Three open gates
The Summer Palace has three public entrances. East Gate (Donggongmen) is the historic main entrance on the east side, level with Kunming Lake - the traditional Qing-era arrival, busiest at midday. Beigongmen (North Gate) is on the north side behind Longevity Hill, with the Line 4 subway exit 5 minutes walking - the easiest international-visitor option. New Palace Gate (Xinjianggongmen) is on the south side, lake-side, rarely used and a quieter alternative if your hotel is southwest. All three accept the same tickets.
- Drive time from Beijing: n/a
- Typical visit style: Reading: 4 min
- Difficulty: Easy - all three gates are clearly marked
- Crowds: East busiest; Beigongmen second; New Palace quietest
- Best for: Visitors deciding which gate to use; Travellers planning the entry route
- Less ideal for: Already on a guided tour - gate chosen for you
Gate-area architecture
Three gates side by side
| Gate | Position | Transport | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Gate (Donggongmen) | East side, lake-level | Taxi default, Xiyuan subway 12-min walk | Busiest |
| Beigongmen (North Gate) | North side, behind hill | Line 4 subway 5-min walk | Second busiest |
| New Palace Gate (Xinjianggongmen) | South side, lake-level | Bus / less used | Quietest |
| West Gate | West side | Not open to visitors | Closed |
East Gate (Donggongmen)
The historic main entrance, used by Qing emperors and their guests since 1888. Drops you at the lake-level near the start of Long Corridor. Walking east-to-north route from here: Long Corridor → climb Longevity Hill → Suzhou Street → exit Beigongmen. Best for taxi arrivals or anyone wanting the classic flow. Busiest in midday and on weekends.
- Historic main entrance since 1888.
- Lake-level start.
- Walking route: Long Corridor north.
- Taxi-friendly drop-off.
- Busiest midday + weekends.
Beigongmen (North Gate)
On the north side behind Longevity Hill, 5-min walk from Line 4 Beigongmen station. Easiest gate for international visitors using the subway. Entering here means you start at the back of the park - cross Suzhou Street, climb / descend Longevity Hill, then walk south to Long Corridor and the lake. Some find the back-entry less iconic; others enjoy the descent toward the lake as an unfolding.
- 5-min walk from Line 4 Beigongmen.
- Behind Longevity Hill on north side.
- Suzhou Street first, then hill, then lake.
- Easiest for subway visitors.
- Back-entry: less iconic, but works.
New Palace Gate (Xinjianggongmen)
On the south side, lake-level, near the 17-Arch Bridge. Rarely used by international visitors - poor public transport links (no nearby subway). Quietest of the three. Choose this only if your hotel is southwest of the park or you specifically want a quiet entry. The route from here loops north around Kunming Lake or crosses to South Lake Island via 17-Arch Bridge.
- South side, lake-level.
- Near 17-Arch Bridge.
- Quietest gate.
- No subway nearby.
- Hotel-southwest visitors only.
Which gate matches your route
Decision: (1) Subway visitors: Beigongmen. (2) Taxi from central Beijing: East Gate (or Beigongmen if you prefer back-entry). (3) Private tour with driver: East Gate by default; driver can swap. (4) Walking from a nearby hotel: pick the closest gate. East Gate gives the classic Qing-era flow; Beigongmen gives a back-entry surprise. New Palace Gate only for specific hotel locations.
- Subway: Beigongmen.
- Taxi: East Gate (default).
- Tour: East Gate (default; driver flexible).
- Hotel-walk: closest gate.
Common entrance mistakes
Going to East Gate when arriving by subway
Adds 20-30 min walk vs Beigongmen 5 min. Pick the gate that matches your transport.
Trying to use the West Gate
Closed to visitors. Use East, Beigongmen, or New Palace.
Entering one gate and exiting the same gate
Wastes time. Plan a different exit gate that matches your transport for the rest of the day.
Going to the wrong palace
Yiheyuan (Summer Palace) vs Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace ruins) - two different sites. Confirm before you arrive.
Summer Palace entrances FAQ
- Beigongmen (north) if arriving by subway (5-min walk from Line 4). East Gate (historic main) if arriving by taxi. New Palace Gate (south) if a quiet entry suits your hotel.
- Three: East, Beigongmen (north), and New Palace (south). The West Gate is closed to visitors.
- Yes - all three sell basic and through-tickets.
- East Gate (Donggongmen) was the historic main entrance used by Qing emperors and their guests. The North and South gates were less ceremonial.
- Yes - and recommended. Most visitors enter East Gate, walk north, climb Longevity Hill, and exit Beigongmen. Or reverse if arriving by subway.
- East Gate and Beigongmen have parking lots; New Palace has limited parking. 10-15 RMB/hr.
Plan the gate matching your day
Our private SP day picks the gate that matches your transport and route - Beigongmen for subway days, East Gate for taxi or driver days, New Palace only if a quiet entry helps your itinerary.
If you want detail on the on-site route from each gate, the route guide covers all three named routes.