Beijing, The Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace Entry Ticket

Purchase your tickets in advance for The Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace in Beijing to secure entry on the desired date and time with no risk of overselling.

The Summer Palace in Beijing - constructed between 1750 and 1860 and subsequently damaged during the Opium War, underwent restoration on its original foundation in 1886 - stands as an epitome of Chinese landscape gardening artistry. This vast expanse integrates the natural topography of hills and expansive waterscapes with meticulously crafted architectural elements including pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges, culminating in a cohesive ensemble renowned for its exceptional aesthetic appeal.

Instructions for Traveling to the Summer Palace:

By Bus:
- To reach the East Palace Gate: Board bus No. 303 and alight at Yiheyuan Station, proceeding approximately 200 meters (220 yards) westwards to the entrance.
- For access via the West Gate: Utilize buses No. 469, 539, or Zhuan 129, alighting at Yiheyuan Ximen (Yiheyuan West Gate) Station, then proceed northeastward for around 300 meters (328 yards).
- To gain entry through the North Palace Gate: Embark on bus No. 303, 346, 394, 563, 584, or Sightseeing Line 3, alighting at Yiheyuan Beigongmen (North Palace Gate) Station; alternatively, board bus No. 332, 384, or 601 and transfer to Beigongmen Subway Station. The gateway is positioned less than 100 meters (109 yards) away.
- To enter through the New Palace Gate: Board bus No. 74, 374, or 437, and alight at Xin Jian Gong Men (Yiheyuan New Palace Gate) Station.

Subway Directions:
- Traverse line No. 4 to Beigongmen station, exiting via Door D. Proceed westward for approximately 3 minutes to the North Palace Gate.
- Use line No. 10 to Bagou Station. Transfer to Western Suburban Line to Yiheyuan ximen Station. Walk northward for about 4 minutes to the West Gate of the Summer Palace.

Additional Information:

The Temple of Heaven, officially titled the Altar of Heaven, is located within the southeastern urban area of Beijing, specifically in the Xuanwu District. This sacred site served as the venue for Emperor's rituals praying to heaven for bountiful harvests throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Despite its historical significance, the temple has been revered as a Taoist sanctuary, reflecting the enduring influence of traditional Chinese beliefs predating Taoism.

Access to the Temple of Heaven:

By Bus:
- South Gate: Alight from bus No. 36, 958 or Zhuan 202 at Tiantan Nanmen Station.
- West Gate: Board bus No. 2, 7, 20, 36, 53, 72, 93, or 120 and alight at Tiantan Ximen Station.
- North Gate: Board bus No. 6, 34, 35, 36, 72 or 106 and alight at Tiantan Beimen Station.

By Subway:
- Take subway line No. 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station; exit via Exit A and locate the East Gate of the Park.
- Use subway line No. 8 to Tianqiao Station, exit via Exit C, and continue walking eastward to see the western gate.