Take the Subway and See: Yuanmingyuan, the Old Summer Palace

Want to explore far-flung places around Beijing without booking a car or trip just to do so? Hop on the subway! In this continuation of a series we ran over CNY, we'll be showcasing a few scenic spots and historic sites situated at or near the end of three subway lines. All you've got to do to get there is jump on the subway and take it to where you want to go.

The Old Summer Palace Ruins Park (圆明园遗址公园 Yuánmíngyuán Yízhǐ Gōngyuán)

What Is It?

Constructed in 1707 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the Old Summer Palace consists of three separate gardens coming together to create a massive complex spanning 2.9 square kilometers. 

Although it’s mostly remembered today for its looting and burning in 1860 during the Second Opium War, the Old Summer Palace was once a beautiful imperial park that featured striking examples of both Chinese and European-style architecture.

During its heyday, the park served as the regular residence of the emperor and imperial family, with the Forbidden City only used for official ceremonies and occasions. Today, while it serves as a somber reminder of China’s turbulent past, it’s also a nice place to take a day and meander throughout.

How To Get There by Subway

Whatever line you decide to take to get to Yuanmingyuan, you’ll need to either transfer to Line 2, Line 6, or Line 10, and then to Line 4. For Line 2, transfer at Xizhimen station (西直门站 Xīzhímén Zhàn); for Line 6, at Ping’anli (平安里站 Píng’ānlǐ Zhàn); and for Line 10 at Haidian Huangzhuang (海淀黄庄站 Hǎidiàn Huángzhuāng Zhàn). Then, ride Line 4 until you reach Yuanmingyuan station and get off at Exit B.

Important Stuff

There are two different tickets. Park admission tickets are RMB 10 per person and only grant access through Yuanmingyuan Park; general admission tickets are RMB 25 per person and grant access to the park plus the Xiyang Lou (Western Mansions) and Panorama Model Exhibition Hall. 

Tickets can be purchased at the entry gate with ID or a foreign passport.

Yuanmingyuan Park 圆明园遗址公园
28 Qinghua Xilu, Qinglongqiao Jie, Haidian District
海淀区青龙桥街道清华西路28号
Hours: Apr 1-Oct 31, 7am-7pm; Nov 1-Mar 31, 7am-5.30pm
Contact: 010 6254 3673; 010 6265 8206

READ: Take the Subway and See: The Ming Tombs

Images: Unsplash, Uni You