Summer Palace, located in Haidian, Beijing, is an expansive ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It primarily serves as a vast landscape garden and a repository of classical Chinese architecture and horticulture. Covering an area of 2.9 square kilometers, it is dominated by Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, which together account for three-quarters of the park's total area.
The palace was originally constructed in 1750 by Emperor Qianlong and was named "Garden of Clear Ripples." It was later renamed the Summer Palace in 1888 by Empress Dowager Cixi after it was rebuilt following damage inflicted during the Second Opium War.
One of the lesser-known features of the Summer Palace is the Marble Boat, also known as the "Boat of Purity and Ease." This lakeside pavilion, built in 1755 and later restored in 1893, was constructed not for sailing but as a symbol of stability. It is made of wood painted to look like marble and stands at the northwest corner of Kunming Lake.
The Long Corridor, or "Changlang," is another notable feature. This covered walkway is renowned for its length of 728 meters and its intricate paintings, which include over 14,000 scenes from Chinese mythology, historical events, and famous Chinese literature such as Dream of the Red Chamber.
The Summer Palace also houses the Tower of Buddhist Incense, which sits atop Longevity Hill. This three-story building originally served as a place of worship and offers panoramic views of the entire garden. A lesser-known fact is that the tower contains a statue of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin made of bronze and gold.
The 17-Arch Bridge, which connects Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island, is famous for its 17 arches and 544 distinctive carved lions. It was constructed during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and represents the pinnacle of Qing Dynasty bridge architecture.
The Suzhou Street in the Summer Palace is a hidden gem that replicates the commercial street of Suzhou. This area was designed to replicate the bustling markets of ancient China and features shops, tea houses, and traditional Chinese crafts.
Lastly, the Garden of Harmonious Interests is a hidden enclave within the Summer Palace. Modeled after a garden in Wuxi, it features pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. It is a place where emperors would retreat for relaxation and contemplation, away from the administrative duties of the court.
The Summer Palace's integration of natural beauty with architectural grandeur makes it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of classical Chinese garden design. It remains a testament to the opulence and cultural richness of the Qing Dynasty.