Does the Summer Palace need to be booked in advance?

It is best to make an appointment online in advance. If you go to the park, you can directly swipe your ID card to enter the park to save the trouble of queuing up to buy tickets at the scenic spot. I personally recommend going to the scenic spot to listen to the tour guide and learn more about the history and culture inside. I recommend Xiucai tour guide

No need, you can go directly.