West Causeway (Xidi)
Tracing a graceful curve at Kunming Lake's west at the Summer Palace, West Causeway ranks among the lake's most celebrated landmarks, second only to the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. If you wish to quietly soak in the natural beauty of this royal garden, this is your perfect escape. Here, you'll find open lake views, tree-lined paths, and seasonal blooms, ideal for wandering the bridges at your own pace and capturing sweeping nature shots without fighting through crowds.
China's south region of the Yangtze River is famous for mild climates, abundant produce, and a culture of refined elegance. Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799) of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was utterly captivated by it. After six tours of the south, he couldn't bear to leave the beauty behind. In 1750, he ordered craftsmen to recreate Hangzhou's famous Su Causeway right here in his Beijing imperial garden.
Stroll along West Causeway, taking in the high-arched stone bridges, peach and willow branches trailing the water, and the misty expanse of the lake. You'll find yourself in Beijing, a city known for red walls, yellow tiles, and imperial solemnity, yet feeling like you've stepped into the gentle, watery landscapes of Southern Yangtse River. It's a rare dual experience in a single tour.
Six Bridges of West Causeway
Six distinct bridges span the causeway from south to north. Willow Bridge is named for the weeping willows that sweep the water; Silk Bridge has a gentle, flat profile like unrolled silk; Mirror Bridge takes its name from its pavilion reflecting on the mirror-smooth lake surface; Jade Belt Bridge is known for its high arch resembling a jade belt; Binfeng Bridge, meaning “farm life,” offers classic elegance and views of pastoral scenery; and Lake-Boundary Bridge sits at the junction of Kunming Lake and the outer lake.
While the Summer Palace's core attractions like the Hall of Dispelling Clouds and Tower of Buddhist Incense swarm with visitors year-round, West Causeway sits far enough off the beaten path to offer something rare: genuine tranquility. No tour guide megaphones here. You'll find just wind rustling through willows and water lapping against stone.
This is where you see real Beijing life unfold: gray-haired grandparents strolling leisurely with grandchildren, art students setting up easels along the bank, and black swans gliding by with cygnets in tow. That sense of ease, far from the urban grind, delivers exactly the kind of authentic relaxation many travelers seek.
Late March to early April in Spring: West Causeway transforms into a "pink cloud ribbon" when thousands of mountain peach trees burst into bloom along the banks. Pink-white petals drift down to carpet the water, especially around Mirror and Silk Bridges. With ancient stone arches and the Tower of Buddhist Incense as your backdrop, every shot looks postcard-perfect.
Late October to November in Autumn: The autumn colors hit their peak as willow leaves turn gold against the lake's deep blue. The color saturation is so intense you'll feel like you've stepped inside an oil painting.
Visit on weekday mornings (8:00–10:00) for soft light and fewer crowds.
The most efficient access with just 10 minutes' walk to the causeway entrance. This route offers light crowds and immediate proximity to the Xijiao subway line. Ideal for photographers and those seeking to bypass the main tourist crush while heading directly to the peach-heavy zones around Mirror, Silk, and Willow Bridges.
Most visitors enter here. Tour the palace complex first, then head west across the southern foot of Longevity Hill, passing the Long Corridor and Marble Boat to reach West Causeway. The journey covers roughly 2–3 kilometers, requiring 30–40 minutes of walking.
Standard Summer Palace ticket covers West Causeway access.
 |
| West Causeway, Summer Palace |
Three Reasons to Visit West Causeway
You Get Two Worlds in One Walk: Northern Grandeur & Southern Grace
China's south region of the Yangtze River is famous for mild climates, abundant produce, and a culture of refined elegance. Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799) of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was utterly captivated by it. After six tours of the south, he couldn't bear to leave the beauty behind. In 1750, he ordered craftsmen to recreate Hangzhou's famous Su Causeway right here in his Beijing imperial garden.
Stroll along West Causeway, taking in the high-arched stone bridges, peach and willow branches trailing the water, and the misty expanse of the lake. You'll find yourself in Beijing, a city known for red walls, yellow tiles, and imperial solemnity, yet feeling like you've stepped into the gentle, watery landscapes of Southern Yangtse River. It's a rare dual experience in a single tour.
Six Bridges of West Causeway |
| Jade-belt Bridge, West Causeway |
Six distinct bridges span the causeway from south to north. Willow Bridge is named for the weeping willows that sweep the water; Silk Bridge has a gentle, flat profile like unrolled silk; Mirror Bridge takes its name from its pavilion reflecting on the mirror-smooth lake surface; Jade Belt Bridge is known for its high arch resembling a jade belt; Binfeng Bridge, meaning “farm life,” offers classic elegance and views of pastoral scenery; and Lake-Boundary Bridge sits at the junction of Kunming Lake and the outer lake.
Escape the Crowds & Discover Beijing's Laid-Back Side
While the Summer Palace's core attractions like the Hall of Dispelling Clouds and Tower of Buddhist Incense swarm with visitors year-round, West Causeway sits far enough off the beaten path to offer something rare: genuine tranquility. No tour guide megaphones here. You'll find just wind rustling through willows and water lapping against stone.
This is where you see real Beijing life unfold: gray-haired grandparents strolling leisurely with grandchildren, art students setting up easels along the bank, and black swans gliding by with cygnets in tow. That sense of ease, far from the urban grind, delivers exactly the kind of authentic relaxation many travelers seek.
 |
| West Causeway, Summer Palace |
Seasonal Highlights: Spring Flowers & Autumn Foliage
Late March to early April in Spring: West Causeway transforms into a "pink cloud ribbon" when thousands of mountain peach trees burst into bloom along the banks. Pink-white petals drift down to carpet the water, especially around Mirror and Silk Bridges. With ancient stone arches and the Tower of Buddhist Incense as your backdrop, every shot looks postcard-perfect.
Late October to November in Autumn: The autumn colors hit their peak as willow leaves turn gold against the lake's deep blue. The color saturation is so intense you'll feel like you've stepped inside an oil painting.
Pro Timing Tip
Visit on weekday mornings (8:00–10:00) for soft light and fewer crowds.
Getting There
From West Gate
The most efficient access with just 10 minutes' walk to the causeway entrance. This route offers light crowds and immediate proximity to the Xijiao subway line. Ideal for photographers and those seeking to bypass the main tourist crush while heading directly to the peach-heavy zones around Mirror, Silk, and Willow Bridges.
From East Palace Gate
Most visitors enter here. Tour the palace complex first, then head west across the southern foot of Longevity Hill, passing the Long Corridor and Marble Boat to reach West Causeway. The journey covers roughly 2–3 kilometers, requiring 30–40 minutes of walking.
Standard Summer Palace ticket covers West Causeway access.
Next: East Causeway
Related Link: Summer Palace Travel Tips
Recommended Tours
- Last updated on Apr. 29, 2026 by Jally Zhang -