Hotels with Close to Animals Near Harmonious Wonder

Near Xieqiqu in Beijing's Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) ruins, Yuanmingyuan Yijing Boutique Hotel stands out as a top choice. Nestled within the historic garden grounds, this design-focused hotel blends Qing Dynasty architectural elements with modern comfort. Guests enjoy panoramic views of Xieqiqu’s remaining Western-style ruins from their rooms, offering a unique fusion of Eastern serenity and Western elegance.

The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Xieqiqu and conveniently located near Line 4’s "Yuanmingyuan Station," making it ideal for exploring the entire park. Combine your stay with visits to landmarks like Fuhai Lake and the Great Waterfall Ruins for a full immersion into imperial garden history.

Near Xieqiqu, families can enjoy the Garden Light & Shadow Interactive Show, held annually in spring and autumn, which brings Yuanmingyuan’s history to life through immersive nighttime lighting displays. Children can play around the historic fountain area and participate in hands-on workshops like making traditional paper umbrellas or sketching garden motifs.

The park also offers a family-friendly guided trail that combines storytelling with nature exploration, highlighting the European architectural influences and Qing dynasty aesthetics behind Xieqiqu. Visit on a weekend morning when crowds are light, allowing you to admire the marble colonnades and Baroque carvings in peace. Stop by the on-site teahouse for local snacks and a tranquil family moment.

The most convenient way from central Beijing is to take Subway Line 4 to "Yuanmingyuan Station", exit A2, then walk about 10 minutes to reach Xieqiqu. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes with no transfers. Alternatively, bus lines 331, 579, or special shuttle buses stop at "Yuanmingyuan South Gate," followed by a 5-minute walk into the park.

Rideshare apps like Didi or Gaode Map can also be used, entering "Xieqiqu, Yuanmingyuan" as the destination. The trip takes about 20 minutes and costs around ¥40. Avoid peak hours (12:00–14:00) and weekend afternoons to prevent parking congestion. Inside the park, self-guided tours are supported by AI tour guides and digital maps for easy navigation.

Yi Shou Tang Guesthouse inside the Summer Palace is a top choice, located just 500 meters from Xieqiqu, a 5-minute walk away. The guesthouse blends traditional imperial architecture with modern comforts, offering rooms with views of Kunming Lake and Wanshou Mountain. It provides exclusive guided tours to Xieqiqu, allowing visitors to explore its unique Western-style pavilion and Qing Dynasty garden design.

Another excellent option is Beijing Xiangshan Hotel, about a 20-minute drive away. Nestled in serene mountain surroundings, it features authentic Chinese courtyard design and offers complimentary shuttle service to the Summer Palace. Guests can enjoy cultural workshops like imperial tea ceremony and garden flower arrangement, deepening their understanding of classical Chinese landscape art.

From Yi Shou Tang Guesthouse, guests can easily reach other Summer Palace sites: a 10-minute walk leads to Wenchang Ge, while strolling along the Long Corridor takes you to Fuxiang Ge. For faster access, the park’s electric shuttle (30 RMB per ride) connects key spots like Grand Theatre, Tinghe Bridge, and Nanhu Island.

For a deeper historical experience, book a guided tour vehicle with professional narration covering the 17-Arch Bridge and Stone Boat, highlighting Qianlong Emperor’s architectural vision and the legacy of the Western Pavilions. The park also offers wheelchair-accessible routes; guests can request special shuttle services through the guesthouse for seamless mobility. Use the official Summer Palace app for real-time route planning and crowd updates to avoid peak congestion.

Near Xieqiqu, visitors can enjoy several distinctive cultural activities: monthly Imperial Court Music Performances take place at dusk by the Xieqiqu fountain, featuring Qing Dynasty court music accompanied by light projections that recreate the grandeur of the Western Pavilions.

The Imperial Gardening Workshop offers hands-on experience in pruning peonies and plum blossoms using traditional tools, plus creating personalized miniature bonsai displays to take home. Another highlight is the Classical Calligraphy Experience held at Hanyuange Hall, where guests practice copying Emperor Qianlong’s inscriptions using rice paper and ink under expert guidance.

Additionally, every Saturday afternoon features an Immersive Historical Drama reenacting a meeting between Emperor Qianlong and Western envoys in the 18th century. Attendees can wear period costumes and participate in interactive scenes, vividly experiencing cross-cultural exchanges of the era.