Location & Transportation

Wanshou Mountain, part of the Summer Palace complex in Beijing, sits in Haidian District, right next to Kunming Lake. It’s super easy to get here: take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (北宫门) and walk 5 minutes, or hop off at Xizhimen Station (西直门) for Bus 124/331/332. The mountain is only 58.59 meters tall (about a 20-story building) but feels way bigger because it’s surrounded by the massive lake and royal gardens.

Natural Scenery: A Mini Mountain with Big Views

Wanshou Mountain might be small, but it’s packed with beauty. The hill is covered in trees, and the top offers killer views of Kunming Lake below. In spring, cherry blossoms and peach flowers go crazy along the trails. Summer brings lush greenery, while autumn turns the mountains red and gold. Even in winter, snow-covered roofs of pavilions look like a scene from a painting. The best spot? Frankincense Pavilion (佛香阁) at the summit—climb the stairs, snap a photo, and stare at the lake stretching endlessly.

Cultural Stories: From Royal Stables to Birthday Gifts

This mountain has a wild history. Back in the Ming Dynasty (around 1494), a royal nurse built a temple here called Yuanjing Temple. Then in the Qing Dynasty, emperors used the area as a horse farm! But the real twist? In 1750, Emperor Qianlong built a giant temple called Great Reward Temple (大报恩延寿寺) here to celebrate his mom’s 60th birthday. The next year, he renamed the hill Wanshou Mountain, which means “Long-Life Mountain”—talk about a royal gift!

Must-See Human Landmarks

  • Paiyun Hall: A fancy gate near the lake with dragon carvings—perfect for photos.
  • Buddha Incense Pavilion: An iconic yellow-and-red tower that looks like it’s straight out of a Chinese movie.
  • Yuanjing Temple Ruins: Old stones and statues that show where the first temple stood.
  • Bronze Ox: A weird but cool statue near the lake—kids love climbing it.

Practical Tips: What to Bring & How to Explore

  • Entrance: Buy a ticket at Beigongmen or East Palace Gate (东宫门). The whole Summer Palace area costs about $10, but Wanshou Mountain is included.
  • Paths: The main trail is wide and flat, but some steps near pavilions can be steep. Wear comfy shoes!
  • Food: There’s a restaurant near Paiyun Hall serving noodles and tea. Bring water too—it gets sunny.
  • Extras: Rent a bike (\(10/hour) to zip around the lake, or take a boat (\)20/person) for a different view.

Why Visit? A Perfect Mix of Nature & Culture

Wanshou Mountain isn’t just a hill—it’s a time machine. You get amazing lake views, royal temples, and stories about emperors. Go early morning to beat crowds, or come in the evening when the pavilions light up. Pro tip: The north side (towards Suzhou Street) has quiet spots for selfies. Whether you’re into hiking, history, or Instagram pics, this little mountain packs a big punch!