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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- Asia
- China
- Beijing
- Summer Palace
Summer Palace
The magnificent Summer Palace in northwest Beijing at Kunming
Lake was built in 1750 by the Emperor Qianlong, and continued to be
an imperial residence until the Empress Dowager Cixi died in 1908.
The palace and stunning gardens are open to visitors, who enter
through the East Palace gate, pass through a grand courtyard into
the Hall of Benevolent Longevity, the Hall of Jade Ripples, and the
Hall of Joyful Longevity. Empress Cixi's private theatre in the
Garden of Moral Harmony is a must-see, as is the long corridor that
skirts Kunming Lake's northern shoreline to reach the marble boat,
an elaborate two-storey structure of finely carved stone and
stained glass.
Information & Facts
Admission
¥20 (November to March), ¥30 (April to
October)
Language
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are
hundreds of local dialects.
Money
The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY). The Yuan
is divided into 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange
your leftover Yuan before returning home because this currency can
be exchanged only within China's borders. Travellers cheques,
preferably in US Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in
cities at the Bank of China. Banks are closed weekends. The larger
hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners
will accept most western currencies for purchases. Major credit
cards are accepted in the main cities at various establishments,
but outside the major cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are scarce
outside the main cities.
Opening Times
Daily 7am to 5pm (November to March), 6.30am to 6pm
(April to October)
Time