Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
Not yet rated
No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.
Quick answer
Is Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route worth booking?
Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route is a 0.6-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $11 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 53 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 0.6 hours
- From
- $11 per person
Royal Canal Cruise: The Empress’s Path Skip Beijing traffic and travel like Qing royalty. Retrace the historic waterway once reserved exclusively for Empress Dowager Cixi. This 35-minute cruise is the most elegant, sceni
What you get
- Summer Palace guided tour（if option selected）
- Round-trip cruise ticket (if option selected)
- Optional Summer Palace entry ticket(standard admission only)
- Children under 1.2 m can join free (no seat provided)
- Royal Canal cruise ticket (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace)
About this experience
Royal Canal Cruise: The Empress’s Path Skip Beijing traffic and travel like Qing royalty. Retrace the historic waterway once reserved exclusively for Empress Dowager Cixi. This 35-minute cruise is the most elegant, scenic way to reach the Summer Palace. Highlights Historic Start: Depart from Ziyu Bay Pier in Zizhuyuan Park after a peaceful stroll through bamboo groves. Imperial Scenery: Glide 6.5km along the Changhe River. Pass the iconic Wanshou Temple and listen to royal history via onboard audio. Elite Arrival: Dock at South Ruyi Gate Pier. A short bridge crossing puts you right at the Summer Palace entrance—no transfers or long walks. Why Book This? Beat the Crowds: Avoid subways and road congestion. Living History: Travel the exact route used by emperors for centuries. Pure Scenery: Enjoy willow-lined banks and classical Chinese beauty. Arrive at the Summer Palace refreshed and ready to explore.
What's included
Included
- Summer Palace guided tour（if option selected）
- Round-trip cruise ticket (if option selected)
- Optional Summer Palace entry ticket(standard admission only)
- Children under 1.2 m can join free (no seat provided)
- Royal Canal cruise ticket (Zizhuyuan → Summer Palace)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Zizhuyuan Gongyuan (Black Bamboo Park)
Experience Beijing from a unique perspective with this Royal Canal cruise to the Summer Palace, following the historic waterway once used by Empress Dowager Cixi. Travel by boat along the peaceful imperial canal, avoiding traffic while enjoying one of the most relaxing and efficient routes to the Summer Palace. The cruise departs from Ziyu Bay Pier in Zizhuyuan Park and sails about 6.5 km to South Ruyi Gate. Along the way, enjoy willow-lined banks, calm waters, and landmarks such as Wanshou Temple. Getting there is easy. Take Metro Line 16 to Wanshou Temple Station (Exit C) and walk to the Northwest Gate, where the pier is just 50 meters inside. Or take Line 4 to National Library Station (Exit A), walk to the North Gate, then follow signs for 5 minutes. Taxi to the Northwest Gate is also convenient. After booking, please contact us via WhatsApp or email. We will send your QR code ticket for the day. Present it at the pier to exchange for a boarding pass and queue number before boarding
Pass by without stopping
Summer Palace
After arriving at the South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace by boat, you may begin your visit immediately. An optional Summer Palace entry ticket is available as an add-on (standard admission only), allowing you to skip the ticket purchase queue. To complete the reservation, please provide your full name and passport number right after booking. The Summer Palace is explored on a self-guided basis, giving you full flexibility to visit at your own pace. If you have selected the round-trip cruise option, please return to the South Ruyi Gate Pier at the designated time to board your return boat to Ziyu Bay Pier.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Beijing
Metro Route Take Metro Line 4, 9, or 16 to National Library Station (Exit A). Walk to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park, then follow the Boat Pier signs to Ziyuwan Pier. Taxi Route Take a taxi to the North Gate of Zizhuyuan Park, then follow the Boat Pier signs to Ziyuwan Pier.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The cruise ends 50m from Summer Palace South Ruyi Gate. Buy tickets at the gate or as an add-on. For add-ons, contact us immediately after booking; per official rules, real-name registration with your ID/passport is required for entry.
Options you can book
Royal Canal Round-Trip Ticket
Round-trip ferry tickets: Cruise from Ziyu Bay Pier to Summer Palace South Ruyi Gate, visit the palace, then sail back to Ziyu Bay Pier. Duration: 1 day 11 hours: The journey takes 35 minutes one way and 70 minutes round trip. Royal Cruise
Summer Palace Scenic Area Guid
Scenic Area Guide: This project requires booking at least 48 hours in advance, and we primarily use English. Duration: 2 hours Summer Palace Scenic Area: Internal tours and guided tours of the Summer Palace Children Policy: Children under 3 years old may join free of charge.
Summer Palace ticket
Tickets only: This is only a regular admission ticket to the Summer Palace and does not include attractions inside the park. Free travel Children's ticket policy: Children under 3 years old are free of charge. All other visitors require a standard ticket.
Royal Canal One-Way Ticket
Royal Canal to Summer Palace: One-way cruise: Zizhuyuan to Summer Palace. Optional add-on: Summer Palace standard entry ticket. Duration: 35 minutes The Empress's Royal Canal Rout: Cruise the royal waterway from Ziyu Bay to Summer Palace South Ruyi Gate. A 35-min scenic arrival like royalty. Royal Cruise Time requirement: Arrive 15 mins early to swap your QR code for a paper ticket, get a queue number, and prepare for boarding.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Beijing Travel & Car Hire by Zhou
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $11 to $300
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 53
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route cost?
+
Prices start at $11 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Beijing usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route take?
+
Plan for about 0.6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Beijing is not rushed.
Is Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route?
+
Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Beijing can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Beijing and add a light layer if any part of the 0.6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Beijing within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Beijing?
+
On Outty we rank every Beijing experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options, Beijing: Top 6 Highlights All Inclusive 2-Day Private Tour, Private Mutianyu Great Wall Trip With English-Speaking Driver. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Beijing?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Summer Palace Imperial Canal Cruise Beijing's Royal Route.
Pick your date
