Hotel in Beijing 100091, China
Aman Summer Palace Beijing
Serene retreat inside a series of Ming Dynasty dwellings adjacent to the Summer Palace. Each suite features private courtyards, traditional architecture, and modern luxury. Exclusive access to Summer Palace before and after hours for guests.
Aman Summer Palace Beijing occupies a series of restored imperial-era pavilions and courtyards directly adjacent to the Summer Palace UNESCO World Heritage site at 1 Gongmenqian Street in Haidian district, approximately 12 kilometres north-west of central Beijing. The hotel holds the only private gate of any property in China granting direct access to the Summer Palace grounds before and after the park's public opening hours — an exclusive arrangement that allows early-morning and evening walks through the palace gardens when visitor numbers are negligible.
The 51 suites are distributed across preserved Ming and Qing dynasty structures, each with private courtyard access, traditional latticed windows, and contemporary furnishings that complement rather than override the historic fabric. Beds are custom-made, bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs in stone settings, and room technology is kept deliberately understated to preserve the atmosphere of imperial retreat. Several suites include private pavilion gardens with stone lanterns and koi ponds framed by mature scholar trees.
The Aman Spa is among Beijing's most exclusive private wellness facilities, offering Chinese meridian treatments, herbal compress therapies, and a 25-metre indoor pool set within a refurbished imperial hall. The hotel's restaurant serves seasonal Chinese cuisine emphasising imperial recipes adapted to contemporary local ingredients. A library stocked with books on Chinese history, art, and classical poetry doubles as an evening gathering space for cultural programming including calligraphy demonstrations and live guqin performances.
The concierge arranges private guided tours of the Summer Palace, the Old Summer Palace ruins, and the Western Qing Tombs, drawing on relationships with historians and art curators at major Beijing institutions. Haidian's academic quarter — including Peking University and Tsinghua University campuses — and the Fragrant Hills in autumn foliage season are within accessible range. Rates begin at approximately CNY 5,000 per night for entry-level suites and increase significantly for larger imperial compound accommodations.
Amenities
- spa
- swimming pool
- restaurant
- library
- cinema
- Summer Palace access
- courtyard gardens
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +86 10 5987 9999
Location
1 Gongmenqian Street, Summer Palace, Haidian District, Beijing 100091
39.9959, 116.2701 — View on map
Highlights
- Private gate granting exclusive early-morning and late-evening access to Summer Palace grounds — unique among all Beijing hotels
- 51 suites in restored Ming and Qing dynasty pavilions with private courtyard gardens and koi ponds
- Aman Spa with a 25-metre indoor pool set in a refurbished imperial hall — one of Beijing's finest private wellness facilities
- Seasonal Chinese restaurant serving imperial-influenced cuisine sourced from the surrounding Haidian region
- Cultural programming including guqin performances, calligraphy sessions, and private palace history tours
Tips
- Use the private Summer Palace gate at first light — the site empties of tour groups before 09:00 and the eastern causeway offers unobstructed views across Kunming Lake
- Autumn (late September–November) is the finest season for Aman Summer Palace; the surrounding hills turn red and gold and temperatures suit courtyard stays perfectly
- Arrange guqin music evenings in the library at the time of reservation — these require musician scheduling and fill quickly during peak periods
- The Old Summer Palace ruins are approximately 3 kilometres east — a bicycle arranged through the hotel provides an atmospheric approach through the Haidian campus lanes
- Guests interested in Peking University's traditional architecture can request a private campus walk through the concierge — the classical Chinese garden buildings are rarely visited by outsiders
FAQ
Does Aman Summer Palace provide exclusive access to the Summer Palace?
Guests receive access through a private gate before and after the park's public opening hours. This arrangement is unique to Aman Summer Palace among all Beijing hotels and allows visits when the site has no other visitors.
How far is Aman Summer Palace from central Beijing?
The hotel is approximately 12 kilometres north-west of the Forbidden City. A journey by private car takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic; the hotel's fleet handles all guest transfers.
What room types are available?
The property offers 51 suites across restored pavilion buildings, including garden suites with private koi ponds, courtyard suites, and larger compound suites with multiple rooms. All accommodation is suite-level — there are no standard hotel rooms.
Is the hotel suitable for families?
The property's serene, heritage atmosphere suits families with older children interested in Chinese history and nature. The courtyard gardens, lake proximity, and concierge-arranged guided programmes provide family-appropriate activities.
What is the typical room rate range?
Rates begin at approximately CNY 5,000 per night for entry-level suites and rise substantially for larger imperial compound accommodations. Direct booking through Aman or an authorised travel consultant is recommended for best availability.
Accessibility
Aman Summer Palace occupies a complex of traditional pavilion buildings ranging from single-storey structures to raised courtyard platforms accessed via stone steps. The heritage nature of the buildings limits full wheelchair accessibility throughout the property. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly before booking to identify suitable room options and available access routes within the compound.
When to visit
Autumn (late September–November) is the peak season for Aman Summer Palace, when the Fragrant Hills and surrounding woodland turn vivid red and gold. Spring (April–May) also offers pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors at the Summer Palace itself. Summer can be warm but the Aman Spa and indoor pool provide comfortable retreats regardless of outdoor conditions.