Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise | Beijing's Royal Route

A traditional Chinese pavilion with a yellow roof, a boat with passengers, and a large historical building in the background. 1

A traditional red boat with yellow canopies, number 039, on a river with buildings in the background. 2

By Beijing Jushunxuan Electronics & Trading Center (Sole Proprietorship)

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

Follow Empress Cixi’s original royal water route
Direct boat access to Summer Palace entrance
Skip traffic, crowds, and complex transfers
A scenic 30-minute boat trip with no hidden costs.
Royal Waterway Cruises (one way) or Super Speedboat

Activity location

- Beijing
- Beijing, Bei Jing Shi, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

- 中国北京市海淀区万寿寺路邮政编码: 100089 | Taxi Directions： Take a taxi directly to the north entrance of Zizhuyuan Park. Once you enter the park, walk about 60 meters to the "Pier" sign, then turn right and walk another 50 meters to Ziyuwan Pier. Boarding and Activities: Upon arrival at Ziyuwan Pier, show your QR code at the ticket counter to receive your boarding pass and boat number. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time and wait in line. After boarding, you can enjoy a splendid boat ride along Beijing's historic Royal Canal, following the same route Empress Dowager Cixi took to reach the Summer Palace. Alternatively, open the Alipay app, select Didi to access the mini-app, and enter the following address (in Chinese) in the search bar: 北京紫竹院公园北门
- Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Recommend：Royal Canal Cruise to Summer Palace One-Way Ticket

English

Includes a one-way Royal Canal cruise from Zizhuyuan Park to South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace.

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time

Price details

€17.29 x 1 Adult€17.29

Total

Until Sat, 8 Aug

Super private speedboat tickets （One way only） in Multilingual

Opening hours: Sun 10:00-16:00
English

This speedboat service is a private project and can accommodate 2-10 people (minimum 2 people). The journey from Zizhuyuan Park to the pier outside the South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace takes about 15 minutes and operates all day from 10:00 to 16:00.

Travellers

Languages available

Price details

€34.60 x 2 Adults€69.20

Total

Until Sat, 8 Aug

What's included, what's not

Royal Canal cruise ticket (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace)
Instructions for visiting routes within the Summer Palace and a map showing the shuttle boats within the scenic area.
Children under 1.2 m can join free (no seat provided)
Children between 1.20 metres and 1.40 metres tall receive a half-price ticket.
One-way super speedboat
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tour guide service
Food and drinks
Personal expenses
Transport to Zizhuyuan Park
Summer Palace admission ticket + shuttle boat ticket within the scenic area

Know before you book

Not allowed: Alcohol and drugs, Bikes, Diving, Drones, Explosive substances, Feeding animals, Firework, Fishing, High-heeled shoes, Intoxication, Jumping, Littering, Making fire, Party groups, Scooter, Smoking, Swimming, Swimwear, Touching marine life
In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

What you can expect

Step into the refined world of imperial Beijing through this Royal Canal Cruise, retracing the historic waterway once reserved for Empress Dowager Cixi. Instead of navigating crowded roads or confusing transport systems, travel as royalty once did — gliding peacefully along Beijing’s ancient imperial canal.

Route: Zizhuyuan Park → Summer Palace
Your journey begins at Ziyu Bay Pier inside Zizhuyuan Park, one of Beijing’s most tranquil and scenic green spaces. Enter from the North Gate and follow a bamboo-lined path for about 5 minutes to reach the pier.

Along the Way — 6.5 km of Imperial Scenery
The cruise follows the historic Changhe (Long River), a royal waterway used exclusively by the Qing court. As you sail, an onboard audio guide shares stories behind the scenery. Pass by landmarks such as Wanshou Temple, where Empress Cixi once stopped for prayers and ceremonies. The landscape unfolds with graceful willows, calm waters, and distant pine-covered hills — a living reflection of classical Chinese beauty.

Arrival — Direct Access to the Summer Palace
After approximately 30 minutes, the boat docks at South Ruyi Gate Pier. Simply cross a short bridge to reach the entrance of the Summer Palace. No transfers, no long walks, no unnecessary hassle — just a smooth and elegant arrival.

Getting There

Route 1:
Take Metro Line 4 to National Library Station (Exit A). Walk about 5 minutes to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering, walk about 5 more minutes to Ziyu Bay Pier, following the signs inside the park.

Route 2 (Recommended):
Take a taxi directly to the Northwest Gate (West Gate No. 2) of Zizhuyuan Park. After entering the park, Ziyu Bay Pier is just 50 metres ahead.

At the Pier
Present your QR code at the ticket window to exchange for a paper ticket and receive your boarding number for the day. Please queue in order before boarding.

Good to Know

Book online at least 8 hours in advance
Children under 1.2 m ride free (no seat)
Children between 1.20 metres and 1.40 metres tall receive a half-price ticket
Zizhuyuan Park entry is free — arrive early to explore

Ticket Options：
Recommended Option
One-way cruise (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace) + Summer Palace entrance ticket
→ Best value and most efficient way to visit

Return Option
Return cruise + Summer Palace entrance ticket
→ Ideal for a relaxed, full-day experience on the water

Location

Activity location

- Beijing
- Beijing, Bei Jing Shi, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

- 中国北京市海淀区万寿寺路邮政编码: 100089 | Taxi Directions： Take a taxi directly to the north entrance of Zizhuyuan Park. Once you enter the park, walk about 60 meters to the "Pier" sign, then turn right and walk another 50 meters to Ziyuwan Pier. Boarding and Activities: Upon arrival at Ziyuwan Pier, show your QR code at the ticket counter to receive your boarding pass and boat number. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time and wait in line. After boarding, you can enjoy a splendid boat ride along Beijing's historic Royal Canal, following the same route Empress Dowager Cixi took to reach the Summer Palace. Alternatively, open the Alipay app, select Didi to access the mini-app, and enter the following address (in Chinese) in the search bar: 北京紫竹院公园北门
- Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China
- 中国北京市海淀区万寿寺路邮政编码: 100089 | Taxi Directions： Take a taxi directly to the north entrance of Zizhuyuan Park. Once you enter the park, walk about 60 meters to the "Pier" sign, then turn right and walk another 50 meters to Ziyuwan Pier. Boarding and Activities: Upon arrival at Ziyuwan Pier, show your QR code at the ticket counter to receive your boarding pass and boat number. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time and wait in line. After boarding, you can enjoy a splendid boat ride along Beijing's historic Royal Canal, following the same route Empress Dowager Cixi took to reach the Summer Palace. Alternatively, open the Alipay app, select Didi to access the mini-app, and enter the following address (in Chinese) in the search bar: 北京紫竹院公园北门
- Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China