The reshaped 58.6 m hill
Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan) is the Summer Palace's main vertical landscape feature (official height about 58.59 m). An earlier hill already existed; during Qianlong-era expansion it was reshaped, including placement of earth dredged while enlarging Kunming Lake. 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.
- From central Beijing: Inside the park — allow 30–45 minutes from central Beijing to reach the gates first
- 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) | Tower of Buddhist Incense (official height 36.44 m) on a tall stone platform | 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 |
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. Combined or ¥10 individual ticket (normally closed Mondays) for interior access; basic ticket gets you to the courtyard.
- Mid-hill ceremonial hall.
- Cixi's birthday venue.
- Carved marble plinths.
- Combined or individual ticket for paid 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. Combined or ¥10 individual ticket (normally closed Mondays) to pass through.
- Foot of hill, Long Corridor north.
- Stone lions at entrance.
- Combined or individual ticket for paid interiors; general paths on basic admission.
- 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.
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 axis attractions such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense require the combined or individual ticket; other park paths remain on basic admission.
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).
- An earlier hill already existed as part of the Yanshan foothills; it was reshaped to about 58.59 m during Qianlong-era expansion, including earth dredged while enlarging Kunming Lake.
- 30-45 minutes steady pace via the switchback path. 60-90 minutes including stops at each structure.
- Paid central-axis attractions such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense require their individual ticket or the combined ticket (¥60 peak / ¥50 off-season). Other park paths on Longevity Hill remain part of general admission.
- 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.
