Hotel in Beijing 100091, Beijing, Beijing
Aman at Summer Palace
The ultimate Beijing luxury experience, Aman at Summer Palace occupies a complex of imperial courtyard buildings adjacent to the Summer Palace. Guests have exclusive access to the Summer Palace before and after regular hours. The rooms are housed in restored Qing dynasty-era structures with heated kang beds and handcrafted furnishings.
Aman at Summer Palace occupies a complex of restored imperial courtyard buildings set directly adjacent to the east gate of the Summer Palace in Beijing's Haidian District, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of the city centre. The hotel is among the most singular luxury experiences available in China, physically integrated into the setting of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Summer Palace — the vast imperial garden complex of lakes, pavilions, and temple structures constructed under successive Qing dynasty emperors from the 18th century onward. The property's 51 rooms and suites are distributed across a series of traditional siheyuan courtyard structures that were originally built to house court officials and imperial guests attending the Summer Palace. The Qing-era architectural fabric was painstakingly restored, preserving original timber frameworks, clay-tiled rooflines, stone courtyard paving, and lattice-screen windows, while discreetly integrating underfloor heating, climate control, and modern plumbing within the historic structures. Each room is a private courtyard suite, furnished with handcrafted pieces produced in Suzhou and Hangzhou, including the traditional heated kang platform beds characteristic of northern Chinese domestic architecture. Guest amenities include a full spa facility, a heated indoor pool, a lantern-lit library and bar pavilion, and daily breakfast included in all rates. Dining draws on seasonal Chinese produce and incorporates dishes from the imperial court culinary repertoire. The defining privilege of staying at Aman at Summer Palace is exclusive access to the Summer Palace grounds during morning hours before public admission opens, and in the evening after the park closes to general visitors. Private guided walks through the Long Corridor, around Kunming Lake, and to the Tower of Buddhist Incense during these quiet windows constitute an irreplaceable cultural experience. The hotel provides a scheduled shuttle service to central Beijing and arranges private car hire for guests exploring the city's main sightseeing destinations. The combination of imperial architecture, exclusive garden access, and Aman's characteristically attentive service positions this property as one of the most culturally immersive hotel experiences in northern China.
Amenities
- Summer Palace exclusive access
- Spa
- Indoor pool
- Courtyard buildings
- Fine dining
- Library bar
- Butler service
- Private tours
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
1 Gongmenqian St, Haidian District, Beijing 100091
Highlights
- Adjacent to Summer Palace
- Imperial courtyard buildings
- Exclusive Summer Palace access
- Once-in-a-lifetime experience
Tips
- The exclusive Summer Palace early-morning access window typically begins around 6:30 AM — confirm the exact time with the concierge at check-in and arrange a wake-up call the evening before.
- Request a courtyard suite facing toward the Summer Palace perimeter wall for the most atmospheric outlook; inward-facing courtyard suites are also beautiful but quieter.
- The hotel is 20 km from central Beijing — plan all sightseeing logistics through the concierge before arrival rather than attempting to find taxis in this residential Haidian area.
- Autumn (mid-October) is particularly beautiful at the Summer Palace when willows and ginkgo trees change colour; spring (April-May) offers lotus blooms on Kunming Lake.
- Rates are among Beijing's highest but include full daily breakfast, and the exclusive Summer Palace after-hours access is an arrangement that cannot be purchased separately at any price.
FAQ
What does exclusive Summer Palace access mean for Aman guests?
Hotel guests can enter the Summer Palace grounds before the park opens to the general public each morning and after public closing time in the evening. The hotel organises private guided walks during these windows, allowing guests to experience the imperial gardens without other visitors present — an arrangement not available to non-guests.
Is breakfast included at Aman at Summer Palace?
Yes. All rates at Aman at Summer Palace include a daily full breakfast served in the hotel's main dining pavilion. The menu features Chinese and international options with seasonal produce.
Are the rooms air-conditioned despite their traditional design?
Yes. All courtyard suites are fully climate-controlled with modern heating and cooling systems integrated discreetly into the restored timber and stone structures. The traditional kang platform beds can be heated independently during the colder months of the year.
How do guests travel between the hotel and central Beijing?
The hotel provides a scheduled shuttle service to the city centre and can arrange private car hire through the concierge. The journey to the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square area typically takes 45-60 minutes by car depending on traffic conditions.
Accessibility
Aman at Summer Palace's restored Qing-era courtyard structures include historic stone thresholds, uneven courtyard paving, and stepped doorways consistent with traditional Chinese courtyard architecture. Guests with significant mobility impairments or wheelchair users should contact the hotel directly before booking, as the physical configuration of the historic buildings may present challenges. Staff assistance is available throughout the property and during exclusive Summer Palace access periods.