Stay at Jingyuan Guesthouse, a boutique accommodation nestled beside Weiming Lake just a 3-minute walk from Peking University’s Yan Garden South Gate. This heritage-style inn blends traditional Chinese architecture with modern comforts, offering rooms with serene views of the lake and the iconic Boya Tower. Ideal for cultural travelers seeking authentic academic ambiance, it’s also steps away from Tsinghua University and the Summer Palace, making it a prime base for exploring Beijing’s intellectual heart. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, on-site tea lounge, and guided campus tours upon request.

From the Yan Garden South Gate, walk just 5 minutes to reach Weiming Lake and the Boya Tower, where scenic paths frame breathtaking reflections of the pagoda in the water. Continue another 10 minutes to visit the Centennial Hall and Institute of Chinese Studies, passing historic courtyards and stone inscriptions that echo over a century of academic tradition. For convenience, the university offers a free electric shuttle service running daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, connecting key sites including libraries, lecture halls, and the museum—perfect for efficient and comfortable exploration without fatigue.

Join the Open Classroom Program (every Wednesday morning), where visitors can attend real lectures in humanities and social sciences, immersing themselves in elite academic life. Attend the seasonal Weiming Lake Poetry Gathering, a poetic celebration hosted by student literary clubs featuring recitations under willow trees. For deeper insight, book a guided tour of Yan Garden Historic Sites, led by knowledgeable student guides who reveal stories behind Langrun Garden, Red Building, and Huai Chuan Pavilion, offering an intimate journey through China’s educational legacy and architectural elegance.

Weiming Lake Park is perfect for families, located directly opposite the Yan Garden South Gate. The expansive lake features paddle boats for summer fun and a winter ice rink ideal for children. Playgrounds, shaded benches, and accessible pathways ensure comfort for all ages. During holidays, the park hosts University Cultural Markets selling handmade crafts and local snacks like tanghulu and jianbing. With its peaceful atmosphere and vibrant community events, it’s an ideal spot for relaxed, memorable family outings amidst Beijing’s academic landscape.

Take Line 4 subway from Beijing North Station, transfer to Line 15 at Beijing North Station, reaching Tsinghua University West Gate in about 20 minutes—just 8 km away. To reach the Old Summer Palace, transfer at Haidian Huangzhuang Station to Line 4, exit at Old Summer Palace Station, and walk 5 minutes—only 15 minutes total. Alternatively, ride a bike along Zhongguancun Avenue and Wanquan River Road, both equipped with dedicated bike lanes. Enjoy scenic urban greenways while traveling between landmarks, combining convenience with immersive views of Beijing’s academic and natural beauty.

The PKU Museum of History (just left of the South Gate) offers free guided Chinese tours daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, led by trained student guides who detail the university’s century-long evolution, famous alumni, and pivotal historical moments. Each tour lasts about 45 minutes and includes audio devices and bilingual panels for enhanced understanding. Additionally, smart audio kiosks are placed throughout the campus—scan QR codes to access on-demand narration in Chinese and other languages, allowing self-paced exploration with rich contextual insights and dynamic storytelling.