Key Highlights of the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, or Yiheyuan, is one of Beijing’s most magnificent and well-preserved imperial gardens. Known for its natural beauty, intricate architecture, and rich history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an unparalleled glimpse into China’s regal past. Spanning nearly 750 acres, the Summer Palace is a perfect blend of natural landscapes and man-made wonders. Here’s a detailed guide to its main highlights to help you explore this iconic site.

Kunming Lake

Kunming Lake is the heart of the Summer Palace, covering approximately three-quarters of the park's total area. This man-made lake is modeled after the West Lake in Hangzhou, symbolizing harmony between nature and human craftsmanship.

Key Highlights:

• Boat Rides: Renting a paddleboat or taking a dragon boat ride across the lake offers spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.
• Seventeen-Arch Bridge: This iconic bridge connects the eastern shore to Nanhu Island. Its 17 arches are designed to create a beautiful reflection in the water, especially at sunset.
• Nanhu Island: A small, serene island with pavilions and temples that provide a peaceful escape from the bustling park.

Longevity Hill

Rising above Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill is the centerpiece of the Summer Palace, featuring a series of temples, halls, and pavilions. The hill provides panoramic views of the entire park and its surroundings.

Key Highlights:

• Tower of Buddhist Incense: Also known as Foxiangge, this iconic structure stands atop Longevity Hill. It’s the most prominent building in the Summer Palace, offering breathtaking views of the lake and gardens below.
• Hall of Dispelling Clouds: A lavishly decorated hall that served as a venue for imperial ceremonies and gatherings.
• Temple of the Sea of Wisdom: Located at the top of the hill, this temple is adorned with thousands of colorful glazed tiles, creating a striking visual effect.

The Long Corridor

The Long Corridor, or Changlang, is a stunning covered walkway that stretches over 700 meters along the northern shore of Kunming Lake. It is renowned for its intricate artwork and cultural significance.

Key Highlights:

• Artistic Panels: The corridor is decorated with over 14,000 colorful paintings depicting Chinese myths, legends, and historical scenes.
• Rest Stops: The corridor includes multiple pavilions that offer shaded spots to relax and enjoy the lake views.
• Cultural Immersion: This walkway was used by the Qing emperors and their families to move around the gardens while staying protected from the elements.

Marble Boat

Located at the western end of the Long Corridor, the Marble Boat, or Shifang, is a unique structure that symbolizes stability and strength.

Key Highlights:

• Imperial Symbolism: Built from marble and wood, the boat represents the Qing Dynasty's hope for a stable empire.
• Photography Spot: Its intricate design and reflection in the lake make it a favorite spot for photos.

Suzhou Street

Nestled along a canal in the northern part of the Summer Palace, Suzhou Street replicates the water towns of southern China. This area was designed for the emperor and his family to enjoy the charm of Jiangnan without leaving Beijing.

Key Highlights:

• Shops and Stalls: Small traditional shops and tea houses line the canal, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient commercial life.
• Canal Views: A stroll along the canal provides picturesque views reminiscent of southern Chinese towns.

Garden of Harmonious Pleasures

This tranquil garden is a smaller, more intimate space within the vast Summer Palace grounds. It is modeled after traditional Jiangnan-style gardens, emphasizing harmony between architecture and nature.

Key Highlights:

• Rock Formations: Intricate rock gardens symbolize mountains and rivers, reflecting traditional Chinese landscaping principles.
• Lotus Pond: During the summer, the pond is filled with blooming lotus flowers, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
• Pavilions and Bridges: Delicately designed structures provide ideal spots to sit and take in the beauty of the garden.

Hall of Benevolence and Longevity

This grand hall was the main administrative building of the Summer Palace, where the emperor held court and conducted state affairs.

Key Highlights:

• Historical Artifacts: Inside the hall, you can find imperial thrones, calligraphy, and other artifacts that offer a glimpse into the life of the Qing court.
• Symbolism: The hall’s name emphasizes Confucian values of benevolence and longevity, which were central to imperial rule.
• Stone Lions: Two stone lions guard the entrance, symbolizing power and authority.

The Four Great Regions

This complex of Tibetan-style buildings on the north side of Longevity Hill reflects the cultural and religious diversity of the Qing Dynasty.

Key Highlights:

• Architecture: The combination of Han and Tibetan elements creates a unique and harmonious aesthetic.
• Religious Significance: These buildings were used for Buddhist worship and reflect the dynasty's support of Tibetan Buddhism.

Wenchang Tower

Located near the eastern entrance of the Summer Palace, Wenchang Tower is an imposing structure dedicated to the god of culture and literature.

Key Highlights:

• Museum: The tower houses a small museum displaying artifacts, including ceramics, jade, and bronze from the Qing Dynasty.
• Viewpoint: Climbing the tower offers a fantastic view of Kunming Lake and the surrounding gardens.

The Western Causeway

The Western Causeway is a peaceful pathway that stretches across Kunming Lake, dotted with small bridges and pavilions.

Key Highlights:

• Six Bridges: Each bridge has a distinct design and name, adding variety to your stroll.
• Scenic Walks: The causeway is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering stunning lake views and photo opportunities.
• Seasonal Beauty: The causeway’s scenery changes with the seasons, from blooming flowers in spring to golden leaves in autumn.

Zhichun Pavilion

The Zhichun Pavilion, or Pavilion of Heralding Spring, is located near the south gate of the Summer Palace.

Key Highlights:

• Seasonal Charm: Surrounded by peach and willow trees, this pavilion is particularly beautiful during the spring season.
• Quiet Retreat: It’s a less crowded area, making it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation.

The Summer Palace is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design, blending natural beauty with exquisite architecture. Each corner of this vast imperial garden tells a story of history, culture, and artistry, offering visitors a truly unforgettable experience.