Everyone walks the entire lake perimeter but there's ferry service between different points. 10 yuan per person, saves your legs and gives great palace views from the water. While some consider it touristy, it's actually practical transportation for covering the massive palace grounds efficiently.

Runs every 30 minutes from 9 AM to 5 PM, weather permitting. Much more relaxing than fighting crowds on the Long Corridor walkway, especially if you have limited time or mobility issues. The ferry essentially functions as public transport within the palace grounds rather than just a sightseeing cruise.