Summer Palace Tickets Beijing: 3 QR access to gardens & pagoda
Three separate areas in one visit, no internal ticket booth lines
You skip the ticket line with a pre-booked QR code and explore three separate palace areas at your own pace: the main grounds with the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense overlooking Kunming Lake. Plan for a full morning or afternoon: the site rewards slow walking, and the climb to the tower is part of the experience.
Step-by-step itinerary
Visit Summer Palace with 3 QR tickets
- Arrive at Summer Palace East Gate
- Scan main entrance ticket QR
- Scan second ticket QR for Garden of Virtue and Harmony
- Admire Kunming Lake and Long Corridor
- Scan third ticket QR for Tower of Buddhist Incense
- Explore freely at your own pace
What’s included
- Your package includes the Summer Palace main entrance ticket and, if you select the 3 QR option, tickets to the Garden of Virtue and Harmony and the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
- You receive QR codes via WhatsApp on the day of visit.
- Passport number and WhatsApp contact are required at booking.
- No guide, transportation, or meals are included.
Times
- Every day 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00
Options for this experience
3 optionsInformation
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Operated by Authentic China Tours
The experience
You arrive at the Summer Palace's east gate with your phone in hand. No queues, no cash fumbling, no hunting for the ticket booth. Just scan your QR code and you're through. The main entrance ticket gets you onto the grounds, but if you've booked the 3 QR option, you've unlocked three separate areas that most visitors either miss or have to buy separately inside (and can't, if you didn't plan ahead). The Garden of Virtue and Harmony sits waiting, and so does the Tower of Buddhist Incense up on the hill. You move through them at your own rhythm, no guide, no group, no schedule.
The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity anchors the palace's formal side. That's where you'll find the architecture and the history layered into every courtyard. But the real pull for most people is Kunming Lake itself. The Long Corridor runs along the water for what feels like forever, and the light changes as you walk, the reflections shift, the crowds thin out if you time it right. Photography happens naturally here. You're not stopping for a photo op, you're just walking and looking. The Tower of Buddhist Incense sits higher up, and the climb is real, it's not a casual stroll, but the view back down over the lake and the whole compound makes it worth the legs.
One hard rule: internal attractions close on Mondays, so book for Tuesday through Sunday if you want the full 3 QR experience. The supplier sends your QR codes via WhatsApp on the day you visit, so you'll need to provide your passport number and WhatsApp contact when you book. No local ID works for overseas travelers. They need the passport. You get to the Summer Palace however you want. Public transport runs nearby, taxis are cheap, and the location is straightforward enough that getting lost takes effort. Once you're in, the palace is yours to navigate.
Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to explore the Summer Palace without waiting in lines and without a guide dictating the pace. The 3 QR option is worth it if you want the full palace experience. The internal attractions can't be bought on-site otherwise. Plan for a full morning or afternoon and bring comfortable shoes. The tower climb is steep but optional.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (3 to 6 years): free. Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
Do I need a guide, or is this self-guided?
Completely self-guided. You scan your QR and explore at your own pace with no group or guide included.
What's the difference between the Main Entrance ticket and the 3 QR option?
The Main Entrance ticket covers the palace grounds only. The 3 QR option adds the Garden of Virtue and Harmony and the Tower of Buddhist Incense, which you cannot buy separately inside if you didn't pre-book.
Can I buy tickets inside the Summer Palace if I only book the main entrance?
No. If you arrive with only the main entrance ticket, the internal attractions are not available for purchase at the gate. You must pre-book the 3 QR option to access them.
When are the internal attractions closed?
Mondays. The Garden of Virtue and Harmony and Tower of Buddhist Incense are closed Mondays, so book for Tuesday through Sunday.
How do I receive my tickets?
The supplier sends your QR codes via WhatsApp on the day of your visit. You'll need to provide your passport number and WhatsApp contact when you book.
Is transportation to the Summer Palace included?
No. You arrange your own transport. Public transportation is available nearby, and taxis are readily accessible.
Who gets free entry?
Seniors 60 and older and children under 7 enter free, but do not book a ticket here: arrange free entry separately.
Is this tour suitable if I have mobility concerns?
The site involves walking and climbing, including stairs to the Tower of Buddhist Incense. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Assess your fitness level before booking.
Summer Palace Tickets Beijing: 3 QR access to gardens & pagoda
3h
from US$ 7.90 per person