The Marble Boat at a glance
The Marble Boat, also called the Stone Boat or Qingyanfang, stands on the north-west shore of Kunming Lake, at the western foot of Longevity Hill. It is 36 metres long and was built in 1755.
It is a fixed stone building at the edge of the water, not a boat that floats. Fire destroyed the upper structure in 1860. It was rebuilt in 1893 in a western-influenced form.
The pier next to it is also the start of a ferry route across the lake. So the Marble Boat serves two purposes on a visit: a landmark to see, and a place to board a boat. This site is an independent guide and has no link to the park administration.
Where it is and how to get there
The Marble Boat sits on the west side of the hill, on the lake shore.
On foot from the Long Corridor
The Long Corridor runs along the foot of the hill, from the Yaoyue Gate in the east to Shizhangting in the west. Both the corridor and the Marble Boat are on the same shore of the hill, so you can combine them in one walk.
Long Corridor →By ferry
The ferry route from the Marble Boat pier goes to the north of Nanhu Island for CNY 40 per person. This is a one-way fare, not a return ticket. The boat can also be your way back across the lake.
Kunming Lake and boats →Which gate to use
The park has several gates, and each is tied to a different metro stop. Choose the gate that suits your line, and read the getting-there page before you set off.
Getting there →Summer Palace tours and boat trips
Guided visits, entry tickets and day trips that include the Summer Palace, with live prices and availability.
History of the Marble Boat
The stone boat dates from 1755 and measures 36 metres. It stands at the water's edge, below the western slope of Longevity Hill.
The upper part burned in 1860, when Anglo-French troops destroyed the garden. In 1893, during the rebuilding of the garden as a summer residence, the boat was restored with a western-influenced design. The garden itself was renamed Yihe Yuan in 1888. You can read more on the history page.
Today it is a place to stop and take photos of the lake, the hill and the boats. Whether you can enter the building and which parts are open on a given day is something you see on site. Do not plan your visit around going inside.
Ferries and boats from the Marble Boat pier
Fares for 2026 per person. All are one-way.
| Route | Fare |
|---|---|
| Marble Boat to Nanhu Island, north | CNY 40 |
| Seventeen-Arch Bridge to Suyunyan | CNY 40 |
| Bronze Ox to Shizhangting | CNY 40 |
| Jade Belt Bridge to Nanhu Island, west | CNY 30 |
| South Ruyi Gate to Nanhu Island, south | CNY 30 |
There are 11 ferry routes in total, running from 08:30 to 17:30. Accompanied children under 1.20 m travel free. The boat season runs from about mid-March to mid-November, and the exact dates depend on the current notice at the gate or pier. The boat part of a visit is not in the park ticket or the Through Ticket.
Wear the life jacket, stay seated, and do not chase or feed the birds. Boats do not run in strong wind from force 4, in heavy rain or in a storm. Weekends and holidays bring longer waits at the piers.
How to use the stop in your day
Three simple ways to build it in.
A short lake loop
Walk the Long Corridor from east to west, see the Marble Boat, and take the ferry back across the lake. This keeps the day light on your feet.
Combine it with the tower
The Tower of Buddhist Incense stands above the same shore, on the slope of Longevity Hill. It needs its own CNY 10 ticket and is closed on Mondays.
Tower of Buddhist Incense →Add a day trip
Day trips that pair the Summer Palace with the Great Wall exist, and the Great Wall at Mutianyu has its own guide at mutianyu.org.
Plan the rest of your visit
More sights and practical pages.
Marble Boat: frequently asked questions
Is the Marble Boat a real boat?
No. It is a stone building fixed at the shore of Kunming Lake. The ferry route that starts at its pier uses separate boats.
When was the Marble Boat built?
In 1755, with a length of 36 metres. The upper structure burned in 1860 and was rebuilt in 1893 with western-influenced details.
Where is the Marble Boat?
On the north-west shore of Kunming Lake, at the western foot of Longevity Hill. It is on the same side as the western end of the Long Corridor.
Do I need a separate ticket for the Marble Boat?
The park ticket gets you into the park. The paid add-on areas are Deheyuan, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street and the museum. Ferries are paid separately and are not part of the park ticket.
How much is the ferry from the Marble Boat?
CNY 40 per person to the north of Nanhu Island, in 2026, one way. It is not a return fare.
When do the boats run?
The boat season runs from about mid-March to mid-November, and in 2026 it started on 14 March. Ferries run from 08:30 to 17:30. Check the current notice at the gate or pier for the exact end of the season.