Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. Asia
  3. China
  4. Beijing

Visit to the Summer Palace

Hi all,

Do we need to pre-purchase the entrance tickets to the Summer Palace from online before arriving there ? We are planning to visit on the 7th Nov. Will it be very crowded during that period? I saw from their website that Nov is consider as an off peak period.

I know that The Forbidden City is a must to pre-purchase the online ticket first as it is a very popular destination for tourists and they limit the number of people per day for entering. But can I just purchase on site for the Summer Palace ?

Thanks in advance.

The Summer Palace in Beijing is one of the major historical sites, but it differs from the Forbidden City in terms of ticketing and crowd management.

1. Ticket purchase:

  • Unlike the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace generally does not require pre-purchased online tickets for most visitors, especially during off-peak seasons like November.
  • You can usually buy entrance tickets at the ticket office on site without long waits. There are multiple entrances with ticket counters, so lines are typically manageable.
  • If you prefer convenience and want to avoid any risk, some online platforms allow ticket pre-purchase, but it is optional for November visits.

2. Crowds:

  • Early November is considered off-peak, so the palace should be relatively quiet compared to spring or national holidays.
  • You can expect fewer crowds in the gardens, lakeside areas, and halls, making for a more relaxed visit.

3. Practical tips for visiting:

  • Arrive early in the morning to maximize your time and enjoy the palace before any bus tours or small groups arrive.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes; the Summer Palace is large with hilly terrain and long corridors.
  • Check weather conditions in advance, as November can be cool and windy; bring a jacket or layers.
  • Plan at least 3–4 hours to explore the main highlights such as Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, the Marble Boat, and the Long Corridor.

In summary, for a visit on November 7th, you can safely buy tickets on site at the Summer Palace without significant crowd concerns, making your visit convenient and stress-free.

More Beijing Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Kunming
Kunming Lake
Beijing
Forbidden City
Summer Palace
spring

Popular Destinations

Jianfu Guanyin Temple
Chengdu Shaanxi Guild Hall
snow valley
Beijing Zoo

Popular Travel Questions