A complete guide to watching the sunset at the Summer Palace: encountering a gilded moment in the thousand-year-old garden

#Mainland Travel From the ripples of Kunming Lake to the silhouette of the Tower of Buddhist Incense, unlock an imperial sunset experience outside the Forbidden City 1. Recommended core viewing spots: 3 golden camera positions 1. Kunming Lake West Embankment (recommendation index ★★★★★) • Scenic highlights: ◦ The Jade Belt Bridge, one of the six bridges on the West Bank, is reflected on the lake surface. The setting sun shines through the arch bridge, forming a "golden bridge through the sun" spectacle. ◦ The ripples on the lake and the silhouette of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge overlap, making it a great place to capture the golden effect on the water. • Location: The middle section of the West Embankment Waterfront Platform (GPS: 39.993°N, 116.275°E) • Best time: 17:30-18:15 (sunset around 18:30 in summer and 17:00 in winter) 2. Wanshou Mountain Buddhist Incense Pavilion (Recommendation Index ★★★★☆) • Bird's-eye view: ◦ Climb to the top of the Tower of Buddhist Incense (20 meters high) and overlook the panoramic view of Kunming Lake. The sunset gilds the lake surface. ◦ The Qianlong imperial stele in the pavilion, "The scenery of mountains and lakes are on the same building", has a more historical feel in the backlight. • Climbing route: Beigongmen entrance → Suzhou Street → Four Continents → Buddhist Incense Pavilion (about 40 minutes walk) • Hidden gameplay: Experience the "Sunset Bell" in the pavilion (ringing the antique bronze bell at 18:00 every day) 3. East Bank of Seventeen-Arch Bridge (Recommendation Index ★★★★) • Light and shadow magic: ◦ The setting sun penetrates the bridge hole, creating a "golden light through the hole" effect, and the white marble railings of the bridge body have a warm tone. ◦ The blurred background of the lake reeds and the startled water birds form a dynamic silhouette. • Shooting tips: Use a telephoto lens (70-200mm) to compress the space and highlight the lines of the bridge. 2. Time planning: accurately positioning yourself at dusk 1. Sunset schedule (actual data in 2025) Season Sunset Time Suggested Arrival Time Golden Light Hour Spring 18:15 before 17:45 17:30-18:30 Summer 18:45 Before 18:15 18:00-19:00 Autumn 18:00 Before 17:30 17:00-18:30 Winter 17:00 Before 16:30 16:30-17:30 2. Peak avoidance strategy • Weekdays: Enter the park before 17:00 to enjoy the West Embankment Skyview. On weekends, it is recommended to avoid peak hours and go to the viewing platform behind the Tower of Buddhist Incense. • Photographers: Bring a tripod and arrive one hour in advance, and use a graduated gray filter to balance the ratio of sky to ground light. 3. Advanced gameplay: Beyond the conventional sunset experience 1. Dialogue between light and shadow from ancient times to the present • “Sunset version” of Qing Dynasty drama shooting: imitate An Lingrong’s boating scene in “The Legend of Zhen Huan” on the West Dike and wear Hanfu to shoot ancient style blockbusters. • Light and shadow graffiti: The wall of “Xijia Building” on the south bank of Kunming Lake is a natural canvas, projecting tree shadows at dusk to form a dynamic ink painting. 2. Special experience programs • Sunset Banquet on the Royal Painting Boat: Kunming Lake Cruise Branch launches the “Sunset Special Line” (17:00-18:30), including a boat meal + Kunqu opera performance. • Buddhist Sutra Copying and Meditation at the Buddhist Incense Pavilion: Participate in Zen meditation activities during sunset (advance reservation required) and copy the Heart Sutra to the sound of evening drums. 3. Parent-child interaction Easter eggs • "Gold Fishing" game: Use a small net to catch the shimmering waters of the setting sun in the shallow waters of West Embankment (prop rental 10 yuan/set). • Light and shadow puzzle: A giant sunset puzzle wall is set up on the lawn on the east bank of Kunming Lake. Parents and children who complete the puzzle together will receive a commemorative certificate. 4. Practical Tips: Hidden Tricks to Avoid 99% of Tourists 1. Traffic Tips • Subway + shared bike: Exit A at Beigongmen Station on Line 4 and ride 1.5 kilometers to Xidi (20 minutes faster than taking a taxi). • Cruise ship transfer: Take a boat from the newly built Gongmen Wharf (20 yuan/person) directly to Nanhu Island, saving time going around the park. 2. Equipment List • For photographers: graduated gray filter, polarizing filter (to eliminate reflections on water surface), and wireless shutter release cable. • Comfortable people: Folding deck chairs (available for rent at Xidi Promenade), sunscreen sleeves, mosquito repellent spray. 3. Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls • No-fly zone: Drones are prohibited from flying over the Buddhist Incense Pavilion. Violators will be fined 5,000 yuan. • Weather warning: When the sky clears up after rain, the clouds are thicker. It is recommended to follow the "Beijing Planetarium" official account to obtain the sunset probability forecast. 5. Peripheral linkage: in-depth gameplay after sunset 1. Night Tour Recommendations • Night light show at Xiquyuan: The lights will be turned on after 19:30, and the light and shadow of the ancient buildings will be projected on the water, just like a replica of "Along the River During the Qingming Festival". • Peking Opera Night Show at Dehe Garden Grand Theater: Starts at 20:00. Watching "The Drunken Concubine" in the afterglow of the setting sun is a unique experience. 2. Food Map • Xiti Café: After sunset, the "Lake Light Café" launches limited sunset special drinks (such as the "Gilded Macchiato"). • Tingli Pavilion Imperial Cuisine: Make an appointment for the "Sunset Private Dinner" (800 yuan per person) and enjoy the improved Manchu and Han banquet under the plaque inscribed by Emperor Qianlong. 📸 Top 5 photo spots 1. The backlit silhouette of Yudai Bridge on Xidi: A wide-angle lens captures the moment when the bridge arch and the setting sun overlap 2. The gilded outline of the eaves of the Buddhist Incense Pavilion: The upward angle highlights the geometric aesthetics of the building and the sunset 3. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge "Golden Light Passing Through the Hole": Long exposure photography of the light trails through the bridge hole and startled water birds 4. Xijia Building Tree Shadow Graffiti Wall: Using the setting sun to create dynamic light and shadow layers 5. Panoramic view of the Kunming Lake cruise ship deck: with the cruise ship in the foreground, and the Longevity Mountain and the sunset in the same frame 🎒 Pre-trip essential checklist ✅ ID card (real name required for admission) ✅ Sunscreen + sun hat (ultraviolet intensity reaches level 9 in summer) ✅ Folding waterproof bag (to protect camera equipment) ✅ Tipping fund (tipping is available for cruise services to enhance the experience) ✅ Emergency contact card (marked with scenic spot service phone number) 🌟 Summary: The sunset at the Summer Palace is not only a natural wonder, but also a cultural ritual that transcends time and space. From the golden leaps of Kunming Lake to the gilded silhouette of the Tower of Buddhist Incense, from the ancient style of the West Causeway to the dim lights of the night tour, it has taken six hundred years to interpret the ultimate artistic conception of "the sunset is infinitely beautiful". Take this guide with you and go on a date with the Forbidden City at dusk! 🌅🏯