Beijing Summer Palace: QR Entry Ticket & Garden Access

Summary

Wander imperial gardens, scan QR tickets, linger by Kunming Lake

You’ll skip long lines with your pre-booked Summer Palace ticket and enter straight through the East Gate using your QR code. Explore imperial halls, stroll beside Kunming Lake, climb up to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and wander gardens at your own pace — all with access included. Expect moments of quiet beauty mixed with lively local scenes.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I’d be clever and just show up early at the Summer Palace in Beijing — turns out, so did about a hundred other people. The line for tickets was already snaking around the entrance, and I could hear someone behind me muttering about not having enough cash. That’s when I remembered I’d pre-booked my Summer Palace ticket online. No paper, no cash — just a QR code on my phone. Felt weirdly futuristic scanning in at the East Gate while everyone else fumbled with bills.

Inside, it was quieter than I expected for such a famous spot. Our local guide (Li — she’s got this dry sense of humor) pointed out where Empress Dowager Cixi used to sit in the Hall of Benevolence & Longevity. The air smelled faintly of pine and old stone; there was this little breeze off Kunming Lake that made my shirt stick to my back less than usual. We wandered through the Garden of Virtue and Harmony — I probably butchered the name when I tried to say it in Mandarin, Li just laughed and told me to stick to English. The architecture here isn’t flashy, but you can tell every tile has seen some history.

Climbing up to the Tower of Buddhist Incense took more effort than I’d like to admit (those stairs are no joke), but wow — looking down over the lake with all those tiny boats drifting below felt oddly peaceful for such a big city. There were older folks doing tai chi under the trees, kids chasing each other along the Long Corridor, and somewhere a tour group leader waving a little red flag like her life depended on it. It’s easy to get lost here if you’re not paying attention, which maybe isn’t such a bad thing.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm in the middle of Beijing’s chaos — or to still remember that dusty sunlight slanting across the pavilions days later. If you’re thinking about booking a day trip to Summer Palace from central Beijing or just want an easy way in without fussing over cash or lines, this is honestly worth it. Just don’t wear new shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Summer Palace and Gardens

• Make your own way to Summer Palace East Gate
• Scan Entrance Ticket QR to enter
• See Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
• Scan second Ticket QR to enter Garden of Virtue and Harmony
• Explore Garden of Virtue and Harmony architecture
• Visit Kunming Lake and Zhichuan Pavilion
• Follow Pagoda direction to 3 courtyards and Long Corridor
• Scan third Ticket QR to visit Tower of Buddhist Incense
• Descend to lakeside and follow Long Corridor
• Exit via Beiruyimen or Beigongmen

Top questions

Do I need Chinese cash for Summer Palace tickets?

No, with this pre-booked ticket you use a QR code on your phone for entry—no cash needed.

Where do I enter Summer Palace with this ticket?

You enter via the East Gate by scanning your QR code ticket.

Is transportation included in this booking?

No transportation is included; you make your own way to Summer Palace.

Which areas are included in this ticket?

The ticket includes entrance to Summer Palace, Garden of Virtue and Harmony (Dehe Yuan), and Tower of Buddhist Incense.

How do I receive my entry QR code?

Your QR code will be sent via WhatsApp on your travel day after you provide passport details during booking.

Are there any age restrictions or free entry options?

Seniors aged 60+ and children under 7 get free entry—don’t book here if you qualify.

Is a local guide included?

No guide is included; however, you can explore at your own pace with these tickets.

What’s included

Your day includes pre-booked digital entry tickets delivered via WhatsApp for easy QR scanning at each gate: main entrance at East Gate, Garden of Virtue and Harmony access, plus entry to Tower of Buddhist Incense. You’ll need to provide your overseas passport number and WhatsApp contact when booking; no transportation or guide is provided—just simple access so you can wander as you please.