Located in northwest Beijing, Yiheyuan is an outstanding example of a Chinese imperial garden from the Qing Dynasty period. It was an important summer residence of the imperial family, where state affairs were also conducted.
The composition of the garden is based on the harmony between Kunming Lake and Wanshou Mountain, with an exquisite combination of southern waterscapes and northern palace architecture. In 1998, Yiheyuan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding monument of traditional landscape art in China.
Recommended time to visit: 2-3 hours
To fully experience the grandeur and aesthetic depth of Yiheyuan, it is recommended to set aside two to three hours for a walk. During this time, you will be able to see the main attractions: the Buddha Incense Pavilion, the Long Gallery, Kunming Lake, the Seventeen-Span Bridge and other iconic sites. Walking along the shores of the lake, you will immerse yourself in the philosophy of Chinese landscape design, based on the unity of man and nature.
Best time to shoot: evening (16:00–18:00)
Evening hours are the best time to photograph the landscapes of Yiheyuan. The low sun is reflected in the water surface of Kunminghu, and the majestic silhouette of the Incense Pavilion rises against the backdrop of the sunset. The bridge with seventeen arches casts long shadows in the water, creating an exquisite composition. Autumn is especially picturesque, when the crowns of trees are painted in gold and crimson tones, and reflections in the water create truly picturesque pictures.
Recommended Entrance: East Gate (Xiyuan Subway Station)
For a convenient start to the route, it is best to use the Eastern Gate. They are located near Xiyuan Subway Station (Line 4), just a short walk away.
Unlike the more crowded North Entrance, it is easier to avoid the crowds and go straight to the main attractions – the Long Gallery and Wanshou Mountain.
Recommended itinerary
East Gate
Entering through the East Gate, you will find yourself in an alley surrounded by centuries-old cypress trees, leading to the center of the park. This is the perfect place to start the tour, allowing you to build a circular route and effectively explore the entire garden.
Long Gallery
This covered gallery is 728 meters long. It is one of the longest art galleries in the world, adorned with more than 14,000 painted panels depicting historical scenes, myths, landscapes, flowers, and birds. Every few steps is a new story. Walking under the carved beams is like a journey through a living encyclopedia of Chinese art.
Incense Pavilion and Hall of Cloud Harmony
Climbing the steps from the Long Gallery, you will reach the Hall of Cloud Harmony, from where you lead to the Incense Pavilion, the tallest and most significant structure in Yiheyuan. The upper platform offers panoramic views of Kunming Lake, gardens, and pavilions. The architecture of this place reflects imperial power, Buddhist influence, and outstanding engineering prowess.
Kunming Lake and Marble Boat
Kunminghu occupies three-quarters of the area of the garden. It is an artificial lake modeled after the famous West Lake in Hangzhou. Near the southern shore there is a unique stone boat – Qingyanfang, a symbol of stability and greatness of the empire. Boating on the lake gives a sense of peace and unity with nature, and the landscapes around are reminiscent of traditional Chinese engravings.
Bridge with seventeen arches
This white-stone bridge connects the shore of the lake with Nanhu Island. It is decorated with dozens of carved stone lions, each of which is unique. In winter, when the lake is covered in ice and the sunset light penetrates through the arches of the bridge, there is a rare sight – the “golden light in the arches”, which attracts photographers from all over the country.
Happy Longevity Pavilion and Yunguan Pavilion
At the back of the garden is a secluded and quiet corner – the Happy Longevity Pavilion, the former residence of Empress Cixi. Everything here is permeated with the spirit of sophistication and peace. The Yunguan Pavilion served as a recreation area for members of the imperial family and retained an intimate atmosphere of solitude, away from the grandeur of other parts of the garden.
Brief description of the route
The best route is to start at the East Gate, then go through the Long Gallery, go up to the Incense Pavilion, then walk along Kunming Lake, see the Marble Boat and the Bridge with Seventeen Arches, and finish the route at the Pavilion of Happy Longevity. The length is about 3 km, the average duration is 2.5 hours.
Main attractions
- The Incense Pavilion is an architectural symbol of the entire park, demonstrating the power and elegance of Chinese engineering.
- The Long Gallery is a living encyclopedia of Chinese painting.
- Kunming Lake and the Seventeen Arched Bridge are a harmony of water, stone, and space, the embodiment of Chinese landscape aesthetics.
Useful information
- Address: 19 Xinjianggongmen Street, Haidian District, Beijing
- Subway: Line 4, Xiyuan Station, Exit A (About 10 min walk to the East Gate)
- Opening hours:
- Park: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (in season)
- Attractions: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (e.g., Incense Pavilion, Dehe Palace)
- Ticket price:
- Regular Admission: RMB 30 (High Season), RMB 20 (Low)
- Package ticket: RMB 60 (high season), RMB 50 (low)
- Audio guides: Available in Chinese, English, Russian and other languages via WeChat app or on-site
Best time to visit
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal seasons. At this time, there is a comfortable temperature, clear sky, bright colors and the least number of tourists. It is best to come in the morning before 8:00 – fewer people, soft light, beautiful photos.
Nearby attractions and food
Not far from Yiheyuan is the Yuanmingyuan Palace Ruins Park, another important monument of the imperial era. Outside the North Gate, you will find a street with traditional Beijing food: noodles with fried sauce, stewed delicacies, pancakes and other delicacies. Inside the garden there are cozy tea pavilions where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Who is it for?
Yiheyuan is suitable for lovers of history, architecture and photography, as well as for families with children and the elderly. Here the flat terrain, convenient routes, clean toilets and benches for rest are a great place for cultural leisure.
Recommended Daily Schedule
- Morning: Visit Yiheyuan
- Noon: Lunch at the North Gate
- Afternoon: Walk around Yuanmingyuan or Peking University grounds
- Evening: Return to the center, dinner in Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang districts
Useful tips
- Shoes – comfortable, walking
- Grab water – drinks are more expensive in the park
- Drones and tripods are banned
- An audio guide is a great investment
- Respect monuments, do not touch ancient structures with your hands
