The 60m artificial hill
Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan) is a 60-metre artificial hill on the north shore of Kunming Lake, built from earth dredged when Qianlong expanded the lake in 1750. The hill carries the major imperial structures of the Summer Palace along its central north-south axis: Pai-yun Gate (Cloud-Dispelling Gate, at the foot), Hall of Dispelling Clouds (Pai-yun Dian, mid-hill, the ceremonial centre), and Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge, at the top, the iconic photograph). The hill takes 30-45 minutes to climb at a steady pace via 100+ stone steps, or 60-90 minutes including stops inside each structure.
- Drive time from Beijing: n/a - inside the park
- Typical visit style: Climb only: 30-45 min; full structure visits: 60-90 min
- Difficulty: Moderate - 100+ stone steps, switchback path
- Crowds: Hall of Dispelling Clouds + Tower of Buddhist Incense busiest midday
- Best for: First-time visitors - the cultural climax; History / architecture lovers; Photographers chasing the iconic shot
- Less ideal for: Wheelchair users - the climb requires steps; Visitors with severe knee issues
Hall of Dispelling Clouds
Longevity Hill structures
| Structure | Position on hill | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pai-yun Gate (Cloud-Dispelling Gate) | Foot of hill, by Long Corridor | 10 min |
| Hall of Dispelling Clouds (Pai-yun Dian) | Mid-hill, central courtyard | 15-20 min |
| Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge) | Top, 41m above hill base | 15-20 min + photos |
| Hall of the Sea of Wisdom | Behind Tower, on summit ridge | 10 min |
| Stairs / climbing path | Switchback marble + stone | 30-45 min total climb |
| View back over Kunming Lake | From mid-hill plinth + Tower base | Photo stops |
Tower of Buddhist Incense - the icon
Foxiang Ge is the 41m octagonal three-tier tower at the top of Longevity Hill - the single most photographed structure in the Summer Palace, recognisable from any point on Kunming Lake. Built 1750, destroyed 1860, rebuilt 1894. The tower itself is mainly viewed from the outside (the interior is small, a single Buddha statue with limited access). The real reward is the view back south over Kunming Lake - the entire 2.2 km^2 lake visible with 17-Arch Bridge in the distance.
- 41m octagonal three-tier tower.
- Iconic SP photograph.
- Built 1750, rebuilt 1894.
- View back over Kunming Lake.
- Mostly viewed from outside.
Hall of Dispelling Clouds - the ceremonial centre
Pai-yun Dian is the mid-hill grand hall directly below Tower of Buddhist Incense, on the central axis. Used by Empress Dowager Cixi for her birthday celebrations and grand audiences. The courtyard is a quiet stop with carved marble plinths and a giant bronze incense burner. Through-ticket required for interior access; basic ticket gets you to the courtyard.
- Mid-hill ceremonial hall.
- Cixi's birthday venue.
- Carved marble plinths.
- Through-ticket for interior.
- Basic ticket: courtyard only.
Pai-yun Gate - the foot of the hill
Cloud-Dispelling Gate is the entry threshold from Long Corridor to the Longevity Hill climb. Stone lions at the entrance, marble plinth, and a glimpse of the structure climb to come. Photo stop and the natural pause before the climb. Through-ticket required to pass through.
- Foot of hill, Long Corridor north.
- Stone lions at entrance.
- Through-ticket required.
- Photo + rest stop before climb.
Climbing strategy
Three tips. (1) Climb in the morning before the sun gets hot - 7-10 AM is best in summer. (2) Take it slow - 30-45 min steady pace with stops at Pai-yun Gate, Hall of Dispelling Clouds, then the final climb to Tower of Buddhist Incense. (3) Use the switchback path, not the central stairs, to ease knee strain. Skip the climb only if you have mobility limits - the view from Hall of Dispelling Clouds courtyard (still a climb but less) is good enough.
- Morning climb: 7-10 AM best.
- Steady pace: 30-45 min.
- Stops: Pai-yun, Dispelling Clouds, Tower.
- Switchback path > central stairs.
- Hall of Dispelling Clouds is the bail-out.
Common Longevity Hill mistakes
Buying the basic ticket and trying to climb
Pai-yun Gate, Hall of Dispelling Clouds, and Tower of Buddhist Incense require the through-ticket. Basic stops you at Long Corridor.
Climbing at midday in summer
Hot sun + crowds + steps. 7-10 AM or 4-5 PM is the right window.
Skipping the Tower because it 'looks small'
The view from the Tower base back over Kunming Lake is the cultural reward of the climb.
Trying to enter the Tower interior
Limited access. Photograph from outside; the structure itself is what matters.
Longevity Hill FAQ
- Three signature structures: Pai-yun Gate (foot), Hall of Dispelling Clouds (mid), Tower of Buddhist Incense (top, the icon).
- No - it's a 60m artificial hill built from earth dredged when Qianlong expanded Kunming Lake in 1750.
- 30-45 minutes steady pace via the switchback path. 60-90 minutes including stops at each structure.
- Yes - basic ticket stops at Long Corridor. Through-ticket (60 RMB peak) covers all Longevity Hill structures.
- Yes if mobility-limited - the view from Long Corridor mid-point is good. The Tower of Buddhist Incense view itself is the unique reward.
- Mostly viewed from outside; limited interior access. The exterior + lake-view are the real attractions.
Climb with a guide
Our private SP day paces the Longevity Hill climb with stops at each structure and history context - the iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense climb at golden hour is the day's highlight.
If you want the full picture, the route guide covers the climb in context.