Picnic Essentials - What to Bring
A picnic at the Summer Palace is more enjoyable when you have all the essentials to stay comfortable and prepared for a day out.
- Blanket or Picnic Mat: The palace grounds offer plenty of grassy areas and flat spaces for picnics. Bring a large, comfortable mat to set up a cozy area for dining and lounging.
- Portable Cooler: A cooler or insulated bag is handy for keeping snacks and drinks fresh throughout the day. Consider packing lightweight, leak-proof containers to prevent spills.
- Reusable Utensils and Eco-Friendly Plates: The Summer Palace’s commitment to preservation means it’s essential to avoid litter. Reusable cutlery and eco-friendly plates allow you to minimize waste while dining.
- Sunscreen & Hats: Beijing summers can get warm and sunny, so bring sunscreen, hats, and even a light umbrella for extra sun protection, especially for children.
- Trash Bags: Respect the grounds by cleaning up after your meal. A small, sealable trash bag is useful for collecting any waste to dispose of outside the palace.
With these essentials, your picnic will be both comfortable and environmentally friendly, ensuring that you and your family can relax and enjoy the experience without any hassle.
Culinary Recommendations for Your Picnic
What’s a picnic without delicious treats? Elevate your experience with a selection of local and family-friendly foods.
Local Delicacies: Embrace the flavors of Beijing with steamed buns, dumplings, and traditional pastries. Many of these can be purchased fresh from nearby markets. For a mix of savory and sweet, try traditional “jianbing” (savory crepes) or candied fruits like hawthorn on a stick.
Kid-Friendly Options: For younger family members, pack easy-to-eat options like small sandwiches, wraps, and fruits. Consider finger foods such as grapes, apples, carrot sticks, and cheese cubes to keep it simple and mess-free.
Refreshing Drinks: To stay hydrated, bring bottles of cold tea or juice. Lemon-infused water or iced green tea make refreshing and culturally inspired beverage choices.
Sweet Treats: Delight everyone with light desserts like fruit tarts, custard buns, or even a classic tea cake. These snacks add a touch of sweetness without being too heavy, leaving room for exploration afterward.
By packing a thoughtful mix of snacks, you’ll be able to enjoy both familiar and authentic flavors as you relax in this historic setting.
Photography Spots for Family Memories
Capture your day with some iconic Summer Palace photos! Here are a few picturesque spots to make your family memories unforgettable:
- Kunming Lake Shoreline: The lake offers a beautiful setting for family photos, especially with the Longevity Hill in the background. For a unique shot, capture the family enjoying a picnic by the water’s edge with distant pavilions and boats in view.
- The Seventeen-Arch Bridge: One of the palace’s most photogenic structures, this stone bridge provides a stunning frame for both group and candid photos. Go during early morning or late afternoon for softer light.
- Long Corridor: The vibrantly painted beams make the Long Corridor a unique and colorful backdrop for family pictures. Stand in the corridor and capture the repeating arches to create a sense of depth.
- Tower of Buddhist Incense: This pagoda is one of the tallest points in the palace and makes for a magnificent background. From the base of the tower, you can also get panoramic shots of the lake and surrounding gardens.
- Garden Pathways and Willow Trees: Look for pathways lined with willow trees for a more serene, intimate setting. These paths provide natural beauty and are perfect for quiet family moments.
With the diverse and breathtaking scenery, the Summer Palace offers plenty of options to document your family adventure.
Exploring the Summer Palace – Activities Nearby
A trip to the Summer Palace offers more than just a picnic; it’s a full-day adventure. Here’s a list of activities to explore with your family:
- Take a Stroll by Kunming Lake: The palace grounds are centered around Kunming Lake, an impressive man-made body of water. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake, where you’ll pass stunning bridges, lily pads, and iconic buildings.
- Climb Longevity Hill: For a bit of light exercise, head to Longevity Hill, which offers panoramic views of the palace and lake. Kids will love the adventure of climbing steps, while parents can appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
- Rent a Boat: Boating on Kunming Lake is a popular activity that allows you to see the Summer Palace from a new perspective. Choose from paddleboats, rowboats, or larger family-friendly options, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the water.
- Explore the Pavilions and Temples: The Summer Palace is dotted with ancient structures, including the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. These buildings offer a glimpse into the architectural grandeur of the Qing Dynasty.
- Check Out the Long Corridor: This 700-meter covered walkway is adorned with hundreds of hand-painted scenes from Chinese mythology. It’s a shaded, stroller-friendly path that provides a relaxed stroll for families.
This blend of sightseeing and activities means there’s something for everyone, making it easy to keep the entire family entertained.
With the diverse and breathtaking scenery, the Summer Palace offers plenty of options to document your family adventure.
Practical Information & FAQs
A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a seamless experience. Here’s what you need to know before visiting the Summer Palace:
Opening Hours: The Summer Palace is generally open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the summer and 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the winter. Be sure to check official hours before your visit, as they may vary.
Entry Fees: Entry tickets range from ¥30 to ¥60, depending on the season and whether you want access to certain exhibition halls. Kids under a certain height usually enter for free. Discounted tickets for students and seniors are available.
Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding the midday heat and larger crowds, especially in summer.
Facilities: Restrooms are available throughout the grounds, and there are water fountains in most areas. Shaded seating and benches are scattered along the pathways, making it easy to take breaks as needed.
Accessibility: The palace has many flat paths, but it’s wise to check specific routes if you’re bringing a stroller or wheelchair. Some areas, such as Longevity Hill, involve stairs and uneven terrain.
Nearby Food and Markets: If you don’t bring food, nearby markets and vendors offer fresh local snacks, water, and
