Experience Beijing day trip itinerary: Majestic Summer Palace, Serene Shichahai & Regal Prince Gong’s Mansion
Experience the best of Beijing in a single day with this Beijing day trip itinerary—from imperial gardens and Qing Dynasty palaces to scenic lakes and traditional hutongs, complete with cultural insights and practical travel tips.
Morning: Summer Palace Beijing (Yiheyuan) – Start Your Beijing Day Trip | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Transportation & Entry:
- Subway: Line 4 → Beigongmen Station (Exit D), 5-min walk.
- Taxi: Destination: Summer Palace North Gate (About 40 minutes, 60 RMB).
Tickets:
- Entrance: 30 RMB (Peak Season)
- Combo Ticket (Recommended): 60 RMB (includes Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, Marble Boat, etc.)
- Booking: Pre-book via official Summer Palace WeChat account (English supported, passport required).
Must-See Spots:
- Tower of Buddhist Incense (Fo Xiang Ge): Panoramic view over Kunming Lake.
- Long Corridor: 728 meters of painted artwork.
- Seventeen-Arch Bridge: Winter sunset creates the “Golden Light Piercing the Arches” spectacle.
Tips:
- Gates open 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM; indoor sites close at 5:00 PM.
- Pedal boats: 4 people / 120 RMB/hour; Painted Boats (Huafang): 30 RMB/person.
- Learn more about the area：Summer Palace Beijing: A Journey Through History & Eastern Aesthetics
Midday: Lunch & Transit to Shichahai | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Transportation:
- Taxi: Summer Palace → Shichahai (~25 mins, 40 RMB).
- Subway: Line 4 → Xizhimen → Line 2 → Jishuitan (Exit A), 10-min walk.
Lunch Recommendations:
- Kaorou Ji: Old Beijing BBQ lamb, budget 80 RMB/person.
- Hefengxuan: Zha Jiang Mian & Wandou Huang, budget 60 RMB/person.
Afternoon: Shichahai Beijing Lakes & Hutongs | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Highlights:
- Qianhai, Houhai, Xihai: Stroll along lakes, enjoy scenic views.
- Boating: Electric Boats (140 RMB/hour) or Rowboats (60 RMB/hour).
- Yinding Bridge: Panoramic view of the Western Hills.
- Yandai Xiejie: Traditional shops & souvenirs.
Tips:
- Boat rentals stop ~5:00 PM.
- Walking recommended; bikes restricted in some areas.
- Learn more about the area: Shichahai Beijing: Exploring the Lakes, Hutongs & Local Life
Late Afternoon: Prince Gong’s Mansion Beijing | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Transportation:
- Walking: 10-min walk from Shichahai Qianhai East Shore.
- Taxi: < 15 RMB.
Tickets:
- 40 RMB (includes audio guide rental, 200 RMB deposit)
- Pre-book via official WeChat account (passport number required).
Must-See Highlights:
- Silver An Hall: Main hall with free English explanations (~4:00 PM).
- The “Fu” Stele: Emperor Kangxi’s calligraphy in Miyun Cave. Touch for good luck.
- Rear Garden: Western-Style Gate, Grand Theater, Bat Pond.
Evening: Hutong Night Tour & Dinner | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Highlights:
- Nanluoguxiang & Yuer Hutong: Explore local life, artisan shops, and quiet side alleys.
- Rickshaw Tour: 80 RMB/person, 30 min, with English commentary.
- Dinner:
- Fangzhuan Factory No. 69 Zha Jiang Mian, budget 40 RMB
- Juqi, creative Beijing cuisine, budget 80 RMB
- For a similar one-day experience: Beijing One Day Itinerary: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven & Hutong Night Tour
- Another similar one-day journey: Beijing Day Trip Adventure: Explore Temple of Heaven, Prince Gong’s Mansion , Shichahai & Hutong Nights
Travel Summary Table
| Segment | Transit | Time | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Palace → Shichahai | Taxi | 25 mins | 40 RMB |
| Shichahai → Prince Gong’s Mansion | Walk | 10 mins | Free |
| Prince Gong’s Mansion → Nanluoguxiang | Walk | 15 mins | Free |
Practical Tips
- Language Support: English audio guides available at Summer Palace and Prince Gong’s Mansion (200 RMB deposit).
- Payment: Alipay / WeChat Pay accepted; carry small cash for hutong vendors.
- Gear: Comfortable shoes essential.
- Emergency Contacts: Summer Palace: 010-62881144, Prince Gong’s Mansion: 010-83288149.
Closing:
Enjoy your Beijing day trip itinerary as you fully immerse yourself in the grandeur of Summer Palace Beijing, the tranquil beauty of Shichahai Beijing, and the historical elegance of Prince Gong’s Mansion Beijing. Conclude your day by wandering through the atmospheric hutongs, soaking in authentic local culture, tasting traditional delicacies, and capturing the truly unforgettable charm of Beijing’s historic streets and hidden corners.
