๐ 1. Overview
Kunming Lake is the sparkling heart of the Summer Palace, covering about three-quarters of the entire park. This vast man-made lake, modeled after the legendary West Lake in Hangzhou, blends classical Chinese landscaping with imperial history. Surrounded by temples, pavilions, bridges, and hills, it offers a peaceful retreat with postcard views of Longevity Hill, the iconic Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and traditional dragon boats gliding across the water. Whether youโre walking its shoreline or cruising its calm waters, Kunming Lake delivers a timeless royal escape from the bustle of Beijing.
๐ 2. Highlights
๐ถ Boat Rides on Kunming Lake โ Choose between traditional dragon boats or small pedal boats for scenic views
๐ Seventeen-Arch Bridge โ The most photographed bridge in the park, lined with 500+ stone lions
๐ฏ Nanhu Island โ A picturesque islet connected by the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, with charming pavilions and lookout points
โฐ๏ธ Longevity Hill View โ Look back from the lake for stunning views of palaces and pagodas on the hillside
๐ธ Lotus Pond (Summer Bloom) โ Gorgeous in JuneโAugust when the lakeโs surface is dotted with lotus flowers
๐ธ Marble Boat โ A unique lakeside pavilion shaped like a boat, built for leisure and symbolizing stability
๐ถโโ๏ธ West Causeway โ A peaceful, willow-lined walking path inspired by the Su Causeway in Hangzhou
๐ก 3. Tips
๐ธ Best photo spots:
๐ Seventeen-Arch Bridge at sunset โ Light glows through the arches
๐ถ From a boat โ Capture Longevity Hill from the water
๐ท Marble Boat reflections โ Especially calm in the morning
๐งฅ Best visited in spring (greenery & blossoms) or autumn (crisp air, clear skies)
๐ Arrive early to enjoy quieter walks and smoother boat rides
๐๏ธ Kunming Lake is within the Summer Palace ticket areaโget a combo ticket to access all attractions
๐ง Bring water/snacks, especially if walking the full loop (~1.5โ2 hours around the lake)
๐ฝ๏ธ 4. Nearby Eats โ Top 3 near Kunming Lake / Summer Palace
- Yiheyuan Restaurant
๐ฝ๏ธ Traditional Beijing cuisine and scenic garden views
๐ Inside Summer Palace near the East Gate
๐ 11:00 AM โ 8:30 PM (Daily)
๐ถ Ideal lunch stop between explorations - Zhi Wei Guan (Beijing Cuisine)
๐ฅ Northern Chinese dishes and dim sum
๐ Outside East Gate of Summer Palace
๐ 10:30 AM โ 9:00 PM
๐ถ 5 min walk - BoBo Tea & Noodles Cafe
๐ Light meals, bubble tea, and AC break
๐ Near South Ruyi Gate
๐ 10:00 AM โ 7:00 PM
๐ถ Good for a casual snack or drink stop
๐ฝ๏ธ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks โ Recommended Spots by Area
๐ South Side
Seventeen-Arch Bridge โ Iconic views and Nanhu Island
South Gate โ Main entrance with ferry dock
Marble Boat โ Great photo ops
โฐ๏ธ North Shore
Longevity Hill โ Climb for elevated views of the lake
Tower of Buddhist Incense โ Most famous structure on the hill
Suzhou Market Street โ Replica canal town with shops and snacks
๐ฟ West Causeway
Quiet walking path lined with willow trees
Multiple small stone bridges for reflective photography
๐ 5. Access
๐ From central Beijing
๐ ~45โ60 min by taxi depending on traffic
๐ Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (North Gate, Exit D) or Line 10 to Bagou, transfer to bus
๐ Bus lines 303, 331, or 374 to Summer Palace stops
๐ Local Travel
๐ถ The entire lake is walkable (~7 km loop)
๐ถ Boat rentals and ferries operate from April to November
๐๏ธ Stay in Haidian District for proximity to Summer Palace, universities, and peaceful parks
Kunming Lake offers a graceful blend of imperial history and scenic charmโperfect for slow strolls, romantic boat rides, or capturing the timeless elegance of Chinaโs royal gardens.
4o
ใณใกใณใใๆฎใ