A Personal Guide to Exploring Beijing's Yuanmingyuan: Discover the Best Routes

Last weekend, I went to 【Yuanmingyuan】 by myself. The weather was just right, and I had a really relaxing time. Being a lazy and laid-back traveler, I didn't follow the recommended East Gate route. Instead, I went in through the South Gate, which felt way more comfortable. Plus, with a little strategy, I managed to dodge the crowds, making the whole experience super enjoyable. So today, I'm excited to share my honest travel route with you all!

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Best Way to Enter Yuanmingyuan

Most people choose to enter from the East Gate, but if, like me, you're taking the subway alone, I highly recommend going in through the South Gate. It's much quieter and more peaceful compared to the East Gate, perfect for anyone wanting to snap some clean photos. Plus, this route saves a lot of time since you can head straight to the highlights, and it's close to the subway station, so you won't waste time wandering around.

Tips Before You Enter:

• Tickets: Make sure to buy your combination ticket (which includes the park + Western-style ruins zone) in advance. If you want to visit the Zhengjue Temple (Yuanmingyuan Museum), you need to book a separate free ticket through their official WeChat account.
• Gear: The park is pretty large, so wear comfortable shoes and don't forget an umbrella, sunscreen, and water.

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First Stop: Zhengjue Temple (Yuanmingyuan Museum)

After entering through the South Gate, the first stop is Zhengjue Temple, also known as the Yuanmingyuan Museum (don’t forget to book your free ticket in advance!). This spot is totally worth visiting, especially for those interested in Qing dynasty history or artifacts.

When I visited, there was a “Return of the Copper Horse Head” exhibition, and seeing the original horse head statue was really impressive—definitely a national treasure! The royal artifacts on display are super beautiful, with intricate details. I suggest taking your time and appreciating each piece, like you’re stepping into daily life in the Qing Palace.

Must-See Highlights:

• Horse Head Exhibit: Check out ancient architecture and top-tier artifacts; you won't regret it.
• Royal Artifacts Hall: Take loads of pictures; the lighting and backgrounds are perfect for great shots.

Opening Tips:

• Entry to Zhengjue Temple is free, but the main hall requires a combination ticket, and you'll need to book in advance.
• Recommended visiting time: 30-45 minutes.

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How to Take the Shuttle to the Western Ruins

After leaving Zhengjue Temple, there are clear signs in the park showing the way to the shuttle bus station. A one-way ticket costs 20 yuan per person. Don't think it's too expensive; once you're on the bus, you'll see it's worth it—it's quick! In about ten minutes, you'll reach the 【Western Ruins】. This route is a huge time-saver; otherwise, it would take over half an hour on foot, and the scenery is pretty much the same the whole way. Save your energy for the key photo spots!

Here are some tips for taking the bus:

• Buying Tickets: You can buy tickets on-site by scanning your phone. They don’t accept cash, so be sure to have your phone ready for mobile payment.
• Travel Time: It takes about 10 minutes, and you won’t have to wait long in line since there aren’t many people.

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Explore the Western Ruins

Finally, we've reached the most iconic part of the entire park—the 【Western Ruins】. If you've seen those famous photos of the Great Waterworks in history textbooks, this will take you back to your student days. The weathered stone pillars and sculptures left behind really showcase a unique beauty of ruins.

Must-See Highlights:

1. Great Waterworks Ruins: Just like the cover of history textbooks; it's suggested to find a good angle for a souvenir photo. There might be a lot of tourists, but if you wait a bit, you can avoid the crowd.
2. Maze of Yellow Flowers: It’s right next to the Great Waterworks, and it's a really fun experience. Once I got into the maze, I managed to find my way up to a stone pavilion! The view from the top is a delight.
3. Sea of Tranquility Zodiac Exhibit: This area has a digital restoration exhibition, where you can really feel the glory of this site during its heyday.

I particularly enjoyed playing in the little maze of yellow flowers; it looked small but was actually quite interesting. Getting lost here felt okay, and reaching the top gave me a beautiful green view that truly relaxed my mind and body.

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Bonus Experience: A Leisurely Encounter with Animals

If you have some extra time during your visit, take a stroll along the less-traveled paths outside the main attractions. I ran into a black swan by the lake, and I stood there watching it for a while. I also stumbled upon a cute little cat, which was such a heartwarming encounter! The natural environment in the park is fantastic, making it perfect for a leisurely walk. Don’t rush; take your time and enjoy the experience—this laid-back vibe is a hallmark of Yuanmingyuan.

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Important Notes: Comfortable Preparation for Your Visit

Finally, here are some practical reminders to avoid pitfalls:

• Wear Comfortable Shoes! The entire park is vast, and you won’t be able to visit every spot. Choose your route wisely based on your energy levels and decide whether to walk or take the shuttle.
• Bring Enough Water and Snacks: You can find drinks inside, but they can be pricey, so it's best to pack some snacks to keep your energy up.
• Timing to Avoid Crowds: It can be crowded between 10 AM and 1 PM, so I recommend entering early in the morning or after 3 PM.
• Don’t Overdo It: It’s unlikely you’ll see everything in the park, so pick a few points that interest you for an in-depth visit.

If you're like me and prefer a time-efficient and effortless way to travel, the route of “South Gate → Zhengjue Temple → Shuttle Bus → Western Ruins” is super friendly. You’ll catch all the highlights and beautiful scenery. If you get the chance, give it a try!