The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China, spread across Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Located about 15 km northwest of central Beijing, it is far easier to reach by private car than by public transport — especially if you also want to combine it with the Old Summer Palace, a Peking Opera theatre or lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Our Summer Palace private car picks you up at your hotel and drops you at the East Palace Gate entrance. While you stroll the Long Corridor, cruise Kunming Lake or climb to the Buddha Tower, your driver waits at a nearby parking area. From $80 for an 8-hour city charter with fixed, all-inclusive pricing.
Distances & Driving Time
| Route | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing hotel → Summer Palace East Gate | 15-25 km | 30-50 min |
| Capital Airport (PEK) → Summer Palace | ~40 km | 50-70 min |
| Summer Palace → Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) | ~5 km | 15 min |
| Summer Palace → Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) | ~15 km | 30 min |
Summer Palace Private Car Private Car Rates
8-hour city charter with professional driver. Fixed price — no hidden fees. Driver waits while you visit the gardens. Overtime at $10/hour.
| Vehicle | Seats | Full-Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| VW Passat / Toyota Camry | 1-3 seats | $80 ~¥576 |
| Buick GL8 (MPV) | 4-6 seats | $120 ~¥864 |
| Mercedes V-Class | 7-8 seats | $200 ~¥1440 |
Why Choose Our Private Car
- Skip the crowded subway and bus to the far northwest suburbs
- Driver waits while you explore Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill
- Combine easily with Old Summer Palace or Fragrant Hills
- Fixed pricing before booking, no hidden fees
- All fuel, tolls, parking and bottled water included
- 24/7 English support via WhatsApp and WeChat
Suggested Summer Palace Private Car Itinerary
Highlights & Options
🚤 Kunming Lake Cruise
Easy1 hour optional boat
A relaxing lake cruise from the East Gate dock to South Lake Island, passing the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. The boat ticket is paid on site; your driver waits at the far dock.
⛰️ Longevity Hill Climb
Moderate1.5 hours Panoramic views
Climb the stone stairway to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for the classic postcard view over Kunming Lake and the whole imperial garden.
🏛️ Old Summer Palace
Popular1.5 hours Ruins
The European-style marble ruins of Yuanmingyuan, only 15 minutes away. A powerful contrast with the restored Summer Palace; easily combined on the same charter.
What's Included
Included
- Private sedan / MPV for the full day
- Professional, English-friendly driver
- Hotel / airport / station pickup & drop-off
- All fuel, tolls, parking
- Bottled water
- Flexible itinerary within 8 hours
Not Included
- Summer Palace entrance ticket (~$6-10/person)
- Kunming Lake boat ticket
- Old Summer Palace ticket
- Lunch
- Licensed tour guide