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Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise | Beijing's Royal Route
Reviews
Features
- Free cancellation available
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Multiple languages
Overview
- Follow Empress Cixi’s original royal water route
- Direct boat access to Summer Palace entrance
- Skip traffic, crowds, and complex transfers
- A scenic 30-minute boat trip with no hidden costs.
- Royal Caribbean Cruises one-way, round-trip, or super speedboat
Activity location
- Beijing
- Beijing, Bei Jing Shi, China
Meeting/Redemption Point
- 中国北京市海淀区万寿寺路 邮政编码: 100089 | Taxi Directions: Take a taxi directly to the north entrance of Zizhuyuan Park. Once you enter the park, walk about 60 meters to the "Pier" sign, then turn right and walk another 50 meters to Ziyuwan Pier. Boarding and Activities: Upon arrival at Ziyuwan Pier, show your QR code at the ticket counter to receive your boarding pass and boat number. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time and wait in line. After boarding, you can enjoy a splendid boat ride along Beijing's historic Royal Canal, following the same route Empress Dowager Cixi took to reach the Summer Palace. Alternatively, open the Alipay app, select Didi to access the mini-app, and enter the following address (in Chinese) in the search bar: 北京紫竹院公园北门
- Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China
Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list
Check availability
Royal Canal Cruise Summer Palace Round-Trip Ticket
- English
Includes a round-trip Royal Canal cruise from Zizhuyuan Park to South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace and back.
What's included, what's not
Inclusions Royal Canal cruise ticket (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace)Inclusions Instructions for visiting routes within the Summer Palace and a map showing the shuttle boats within the scenic area.Inclusions Round-trip cruise ticket (if option selected)Inclusions Children under 1.2 m can join free (no seat provided)Inclusions Children between 1.20 meters and 1.40 meters tall receive a half-price ticket.Inclusions One-way super speedboatExclusions Hotel pickup and drop-offExclusions Tour guide serviceExclusions Food and drinksExclusions Personal expensesExclusions Transportation to Zizhuyuan ParkExclusions Summer Palace admission ticket + shuttle boat ticket within the scenic area
Know before you book
- Not allowed: Alcohol and drugs, Bikes, Diving, Drones, Explosive substances, Feeding animals, Firework, Fishing, High-heeled shoes, Intoxication, Jumping, Littering, Making fire, Party groups, Scooter, Smoking, Swimming, Swimwear, Touching marine life
What you can expect
Step into the refined world of imperial Beijing through this Royal Canal Cruise, retracing the historic waterway once reserved for Empress Dowager Cixi. Instead of navigating crowded roads or confusing transport systems, travel as royalty once did — gliding peacefully along Beijing’s ancient imperial canal.
Route: Zizhuyuan Park → Summer Palace
Your journey begins at Ziyu Bay Pier inside Zizhuyuan Park, one of Beijing’s most tranquil and scenic green spaces. Enter from the North Gate and follow a bamboo-lined path for about 5 minutes to reach the pier.Along the Way — 6.5 km of Imperial Scenery
The cruise follows the historic Changhe (Long River), a royal waterway used exclusively by the Qing court. As you sail, an onboard audio guide shares stories behind the scenery. Pass by landmarks such as Wanshou Temple, where Empress Cixi once stopped for prayers and ceremonies. The landscape unfolds with graceful willows, calm waters, and distant pine-covered hills — a living reflection of classical Chinese beauty.Arrival — Direct Access to the Summer Palace
After approximately 30 minutes, the boat docks at South Ruyi Gate Pier. Simply cross a short bridge to reach the entrance of the Summer Palace. No transfers, no long walks, no unnecessary hassle — just a smooth and elegant arrival.Getting There
Route 1:
Take Metro Line 4 to National Library Station (Exit A). Walk about 5 minutes to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering, walk about 5 more minutes to Ziyu Bay Pier, following the signs inside the park.Route 2 (Recommended):
Take a taxi directly to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 meters ahead.At the Pier
Present your QR code at the ticket window to exchange for a paper ticket and receive your boarding number for the day. Please queue in order before boarding.Good to Know
Book online at least 8 hours in advance
Children under 1.2 m ride free (no seat)
Children between 1.20 meters and 1.40 meters tall receive a half-price ticket
Zizhuyuan Park entry is free — arrive early to exploreTicket Options:
Recommended Option
One-way cruise (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace) + Summer Palace entrance ticket
→ Best value and most efficient way to visitRound-trip Option
Round-trip cruise + Summer Palace entrance ticket
→ Ideal for a relaxed, full-day experience on the water
Location
Activity location
LOB_ACTIVITIES LOB_ACTIVITIES - Beijing
- Beijing, Bei Jing Shi, China
Meeting/Redemption Point
PEOPLE PEOPLE - 中国北京市海淀区万寿寺路 邮政编码: 100089 | Taxi Directions: Take a taxi directly to the north entrance of Zizhuyuan Park. Once you enter the park, walk about 60 meters to the "Pier" sign, then turn right and walk another 50 meters to Ziyuwan Pier. Boarding and Activities: Upon arrival at Ziyuwan Pier, show your QR code at the ticket counter to receive your boarding pass and boat number. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time and wait in line. After boarding, you can enjoy a splendid boat ride along Beijing's historic Royal Canal, following the same route Empress Dowager Cixi took to reach the Summer Palace. Alternatively, open the Alipay app, select Didi to access the mini-app, and enter the following address (in Chinese) in the search bar: 北京紫竹院公园北门
- Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China
PEOPLE PEOPLE - 中国北京市海淀区万寿寺路 邮政编码: 100089 | Taxi Directions: Take a taxi directly to the north entrance of Zizhuyuan Park. Once you enter the park, walk about 60 meters to the "Pier" sign, then turn right and walk another 50 meters to Ziyuwan Pier. Boarding and Activities: Upon arrival at Ziyuwan Pier, show your QR code at the ticket counter to receive your boarding pass and boat number. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time and wait in line. After boarding, you can enjoy a splendid boat ride along Beijing's historic Royal Canal, following the same route Empress Dowager Cixi took to reach the Summer Palace. Alternatively, open the Alipay app, select Didi to access the mini-app, and enter the following address (in Chinese) in the search bar: 北京紫竹院公园北门
- Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China