5/5
I went on a Tuesday morning before 8.30am in term time so it was quiet, serene and not crowded. it got busier as the day progressed and tour buses arrived but nothing like holiday time in China. the all access ticket was 210 you can scan the code to get a ticket if the office isn’t open when you arrive. it includes a time for the show at the palace. I also paid the 40rmb for the hop in and off bus because the area is large and it was a boiling hot day so it was convenient and made the day more relaxing and pleasant. you can walk if you don’t fancy the bus the paths are beautiful and there are many shaded areas. there are many things to see; a Buddhism cultural museum; fantastic views and numerous places for food and drink. if you see the morning shows you’ll be pleased past various restaurants which are really expensive (500rmb a set meal). I’d skip those and head for some snacks in the downstairs lobby you’ll walk through before you can exit (includes drinks fruit ice cream etc) and wait till you get to the exit of the entire place as you’ll be forced through commercial city (like IKEA) until you can exit - but this place has many small food stalls that are cheap and cheerful with seating. I had special fried rice and passion fruit juice for 23rmb. you can easily spend a morning or an afternoon here. oh and one final thing - all the toilets were spotless and well stocked !
Sarah4
