East Palace Gate

Beijing


The East Palace Gate is the main entrance to the Summer Palace.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Beijing attractions

1. Wenchang Gallery

0.06 MILES

This hall displays various cultural artefacts and imperial heirlooms from the Summer Palace, including Empress Cixi's calligraphy, as well as bronze and…

2. Hall of Benevolence and Longevity

0.06 MILES

Part of the administration area near to the East Palace Gate where Cixi still pulled the court strings after her retirement. Inside the hall is a grand…

3. Grand Theatre

0.08 MILES

Built on the orders of Empress Cixi, this three-storey theatre stage was used for performances of Peking Opera. Cixi was a huge fan of the artform, as…

4. Hall of Joy and Longevity

0.15 MILES

Echoing the sìhéyuàn layout of traditional Beijing courtyards, this was the living quarters of Empress Cixi, and still contains items of period furniture…

5. Garden of Harmonious Interests

0.18 MILES

In the northeast corner of the palace, this classical Chinese arrangement of pavilions, halls and bridges was considered one of the finest gardens in…

6. Long Corridor

0.23 MILES

Stretching for 728m along the north shore of Kunming Lake, the open-air Long Corridor is one of the premier sights of the Summer Palace. One can imagine…

7. Hall of Dispelling Clouds

0.38 MILES

Neatly aligned with the Tower of Buddhist Incense behind it, the Hall of Dispelling Clouds was built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother on her 60th…

8. Summer Palace

0.38 MILES

A marvel of Chinese garden design and one of Beijing's must-see attractions, the Summer Palace was the royal retreat for emperors fleeing the suffocating…