Shangri-La Beijing is a top choice, located just 1.5 km from Summer Palace, offering panoramic views of Kunming Lake and Wanshou Mountain from its rooms. The hotel blends traditional Chinese garden design with modern luxury, providing a serene and elegant stay. Guests can walk to the West Gate in under 10 minutes, and the hotel offers complimentary shuttle services to the park.

Another excellent option is Home Inn Premier (Beijing Summer Palace Branch), situated near the East Palace Gate, ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking convenience and comfort. Both hotels provide efficient transportation links, guided tour services, and on-site amenities that enhance the overall experience of visiting this imperial garden complex.

Many hotels near Summer Palace offer complimentary shuttle buses, such as Shangri-La Beijing, which runs regular shuttles to the West Gate, taking only 8 minutes. For guests staying at Home Inn Premier (Beijing Summer Palace Branch), walking to the East Palace Gate takes just 5 minutes—ideal for early morning visits.

Alternatively, Line 4 Metro’s "Beigongmen Station" is just 300 meters from the South Gate, accessible within 10 minutes from nearby hotels. With frequent departures, it's a cost-effective and efficient option. Using apps like Gaode Map or Baidu Maps helps track real-time routes and avoid delays. All these options ensure smooth access, maximizing your time inside the imperial garden.

Beyond exploring the historic buildings, try a kayaking tour on Kunming Lake departing from Nanhudi Pier, offering scenic views and a poetic glimpse into imperial life. Don’t miss the evening light show at the Garden, starting daily at 7:30 PM, when Wanshou Mountain and the Long Corridor glow with vibrant lighting, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Near the East Gate, Tingli Pavilion Restaurant offers a unique Peking Opera-themed banquet, where you can enjoy a full Manchu-Han Imperial Feast while watching live performances. For culture enthusiasts, join a Classical Landscape Architecture Workshop, taught by experts who guide participants in crafting miniature gardens using traditional techniques like "borrowed scenery" and "framed views." A perfect blend of education and creativity for families and art lovers.

Shangri-La Beijing is a top choice, just 1.5 km from the Summer Palace with direct access via a scenic walkway through the garden grounds. Its imperial-style courtyard design offers panoramic views of Kunming Lake and Wanshou Mountain, while select rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted sightlines. The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle service to the palace, ensuring seamless access for early morning or evening visits.

The Nan Gong Hot Spring Resort nearby is ideal for families, featuring indoor and outdoor hot springs, a children’s splash zone, and hands-on workshops like traditional Chinese calligraphy and palace-themed photo shoots. Along the Kunming Lake bike path—8 km long—families can rent bicycles and stop at iconic spots like the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and Wen Chang Pavilion, combining physical activity with cultural discovery in a serene lakeside setting.

Take the Capital Airport Express to Dongzhimen Station, then transfer to Line 13 to Xiyuan Station—just a 10-minute walk from the Summer Palace entrance. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs around 40 RMB. For comfort, book a private car service; it takes roughly 40 minutes via Jingmi Road and North Fifth Ring Road, passing lush urban greenbelts. Airport tourism desks also assist with ticket bookings and guided brochures.

Visit Tingyu Xuan Café, located just outside the East Gate, which blends Suzhou-style garden architecture with bamboo screens and white-walled courtyards, creating a "living painting" atmosphere. Their signature lotus latte and lotus mousse draw inspiration from palace gardens, paired with live guzheng music. Weekends host ink-painting workshops and lakeside sketching sessions, making it a favorite among photographers and art lovers seeking tranquility.

During summer months, the Summer Palace hosts nighttime light shows extending hours to 8 PM, illuminating the Kunming Lake and Long Corridor with thousands of traditional Chinese lanterns. The highlight is the musical fountain display, synchronized with historical scenes from the garden's past. At 7:30 PM nightly, expect performances of Peking opera excerpts and folk storytelling, enhancing the immersive cultural experience. Book tickets in advance via official channels to avoid queues.

Discover Yishoutang, a secluded Qing-era villa tucked behind the hillside, now housing a branch of the Chinese Garden Museum showcasing Ming-Qing garden models and artisan tools. It’s quiet and rarely visited. Another hidden gem is the West Dike Willow Path, a winding trail along Kunming Lake’s western edge, where century-old willows sway above duck-filled waters. Here, fishing boats drift silently—no motor vehicles allowed—making it perfect for peaceful walks and creative inspiration.