Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route

Beijing, China
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Duration35m - 2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Royal Canal Cruise: The Empress’s Path
Skip Beijing traffic and travel like Qing royalty. Retrace the historic waterway once reserved exclusively for Empress Dowager Cixi. This 35-minute cruise is the most elegant, scenic way to reach the Summer Palace.

Highlights
Historic Start: Depart from Ziyu Bay Pier in Zizhuyuan Park after a peaceful stroll through bamboo groves.

Imperial Scenery: Glide 6.5km along the Changhe River. Pass the iconic Wanshou Temple and listen to royal history via onboard audio.

Elite Arrival: Dock at South Ruyi Gate Pier. A short bridge crossing puts you right at the Summer Palace entrance—no transfers or long walks.

Why Book This?
Beat the Crowds: Avoid subways and road congestion.

Living History: Travel the exact route used by emperors for centuries.

Pure Scenery: Enjoy willow-lined banks and classical Chinese beauty.

Arrive at the Summer Palace refreshed and ready to explore.

Options

Royal Canal One-Way Ticket

Royal Canal to Summer Palace: One-way cruise: Zizhuyuan to Summer Palace. Optional add-on: Summer Palace standard entry ticket.
Duration: 35 minutes
The Empress's Royal Canal Rout: Cruise the royal waterway from Ziyu Bay to Summer Palace South Ruyi Gate. A 35-min scenic arrival like royalty.
Royal Cruise
Time requirement: Arrive 15 mins early to swap your QR code for a paper ticket, get a queue number, and prepare for boarding.

Summer Palace Scenic Area Guid

Scenic Area Guide: This project requires booking at least 48 hours in advance, and we primarily use English.
Duration: 2 hours
Summer Palace Scenic Area: Internal tours and guided tours of the Summer Palace
Children Policy: Children under 3 years old may join free of charge.

Royal Canal Round-Trip Ticket

Round-trip ferry tickets: Cruise from Ziyu Bay Pier to Summer Palace South Ruyi Gate, visit the palace, then sail back to Ziyu Bay Pier.
Duration: 1 day 11 hours: The journey takes 35 minutes one way and 70 minutes round trip.
Royal Cruise

What's included

  • Summer Palace guided tour（if option selected）
  • Round-trip cruise ticket (if option selected)
  • Optional Summer Palace entry ticket(standard admission only)
  • Children under 1.2 m can join free (no seat provided)
  • Royal Canal cruise ticket (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses

What to expect

  1. Zizhuyuan Gongyuan (Black Bamboo Park)
    Pass by
    Experience Beijing from a unique perspective with this Royal Canal cruise to the Summer Palace, following the historic waterway once used by Empress Dowager Cixi. Travel by boat along the peaceful imperial canal, avoiding traffic while enjoying one of the most relaxing and efficient routes to the Summer Palace.
    The cruise departs from Ziyu Bay Pier in Zizhuyuan Park and sails about 6.5 km to South Ruyi Gate. Along the way, enjoy willow-lined banks, calm waters, and landmarks such as Wanshou Temple.
    Getting there is easy. Take Metro Line 16 to Wanshou Temple Station (Exit C) and walk to the Northwest Gate, where the pier is just 50 meters inside. Or take Line 4 to National Library Station (Exit A), walk to the North Gate, then follow signs for 5 minutes. Taxi to the Northwest Gate is also convenient.
    After booking, please contact us via WhatsApp or email. We will send your QR code ticket for the day. Present it at the pier to exchange for a boarding pass and queue number before boarding
  2. Summer Palace
    2h · Admission ticket included
    After arriving at the South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace by boat, you may begin your visit immediately. An optional Summer Palace entry ticket is available as an add-on (standard admission only), allowing you to skip the ticket purchase queue. To complete the reservation, please provide your full name and passport number right after booking.

    The Summer Palace is explored on a self-guided basis, giving you full flexibility to visit at your own pace. If you have selected the round-trip cruise option, please return to the South Ruyi Gate Pier at the designated time to board your return boat to Ziyu Bay Pier.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Metro Route

Take Metro Line 4, 9, or 16 to National Library Station (Exit A). Walk to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park, then follow the Boat Pier signs to Ziyuwan Pier.

Taxi Route

Take a taxi to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park, then follow the Boat Pier signs to Ziyuwan Pier.

End point

The cruise ends 50m from Summer Palace South Ruyi Gate. Buy tickets at the gate or as an add-on. For add-ons, contact us immediately after booking; per official rules, real-name registration with your ID/passport is required for entry.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$19.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Beijing Travel & Car Hire by Zhou · Booked through Viator
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