Summer Palace

Summer Palace

Beijing: The Summer Palace - A Former Royal Garden, Now a Leisure Paradise

The Summer Palace, located in Haidian District, Beijing, is a vast and exquisite classical garden, combining royal gardens, royal palaces, and royal temples. It is also the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. It is not only a treasure of the splendid Chinese culture but also a significant part of the World Heritage, attracting tourists from all over the world.

I. A Long History, Witnessing Rise and Fall

1. A Royal Garden on the Shores of Kunming Lake:

  • The Summer Palace was originally known as the "Qingyi Garden," built by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty in 1750. It covers an area of approximately 290 hectares, making it the largest and most luxurious royal garden at the time.
  • It embodies the essence of Chinese classical gardens, with Kunming Lake as its center, surrounded by the Longevity Hill. The layout is staggered and layered, with mountains, water, towers, pavilions, terraces, and verandas creating a magnificent panorama.
  • Qingyi Garden served as Emperor Qianlong's summer retreat and a place for him to enjoy leisure activities with his consorts and concubines, witnessing the glory of the Qing Dynasty's prosperous era.

2. Historical Transformation, Weathering Storms:

  • In 1860, the Anglo-French Allied Forces invaded Beijing, severely damaging Qingyi Garden, with most of its buildings destroyed.
  • In 1888, Empress Dowager Cixi, to celebrate her 60th birthday, used a vast sum of money to rebuild Qingyi Garden and renamed it "Summer Palace," signifying "nurturing one's life and enjoying peace."
  • The reconstruction of the Summer Palace not only restored its former glory but also infused it with new characteristics of the time, becoming a microcosm of China's political, economic, and cultural center during the late Qing Dynasty.

3. Cultural Legacy, Passing the Torch:

  • The Summer Palace is not only a royal garden but also a cultural treasure trove. It houses a vast collection of precious artifacts and ancient books, witnessing the flourishing development of ancient Chinese culture.
  • It is also a typical representative of ancient Chinese royal gardens, exerting a profound influence on garden construction in subsequent generations.
  • Today, the Summer Palace has become an important cultural heritage, serving as a significant carrier for the inheritance of outstanding traditional Chinese culture.

II. Stunning Scenery, Captivating the Senses

1. Kunming Lake: Rippling Waters, Delightful Views

  • Kunming Lake is the heart of the Summer Palace, covering approximately 220 hectares, making it the largest royal garden lake in Beijing.
  • The lake water is clear and sparkling, surrounded by hills, trees, pavilions, and towers, creating a beautiful natural landscape.
  • Tourists can stroll along the lake shore, admire the scenic beauty, or take a boat ride to enjoy the gentle breeze and indulge in a rare moment of leisure.

2. Longevity Hill: Majestic and Impressive, Enchanting Scenery

  • Longevity Hill is located on the west side of Kunming Lake, with an altitude of approximately 60 meters. It is covered with pines and ancient trees, offering a serene environment.
  • The Fragrance of Incense Pavilion at the summit is a landmark of the Summer Palace, a seven-story octagonal ancient building. Ascending to the top of the pavilion, visitors can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Summer Palace.
  • The hill is adorned with numerous pavilions and towers, such as the Jade Fountain Palace, the Cloud-Dispelling Palace, the Know Spring Pavilion, etc., each possessing a unique style, making them ideal places for tourists to appreciate and explore.

3. Exquisite Scenery, Unique Craftsmanship

  • The Summer Palace boasts numerous exquisite sights, such as the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, the Harmonious Interest Garden, Suzhou Street, the Wenchang Pavilion, the Long Corridor, etc., each site holding rich historical and cultural connotations.
  • The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is the most famous bridge in the Summer Palace, composed of 17 arches. It is adorned with exquisite carvings, making it one of the landmark attractions of the Summer Palace.
  • The Harmonious Interest Garden is modeled after gardens in the Jiangnan region, known for its small size, delicate details, and elegant aesthetics. It is an ideal spot for tourists to relax and unwind.
  • Suzhou Street is a street modeled after an ancient street in Suzhou, lined with shops selling various local specialties. It is the best place for tourists to experience the charm of the Jiangnan region.

III. Ways to Explore, Unique Experiences

1. Walking Tour:

  • Walking is the most traditional way to explore the Summer Palace, allowing visitors to slowly appreciate every aspect of the garden and experience its exquisite details.
  • The Summer Palace has designated walking paths for visitors, with signposts along the way to provide information about attractions.

2. Boat Ride:

  • Taking a boat ride on Kunming Lake allows visitors to admire the scenic beauty and enjoy the gentle breeze, making it one of the most popular ways to explore the Summer Palace.
  • Kunming Lake offers a variety of boat types to cater to different visitor needs.

3. Electric Car:

  • The Summer Palace also provides electric car services for visitors to quickly reach various attractions.
  • The electric car routes pass by the main attractions of the Summer Palace, allowing visitors to quickly explore.

IV. Conclusion

The Summer Palace is a treasure of traditional Chinese culture and an outstanding example of World Heritage. It is not only a royal garden but also a cultural treasure trove, attracting tourists from around the world. Stepping into the Summer Palace, one can feel the weight of history, admire the beauty of nature, and experience the allure of culture.

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