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Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route
Product code 5603115P8
From
From USD 19.99
Dates
Apr 30, 2026 to May 18, 2026
Start times
3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Travelers
Child ages 0-3, Youth ages 4-14, Adult ages 15-99
Options
Summer Palace Scenic Area Guid, Summer Palace ticket, Royal Canal One-Way Ticket, Royal Canal Round-Trip Ticket
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
35 minutes to 2 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Pickup
Pickup details available
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Shanghai
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From USD 19.99
Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route





View all photos









Duration
35 minutes to 2 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Pickup
Pickup details available
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Shanghai
Why Travelers Love This
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.
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.
What's Included
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)
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Personal expenses
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.
Pickup details
Itinerary
Pass by stop 1
Pass by stop 1
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
Stop 2
2 hoursAdmission included
Stop 2
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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller Accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants Must Sit On Laps
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation Wheelchair Accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Surfaces Wheelchair Accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Experience may be cancelled for bad weather.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
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