Summer Palace
Beijing Shi
The Summer Palace, also known as Yihe Garden, is an expansive ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces located in Beijing. Built originally during the Qing dynasty, it spans approximately 2.9 square kilometers, with Kunming Lake covering three-quarters of the area and Longevity Hill rising about 60 meters high. The site features over 3,000 ancient Chinese buildings housing more than 40,000 historical relics, reflecting centuries of imperial art and culture. Inspired by the gardens of South China, the Summer Palace masterfully combines natural elements like hills and water with man-made structures such as pavilions, halls, temples, and bridges, creating a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Following damage during the Anglo-French invasion in 1860, it was extensively rebuilt in the late 19th century under Empress Dowager Cixi, who transformed it into a luxurious retreat and political center. The site is renowned for its Long Corridor adorned with thousands of paintings, the grand Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, and the iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a symbol of imperial grandeur and exquisite garden artistry in China.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Summer Palace is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the gardens are at their most vibrant. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues. Visitors can enjoy discounts for students and seniors. Wear comfortable shoes as the grounds are extensive and include many walking paths and stairs. Early morning visits are recommended to experience the palace with fewer crowds and serene ambiance.
Interesting facts
- •The Summer Palace covers an area of about 2.9 square kilometers, with three-quarters of it covered by water.
- •Kunming Lake is entirely man-made, created by excavating soil used to build Longevity Hill.
- •The Long Corridor in the Summer Palace is over 700 meters long and decorated with more than 14,000 paintings.
- •The Tower of Buddhist Incense is 41 meters tall and is the largest building within the Summer Palace.
- •The Summer Palace is the terminus of the South-North Water Transfer Project, which supplies water to Beijing.
- •Over 3,000 ancient buildings and more than 40,000 historical relics are housed within the palace grounds.
History
The origins of the Summer Palace trace back to the Jin dynasty in 1153, when a palace was first constructed in the area now known as Fragrant Hills.
During the Yuan dynasty, waterworks projects enhanced the lakes that would become Kunming Lake.
The Ming dynasty saw the establishment of imperial gardens and palaces around the lake, with the area evolving into a royal retreat.
In the Qing dynasty, Emperor Qianlong expanded the lake and built the original Summer Palace, called Qingyiyuan, completed in 1764.
The palace suffered destruction during the Anglo-French invasion in 1860 but was rebuilt in the late 19th century under Empress Dowager Cixi, who renamed it Yiheyuan (Summer Palace) and used it as a luxurious imperial garden and political retreat.
Since then, it has undergone various restorations and is now a public park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Place Guide
Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan)
A 60-meter high hill featuring a sequence of beautiful buildings including halls, pavilions, and temples, offering panoramic views of Kunming Lake and the palace grounds.
Kunming Lake
A vast man-made lake covering about 2.2 square kilometers, designed to resemble West Lake in Hangzhou, it includes three islands symbolizing the mythical islands of the immortals.
Long Corridor18th century
A covered walkway stretching over 700 meters, adorned with thousands of colorful paintings depicting Chinese mythology, literature, and landscapes, linking various parts of the palace.
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian)1750
Originally built in 1750 and rebuilt in 1886, this hall served as the place where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu conducted imperial affairs and received guests.
Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge)18th century
An iconic three-story octagonal tower standing 41 meters tall, used for worship and offering panoramic views of the entire Summer Palace.
Contact
Phone: 010 6288 1144
