It turns out that entering through the North Ruyi Gate (Beiruyi Gate) is a hidden gem: it’s the least crowded, has the flattest roads, and is closest to “Painting Tour.” Most importantly, this route involves only about 11,000 steps and takes just over 3 hours. If you want to avoid slopes and crowds, Beiruyi Gate is undoubtedly the best entrance 👍
Beiruyi Gate 👉 Banbi Bridge 👉 Suyunyan City Gate 👉 Painting Tour 👉 Mountain and Lake Light on the Same Floor 👉 Paiyun Gate/Yunhui Yuyu Archway 👉 Yaoyue Gate 👉 Leshou Hall 👉 Dehe Hall (passing by) 👉 Xiqu Garden 👉 Ziqi Donglai City Gate 👉 Renshou Hall 👉 Zhichun Pavilion 👉 Wenchang Pavilion 👉 Seventeen-Arch Bridge/Nanhu Island 👉 New Palace Gate
Opening Hours
Ticket Information
Guide to Gates (Entrances/Exits)
The Summer Palace has 6 gates, but Beiruyi Gate stands out. Here’s the lowdown on the others:
3a. Beigong Gate: Closest to Metro Line 4’s Beigongmen Station Exit C, but it’s crowded on weekends/peak season. The route from here involves lots of ups and downs—avoid if you have mobility issues. (Pros: Near Suzhou Street and Four Continents.)
3b. Donggong Gate: Close to Xiyuan Station, but popular with tour groups (read: crowds).
Xinjian Palace Gate: Less crowded but far from the subway—take a taxi or bus directly.
Ximen & Nanruyi Gate: Far from main attractions. Skip unless you’re staying in Beijing long-term.
Photography Tip for “Golden Light Through the Hole”
The iconic “golden light through the hole” (sunset shining through the Seventeen-Arch Bridge’s arches) is best captured at 4–5 PM. Arrive at Nanhu Island by 4 PM to secure a good spot!
With its low crowds, flat paths, and efficient route, Beiruyi Gate is a game-changer for a relaxed, enjoyable visit to the Summer Palace. Perfect for avoiding the hustle and bustle! 🌳✨
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign InNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Xi'an, formerly known as Haojing, Chang'an, Jingzhao, Xijing, and Yongzhou, is the capital of Shaanx
Hangzhou , referred to as "Hangzhou", was formerly known as Lin'an, Qiantang, and Wulin. It is a pre
Weihai is a prefecture-level in Shandong Province, China, located at the eastern tip of the Shandong
Nanchang , abbreviated as "Hong" or "Chang", is a prefecture-level and provincial capital under the
Shenzhen , abbreviated as "Shen", also known as Pengcheng, is a prefecture-level , a sub-provincial
The central urban area of Shanghai, with famous attractions such as the Bund and Nanjing Road. Huang
Jinhua , a prefecture-level under the jurisdiction of Zhejiang Province, is located in the central p
Dalian is a prefecture-level under the jurisdiction of Liaoning Province. It is an important port in