Step through the Great Palace Gate of Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park and witness the echoes of Qing Dynasty splendor. The monumental gate remnants whisper tales of imperial grandeur, with weathered stone carvings and surviving white marble staircases showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship. This is Beijing's most poignant history lesson – don't miss the AR tour that digitally reconstructs the 'Garden of Gardens' pre-1860 destruction. Look for the exquisitely preserved bronze qilin statues flanking the gate, rare original artifacts that survived the devastation!

Located in the heart of Zhongguancun, this hotel is perfect for both business and leisure! Just 45 minutes to the airport, 20 minutes to downtown, and a 5-minute walk to subway lines 4 & 10—super convenient! Rooms start at 45 sqm with high-speed internet, and Executive Floor guests enjoy exclusive perks and stunning city views at the lounge. Three unique dining options include Cantonese dim sum, Asian buffet (don’t miss the Thai hot pot!), and a 9.2-rated lounge. Free fitness center and uniquely lit pool are ideal for workouts. With a 480 sqm pillar-free ballroom and shuttle services, it’s perfect for business or weddings!

This international brand hotel is ideally located in the Shangdi Information Industry Base of Zhongguancun, close to the subway and Qinghe Station, offering easy access to Wudaokou and the Summer Palace. With the concept of Smart Stay, it provides comfortable rooms, hearty breakfast, and 24-hour service. Business center, fitness room, and self-service laundry are all available. Non-smoking floors and robot service add convenience. Whether for business trips or family vacations, this hotel ensures a warm and hassle-free experience, making it an ideal choice for your stay in Beijing.

This hotel is simply amazing! With a high rating of 4.9 and best prices online, it offers incredible value. Conveniently located near Shangdi Subway Station, surrounded by shopping malls, prestigious universities, and scenic spots, plus tech giants like Huawei and Tencent—perfect for both business and leisure. The rooms are modern and stylish, featuring high-speed internet and comfortable bedding, with cool delivery robots! Enjoy a rich buffet breakfast, fitness center, and self-service laundry for ultimate convenience. Whether for a romantic getaway, family trip, or business stay, it’s your ideal choice!
Everything you need to know about Dagong Gate
Shangri-La Beijing is highly recommended, located just 1.5 km from the Great Gate, with complimentary shuttle service to the park entrance. The hotel blends classical Chinese garden design with modern luxury, offering heritage-view rooms overlooking the historic ruins. Guests enjoy authentic Beijing breakfasts and easy access to key sites like Fuhai Lake and Xiyang Lou Ruins.
Another excellent choice is Beijing Haidian Hotel, a former state guesthouse nestled within the park’s eastern zone. With its serene courtyard layout and tranquil ambiance, it offers an ideal retreat for travelers seeking quiet contemplation. Both properties provide free parking, wheelchair access, and are well-connected via metro and bus lines, making them perfect bases for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site.
From the Great Gate, walk along the central axis path (approx. 15 minutes) to Fuhai Lake, passing through Fangtanxing and Jiuzhou Qingyan Ruins. For convenience, rent an electric tour cart (¥20 per ride) to reach the Xiyang Lou Ruins—home to the famous Da Shui Fa and Haiyan Tang remnants. Audio guides are available via smart wristbands, providing in-depth historical context on Qing Dynasty architecture and the 1860 fire.
The park operates daily from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, so morning visits are ideal to avoid crowds. Combine your trip with a visit to nearby Tsinghua University, where you can stroll through academic gardens and experience the fusion of education and landscape heritage.
Engage in Yuanmingyuan History Lectures (weekends, free registration), delivered by archaeologists who detail the garden’s original layout and destruction. Participate in traditional tea ceremonies at designated pavilions, savoring Beijing-style pastries amidst serene garden settings.
Try ancient architectural rubbings workshops—learn to transfer intricate stone carvings onto paper under expert guidance, taking home a personalized souvenir. During spring, join the Yuanmingyuan Lantern Festival, featuring intangible cultural heritage lantern art and immersive light displays that transform the ruins into ethereal scenes.
Nearby, the China Garden Museum (separate ticket) houses rare models and documents detailing the garden’s history—essential for deeper understanding. These immersive experiences enrich your journey with authenticity and emotional resonance.
Yes, the nearest subway station is Yuanmingyuan Station on Line 4, about 1.2 km away—ideal for biking or using the park’s free electric shuttle (¥5). Bus lines 331, 379, and 508 stop at "Yuanmingyuan Main Gate," just 300 meters from the Great Gate.
Large parking lots are available for cars and EVs, though they fill quickly during holidays—arrive early or use public transit. A direct shuttle connects the park to Beijing West Railway Station (~30 min). GPS navigation to "Yuanmingyuan Ruins Great Gate" ensures accurate arrival. All options accept Beijing Transit Card and mobile payments, with clear signage throughout for seamless access.
Yes! The Children’s Interactive Science Park near Fuhai Lake features role-play zones and a maze based on imperial life, plus a wetland observation deck with birdwatching paths and floating bridges—perfect for kids. Numerous shaded benches and rest areas allow parents to relax.
Enjoy the nighttime fountain show (summer evenings, 7:30 PM), blending music, lights, and historical storytelling. Free entry with advance HopeGoo via official app. Nearby, the Haidian Cultural Square hosts weekend open-air markets selling crafts, snacks, and traditional art like paper-cutting and clay figurines.
Many hotels offer free children’s activity packs and mosquito repellent. For added fun, visit Tsinghua University’s Science Museum (HopeGoo required), combining education and exploration in a scenic campus setting.
Experience the Yuanmingyuan Night Light Show (summer only, 7:00–9:00 PM), where projection mapping brings the ruins back to life—especially dramatic at Da Shui Fa. Free admission; reserve via the official app to avoid queues.
Stroll through the Haidian Cultural Square every Friday to Sunday for live music, local food stalls, and handmade crafts. For a peaceful evening, walk along the Fuhai lakeside promenade, where soft lighting reflects off the water and occasional folk musicians perform traditional melodies.
Nearby, Shangri-La Beijing hosts themed night bars serving Chinese-inspired cocktails and garden-themed desserts—ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. Visit in the late afternoon to see the park transition into twilight magic.
Explore more amazing destinations