Behold the Summer Palace – Di Hòa Viên in Beijing

Beijing always leaves a lasting impression on visitors with its countless ancient palaces, historic relics tied to glorious feudal dynasties, and timeless architectural wonders. Among them, the Summer Palace (Di Hoa Vien) is hailed as a precious gem of architectural art, deeply imbued with feng shui principles and classical Chinese landscape aesthetics. Originally built during the Qing Dynasty, this summer retreat harmoniously blends breathtaking natural scenery with intricate architecture, and is now the largest imperial garden in mainland China.

Beholding Di Hòa Viên – the magnificent Summer Palace in Beijing

Di Hoa Vien – China’s most splendid and renowned summer palace.

Join Vietjet on a journey through history to discover the majestic beauty of Di Hoa Vien and why it remains a must-visit destination in Beijing.

1. Overview of Di Hoa Vien, Beijing – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

1.1. Historical Background

Di Hoa Vien (颐和园), originally named Qingyi Yuan (清漪园), was constructed in 1750 by Emperor Qianlong as a summer retreat for the imperial family. However, in 1860, during the Second Opium War, the palace was severely damaged by the Anglo-French allied forces.

In 1888, Empress Dowager Cixi ordered the garden to be restored and renamed it Di Hoa Vien, meaning "The Garden of Nurtured Harmony". The reconstruction symbolized her supreme power in the Qing Dynasty, with a staggering cost of 30 million taels of silver—sourced from the navy's budget. This decision was highly controversial at the time, given the nation’s urgent need for military reinforcement.

In 1998, Di Hoa Vien was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, celebrated for its architectural value, historical significance, and exceptional landscape art. Today, it stands as one of Beijing’s most visited tourist attractions, welcoming millions of visitors from around the globe.

1.2. Unique Architecture

Located about 15 km northwest of central Beijing, Di Hoa Vien spans 290 hectares and comprises over 3,000 structures. The design follows the “leaning against the mountain, facing the water” principle, harmonizing natural landscape with man-made architecture.

Longevity Hill, standing 60 meters tall, symbolizes eternity and is entirely man-made, constructed from excavated soil and stones. Covering about three-fourths of the palace area, Kunming Lake was inspired by the famous West Lake in Hangzhou. It not only enhances the palace’s scenic charm but also plays a crucial role in regulating the local microclimate.

Beholding Di Hòa Viên – the Summer Palace in Beijing

Di Hoa Viên is built based on the "leaning against the mountain, facing the water" principle, harmoniously blending man-made structures with natural landscapes.

Beyond this concept, its architecture also symbolizes "Happiness – Prosperity – Longevity" and the ideal of “national peace and well-being.”See also: Shichahai, Beijing – A Stunning Scenic Spot in the Heart of the Capital

2. Must-visit Attractions in Di Hoa Vien

2.1. Kunming Lake – A Masterpiece of Scenic Harmony

Kunming Lake is the centerpiece of Di Hoa Vien, occupying about three-fourths of the palace’s total area. It was expanded and designed based on West Lake in Hangzhou, creating a poetic waterscape while serving as a natural climate regulator.

In summer, the lake is shaded by blooming lotus flowers, reflecting the palace’s elegant rooftops on the shimmering surface. In winter, the frozen lake turns into a vast natural ice rink, offering a stunning seasonal view.

Visitors can stroll along the lakeside to soak in the peaceful atmosphere or board a dragon boat to sail across the water and admire the royal landscape from a different perspective.

2.2. Longevity Hill – Where Imperial Energy Converges

Standing 60 meters tall, Longevity Hill is a fully man-made structure built from excavated earth and stone. According to feng shui beliefs, the hill acts as a protective screen for the palace, symbolizing longevity and prosperity.

Many important structures are built on the hill, with the most prominent being The Tower of Buddhist Incense and The Sea of Wisdom Temple.

From the summit, visitors are treated to a panoramic view of Di Hòa Viên, with the vast lake and graceful palace rooftops merging into a harmonious tableau of nature and imperial grandeur.

2.3. Tower of Buddhist Incense – The Spiritual Symbol of Di Hoa Vien

Perched on the slopes of Longevity Hill, the Tower of Buddhist Incense is the most significant spiritual structure within Di Hòa Viên.

Built in the distinct Qing Dynasty style with resplendent yellow glazed tiles, the tower dazzles visitors with its majestic and intricate design.

Standing 41 meters tall, the octagonal, three-tiered tower houses a gilded bronze Buddha statue, once a sacred site frequently visited by the imperial family for prayer.

From the tower’s upper levels, visitors can enjoy an unparalleled view of the entire Summer Palace, making it one of the most scenic vantage points in Beijing.

The Tower of Buddhist Incense is one of the iconic structures at Di Hòa Viên.

2.4. Long Corridor (Chang Lang) – Exquisite Wooden Pavilion of Carvings

The Long Corridor, one of the most striking architectural highlights of Di Hoa Vien, stretches over 700 meters with 273 individual sections, connecting various buildings within the palace grounds.

What sets it apart is the thousands of delicately painted panels along the beams and columns, depicting scenes from Chinese history, mythology, and landscapes—each crafted with meticulous detail and artistic precision.

2.5. Seventeen-Arch Bridge – A Stone Sculpture Masterpiece

Spanning across Kunming Lake, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge is the most renowned stone bridge at the Summer Palace. Measuring 150 meters long and 11 meters wide, the bridge features 17 elegant arches.

Its balustrades are lined with 500 unique stone lion sculptures, each with distinct expressions and poses—showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of Qing Dynasty artisans.

3. How to Get to Di Hoa Vien

From Vietnam, travelers can book a direct flight to Beijing with affordable fares from Vietjet. Upon arriving in Beijing, there are several convenient ways to reach Di Hòa Viên:

Subway: The most popular and budget-friendly option. Take Line 4 and get off at Beigongmen Station, then walk about 5 minutes to reach the main entrance.
Bus: Buses 303, 469, 539, 129, 332, 384, 601, and others stop near the Summer Palace. However, this method may take longer.
Taxi or Ride-hailing: Ideal for groups, you can hail a taxi or use ride-hailing apps like DiDi. Taxi fares are relatively affordable and provide more flexibility.

4. Tips for Visiting Di Hoa Vien

As one of the most magnificent imperial complexes in China, Di Hoa Vien attracts millions of visitors each year. To fully enjoy your visit and experience the grandeur of this historical site, here are a few important tips to keep in mind.

The magnificent beauty of Di Hòa Viên draws millions of visitors each year.

4.1. Best Time to Visit

Di Hoa Vien is captivating year-round with its seasonal scenery changes, but the ideal times to visit are in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).

During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the garden landscapes are especially poetic—perfect for strolling and sightseeing.

4.2. Opening Hours & Ticket Prices

To better serve tourists, Di Hoa Vien has different opening hours and ticket prices depending on the season:

Peak season (April–October): 06:30–20:00, Ticket: ≈ 60 CNY/person (≈ 210,000 VND)
Low season (November–March): 07:00–19:00, Ticket: ≈ 50 CNY/person (≈ 175,000 VND)

4.3. Important Tips for Visitors

Wear comfortable shoes: The palace grounds are vast and require a lot of walking, so bring sneakers or flat shoes for comfort.
Bring water and sun protection: In summer, it can get hot and shaded areas are limited, so prepare water, hats, or umbrellas.
Do not litter or touch artifacts: As a vital historical site, visitors are expected to follow all regulations and help preserve the environment.

With its vast grounds and numerous architectural marvels, Di Hoa Vien is not only a key historical relic but also a superb destination for cultural and artistic immersion.If you’re enchanted by China’s imperial history, don’t miss your chance to visit this famous summer retreat. Book cheap flights to Beijing with Vietjet today! Take advantage of Vietjet’s daily 0VND domestic and international flight promotions, available from 12:00 to 14:00—a great way to save more on your trip!

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