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Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise | Beijing's Royal Route

By Beijing Jushunxuan Electronics & Trading Center (Sole Proprietorship)
Free cancellation available
Price is £15 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

  • Follow Empress Cixi’s original royal water route
  • Direct boat access to Summer Palace entrance
  • Skip traffic, crowds, and complex transfers
  • A scenic 30-minute boat trip with no hidden costs.
  • All-in-one ticket: cruise +Summer Palace general admission ticket (optional)

Activity location

    • Beijing
    • Beijing, Bei Jing Shi, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • 中国北京市海淀区万寿寺路 邮政编码: 100089 | Getting There Route 1 (Recommended): Take Metro Line 16 to Wanshou Temple Station (Exit C). Walk to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 meters ahead. Route 2: Take Metro Line 4 to National Library Station (Exit A). Walk about 5 minutes to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering, walk about 5 more minutes to Ziyu Bay Pier, following the signs inside the park. Route 3: Take a taxi directly to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 meters ahead. At the Pier Present your QR code at the ticket window to exchange for a paper ticket and receive your boarding number for the day. Please queue in order before boarding.
    • Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Recommend：Royal Canal Cruise to Summer Palace One-Way Ticket

  • English

Includes a one-way Royal Canal cruise from Zizhuyuan Park to South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace. Optional Summer Palace entry ticket available as an add-on (standard admission only, not the through-ticket).

Price details
£14.86 x 1 Adult£14.86
Total
Price is £14.86

Royal Canal Cruise Summer Palace Round-Trip Ticket

  • English

Includes a return Royal Canal cruise from Zizhuyuan Park to South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace and back. Optional Summer Palace entry ticket available as an add-on (standard admission only, not the through-ticket).

Price details
£22.30 x 1 Adult£22.30
Total
Price is £22.30

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Royal Canal cruise ticket (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Summer Palace general admission ticket (optional)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Return cruise ticket (if option selected)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Children under 1.2 m can join free (no seat provided)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Children between 1.20 metres and 1.40 metres tall receive a half-price ticket.
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Tour guide service
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Food and drinks
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Personal expenses
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Transport to Zizhuyuan Park

Know before you book

  • Not allowed: Alcohol and drugs, Bikes, Diving, Drones, Explosive substances, Feeding animals, Firework, Fishing, High-heeled shoes, Intoxication, Jumping, Littering, Making fire, Party groups, Scooter, Smoking, Swimming, Swimwear, Touching marine life
  • In accordance with UK consumer law, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
  • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

What you can expect

Step into the refined world of imperial Beijing through this Royal Canal Cruise, retracing the historic waterway once reserved for Empress Dowager Cixi. Instead of navigating crowded roads or confusing transport systems, travel as royalty once did — gliding peacefully along Beijing’s ancient imperial canal.

Route: Zizhuyuan Park → Summer Palace
Your journey begins at Ziyu Bay Pier inside Zizhuyuan Park, one of Beijing’s most tranquil and scenic green spaces. Enter from the North Gate and follow a bamboo-lined path for about 5 minutes to reach the pier.

Along the Way — 6.5 km of Imperial Scenery
The cruise follows the historic Changhe (Long River), a royal waterway used exclusively by the Qing court. As you sail, an onboard audio guide shares stories behind the scenery. Pass by landmarks such as Wanshou Temple, where Empress Cixi once stopped for prayers and ceremonies. The landscape unfolds with graceful willows, calm waters, and distant pine-covered hills — a living reflection of classical Chinese beauty.

Arrival — Direct Access to the Summer Palace
After approximately 30 minutes, the boat docks at South Ruyi Gate Pier. Simply cross a short bridge to reach the entrance of the Summer Palace. No transfers, no long walks, no unnecessary hassle — just a smooth and elegant arrival.

Getting There

Route 1 (Recommended):
Take Metro Line 16 to Wanshou Temple Station (Exit C). Walk to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 metres ahead.

Route 2:
Take Metro Line 4 to National Library Station (Exit A). Walk about 5 minutes to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering, walk about 5 more minutes to Ziyu Bay Pier, following the signs inside the park.

Route 3:
Take a taxi directly to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 metres ahead.

At the Pier
Present your QR code at the ticket window to exchange for a paper ticket and receive your boarding number for the day. Please queue in order before boarding.

Good to Know

Book online at least 8 hours in advance
Children under 1.2 m ride free (no seat)
Children between 1.20 metres and 1.40 metres tall receive a half-price ticket
Zizhuyuan Park entry is free — arrive early to explore

Ticket Options：
Recommended Option
One-way cruise (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace) + Summer Palace entrance ticket
→ Best value and most efficient way to visit

Return Option
Return cruise + Summer Palace entrance ticket
→ Ideal for a relaxed, full-day experience on the water

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Beijing
    • Beijing, Bei Jing Shi, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • 中国北京市海淀区万寿寺路 邮政编码: 100089 | Getting There Route 1 (Recommended): Take Metro Line 16 to Wanshou Temple Station (Exit C). Walk to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 meters ahead. Route 2: Take Metro Line 4 to National Library Station (Exit A). Walk about 5 minutes to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering, walk about 5 more minutes to Ziyu Bay Pier, following the signs inside the park. Route 3: Take a taxi directly to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 meters ahead. At the Pier Present your QR code at the ticket window to exchange for a paper ticket and receive your boarding number for the day. Please queue in order before boarding.
    • Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • 中国北京市海淀区万寿寺路 邮政编码: 100089 | Getting There Route 1 (Recommended): Take Metro Line 16 to Wanshou Temple Station (Exit C). Walk to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 meters ahead. Route 2: Take Metro Line 4 to National Library Station (Exit A). Walk about 5 minutes to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering, walk about 5 more minutes to Ziyu Bay Pier, following the signs inside the park. Route 3: Take a taxi directly to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 meters ahead. At the Pier Present your QR code at the ticket window to exchange for a paper ticket and receive your boarding number for the day. Please queue in order before boarding.
    • Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China