If you're visiting the Old Summer Palace, we highly recommend adding Xishuimo Park to your itinerary.
Located just outside the Changchunyuan Palace Gate in the Old Summer Palace, this little-known hidden gem park is currently blanketed in a romantic sea of peonies. It's quiet, uncrowded, and free to enter. After exploring the historic gardens, take a stroll through the Paeonia lactiflora fields to perfectly cap off your day trip.
The park is divided into north and south sections, both of which feature Paeonia lactiflora plantings. The northern section, near the Changchunyuan Palace Gate, boasts the densest concentration of blooms and is currently in full bloom.
Layers upon layers of pink-white, pale pink, and blush pink Paeonia lactiflora, with plump, rounded petals, create a scene that glow softly in the sunlight when sunlight streams through. As a gentle breeze sweeps by, the branches sway lightly, and a delicate floral fragrance lingers in the air, making even the atmosphere feel gentle.
The park is compact and charming. You can explore the main flower area in about half an hour. The north and south sections are not far apart and each has its own unique charm, so we recommend taking a stroll through both.
Visitor Tips
Address: South of the Changchunyuan Palace Gate, Zhongguancun North Street, Haidian District (Navigate to "Xishuimo Park")
Hours: Open all day, free admission; no reservation or ticket required
Transportation: Take Subway Line 4 to "Yuanmingyuan Park" Station, then walk about 15 minutes
Bus routes 305, 320, 365, 375, 424, 432, 614, 681, and 982 to "Yuanmingyuan East Road"
Suggested Itinerary
Spend the morning exploring the Old Summer Palace to soak in its historical atmosphere; in the afternoon, walk to Xishuimo Park to immerse yourself in the sea of blooming peonies. Avoid the crowds, take a leisurely stroll, snap some photos, and experience the romance of "an ancient garden paired with a sea of flowers."
