancient Architecture
Stroll through classic Qing Dynasty gardens, pavilions, and courtyards designed for imperial leisure
And more…
As a tip-based tour, you decide the value! Simply tip your guide at the end based on your experience — no upfront cost, no pressure. This model ensures our passionate local guides always give their best to make your tour unforgettable.
Suggested Tip: 200–250 RMB (25–30 USD/Euro) per person.
Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.
“This free walking tour of the Summer Palace in Beijing was an unforgettable cultural experience. Our local guide explained the fascinating history of the emperors and empresses who once lived and ruled from this stunning imperial garden. From Longevity Hill to Suzhou Street and the legendary Marble Boat, every site was filled with stories and symbolism. The guide also gave tips on where to take the best photos and how to explore more of the palace afterward. This is one of the top free things to do in Beijing and a must for anyone who wants to learn more about China’s royal heritage in a relaxed, informative way.”
Lucas R. – Brazil
“The Beijing Summer Palace Free Walking Tour was one of the best experiences of my trip to China. The tour guide was professional, fluent in English, and extremely knowledgeable about Chinese imperial history. We explored key highlights such as the East Palace Gate, the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, and Kunming Lake. The views were breathtaking, especially the 17-Arch Bridge and Marble Boat. This free walking tour is ideal for first-time visitors looking to learn about the Qing Dynasty and enjoy a peaceful walk through one of Beijing’s most beautiful and historic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Highly recommended for travelers interested in culture, history, and architecture.”
Sarah M. – United Kingdom
“The Beijing Summer Palace Free Walking Tour was incredibly well-organized and packed with interesting insights. Our guide met us right at Beigongmen Metro Station, making it easy to find the group. During the tour, we visited some of the palace’s most iconic attractions like Kunming Lake, the 17-Arch Bridge, and the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity. I especially enjoyed learning about Empress Dowager Cixi and the design principles behind the traditional Chinese gardens. This free walking tour is perfect for budget travelers who want an in-depth look at Beijing’s Summer Palace with a knowledgeable local guide. It’s the perfect blend of sightseeing, culture, and history.”
Emily T. – Australia
No, advance booking is required. We carefully manage group sizes to ensure the best experience for everyone.and keep you updated about any changes or cancellations. Booking is quick, easy, and completely free—it only takes 2 minutes!
Yes! You’ll get a confirmation email within 30′ after booking. One day before the tour, your guide will send you a welcome email with their contact details and important tour information. Please double-check that you provide a correct and working email address.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a bottle of water. Don’t forget your curiosity—we love answering questions! During the rainy season, an umbrella or raincoat is also recommended.
The morning tour runs from 09:00 AM to 13:00 PM, lasting approximately 4 hours. The afternoon tour run from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, lasting around 3 .5 to 4 hours. Times may vary slightly depending on the pace and group size.
Yes! Our tours run rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. In the rare case of extreme weather (such as a typhoon or severe storm), we may cancel the tour for safety reasons. You’ll receive a welcome email the day before the tour with weather updates and any changes if necessary.
While tipping isn’t a traditional custom in China, our local guides work hard to offer you the best possible experience. As our tours are tip-based, your gratuity is not only appreciated—it’s how our guides earn a living. Tipping is seen as a sign of respect and satisfaction, and your generosity goes a long way in supporting passionate local experts.
Yes! We offer private tours for groups of 15 or more. Whether you’re a family, school, company, or travel group, our Private Group Walking Tours or bus tours can be customized to your interests and schedule.
Not at all! Our 4 to 4.5-hour tour is thoughtfully paced with plenty of breaks to rest, take photos, and enjoy snacks. Many of our past guests—from toddlers in strollers to energetic seniors—have completed the tour comfortably. Just wear comfy shoes, stay curious, and enjoy the journey!
Yes! Every tour includes 1–2 short breaks for snacks, drinks, and toilet access. While we don’t stop at restaurants, you’ll get to enjoy authentic and affordable local street food along the way—perfect for a taste of Shanghai’s vibrant culinary scene!
All of our public free walking tours are conducted in English. However, we also offer private tours in Mandarin and Spanish upon request.
我們可以做中文私人訂製團。
Podemos hacer tours privados en español.
Make the most of your visit with our handpicked walking tours, food adventures, cultural experiences, and private day trips—crafted to help you see the real Beijing.
