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A river with boats, a bridge, and trees. 1
A traditional Chinese water town with a red boat, a stone bridge, and a reflection in the water. 2
A traditional Chinese pavilion with a sign reading '紫海湾码头' (Purple Sea Bay Wharf). 3
A traditional Chinese pavilion by a river with a red boat docked nearby. 4
A traditional boat with a yellow roof traveling along a river, flanked by trees and a pedestrian walkway. 5

Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route

By Beijing Travel & Car Hire by Zhou
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$9 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

Royal Canal Cruise: The Empress’s Path
Skip Beijing traffic and travel like Qing royalty. Retrace the historic waterway once reserved exclusively for Empress Dowager Cixi. This 35-minute cruise is the most elegant, scenic way to reach the Summer Palace.

Highlights
Historic Start: Depart from Ziyu Bay Pier in Zizhuyuan Park after a peaceful stroll through bamboo groves.

Imperial Scenery: Glide 6.5km along the Changhe River. Pass the iconic Wanshou Temple and listen to royal history via onboard audio.

Elite Arrival: Dock at South Ruyi Gate Pier. A short bridge crossing puts you right at the Summer Palace entrance—no transfers or long walks.

Why Book This?
Beat the Crowds: Avoid subways and road congestion.

Living History: Travel the exact route used by emperors for centuries.

Pure Scenery: Enjoy willow-lined banks and classical Chinese beauty.

Arrive at the Summer Palace refreshed and ready to explore.

Activity location

  • Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
    • No.19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District,
    • 100080, Beijing, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • 紫竹院公园北门
    • 100089, Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China

Check availability

Summer Palace ticket

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

Tickets only: This is only a regular admission ticket to the Summer Palace and does not include attractions inside the park.
Free travel
Children's ticket policy: Children under 3 years old are free of charge. All other visitors require a standard ticket.

Language options: English
Price details
AU$8.70 x 1 AdultAU$8.70
Total
Price is AU$8.70
Until Thu, 25 June

Royal Canal One-Way Ticket

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

Royal Canal to Summer Palace: One-way cruise: Zizhuyuan to Summer Palace. Optional add-on: Summer Palace standard entry ticket.
Duration: 35 minutes
The Empress's Royal Canal Rout: Cruise the royal waterway from Ziyu Bay to Summer Palace South Ruyi Gate. A 35-min scenic arrival like royalty.
Royal Cruise
Time requirement: Arrive 15 mins early to swap your QR code for a paper ticket, get a queue number, and prepare for boarding.

Language options: English
Price details
AU$28.99 x 1 AdultAU$28.99
Total
Price is AU$28.99
Until Thu, 25 June

Royal Canal Round-Trip Ticket

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

Return ferry tickets: Cruise from Ziyu Bay Pier to Summer Palace South Ruyi Gate, visit the palace, then sail back to Ziyu Bay Pier.
Duration: 1 day 11 hours: The journey takes 35 minutes one way and 70 minutes return.
Royal Cruise

Language options: English
Price details
AU$43.49 x 1 AdultAU$43.49
Total
Price is AU$43.49
Until Thu, 25 June

Summer Palace Scenic Area Guid

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

Scenic Area Guide: This project requires booking at least 48 hours in advance, and we primarily use English.
Duration: 2 hours
Summer Palace Scenic Area: Internal tours and guided tours of the Summer Palace
Children Policy: Children under 3 years old may join free of charge.

Language options: English
Price details
AU$217.52 x 1 AdultAU$217.52
Total
Price is AU$217.52
Until Thu, 25 June

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Summer Palace guided tour（if option selected）
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Return cruise ticket (if option selected)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Optional Summer Palace entry ticket(standard admission only)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Children under 1.2 m can join free (no seat provided)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Royal Canal cruise ticket (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace)
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Food and drinks
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Personal expenses

Know before you book

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transport options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Zizhuyuan Gongyuan (Black Bamboo Park) (Pass by)

Experience Beijing from a unique perspective with this Royal Canal cruise to the Summer Palace, following the historic waterway once used by Empress Dowager Cixi. Travel by boat along the peaceful imperial canal, avoiding traffic while enjoying one of the most relaxing and efficient routes to the Summer Palace. The cruise departs from Ziyu Bay Pier in Zizhuyuan Park and sails about 6.5 km to South Ruyi Gate. Along the way, enjoy willow-lined banks, calm waters, and landmarks such as Wanshou Temple. Getting there is easy. Take Metro Line 16 to Wanshou Temple Station (Exit C) and walk to the Northwest Gate, where the pier is just 50 metres inside. Or take Line 4 to National Library Station (Exit A), walk to the North Gate, then follow signs for 5 minutes. Taxi to the Northwest Gate is also convenient. After booking, please contact us via WhatsApp or email. We will send your QR code ticket for the day. Present it at the pier to exchange for a boarding pass and queue number before boarding

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket included
After arriving at the South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace by boat, you may begin your visit immediately. An optional Summer Palace entry ticket is available as an add-on (standard admission only), allowing you to skip the ticket purchase queue. To complete the reservation, please provide your full name and passport number right after booking. The Summer Palace is explored on a self-guided basis, giving you full flexibility to visit at your own pace. If you have selected the return cruise option, please return to the South Ruyi Gate Pier at the designated time to board your return boat to Ziyu Bay Pier.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
    • No.19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District,
    • 100080, Beijing, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    紫竹院公园北门
    • 100089, Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China

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