Why is it called Summer Palace?
The Summer Palace, a royal garden from the Qing Dynasty, is situated in the western outskirts of Beijing, approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. With Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill as its foundation, it was designed based on the layout of West Lake in Hangzhou while incorporating design techniques from Jiangnan gardens, making it a large-scale landscape garden. As an imperial palace garden, it is renowned as the "Royal Garden Museum" and is a treasure of Chinese garden art.
There are several interpretations of the meaning behind the name "Summer Palace."
One explanation is that the term "Yihe" comes from the Book of Songs, meaning "nourishment leads to longevity, harmony brings auspiciousness," signifying the pursuit of health and harmony. This name aptly summarizes the characteristics and values of the Summer Palace, reflecting both the royal pursuit of health and harmony and the vision for the long-lasting stability and prosperity of the nation.
Another interpretation is that "Yihe" means "nourishment of the heart's joy," originating from the description in the Book of Documents, reflecting the spiritual harmony and pleasure brought by the garden.
There are several reasons and bases for naming the Summer Palace "Yihe Yuan":
1. Theme of Health and Harmony:
The architecture and landscapes of the Summer Palace often revolve around themes of health and harmony. For example, the Zhongfu Garden and the Leshou Garden are themed gardens promoting health, while structures like the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat blend with the natural environment, embodying the concept of harmonious coexistence. These elements align well with the meaning of "Yihe."
2. Historical Heritage and Cultural Connotations:
As an imperial garden, the Summer Palace carries rich historical heritage and cultural connotations. Its name "Yihe Yuan" not only reflects the royal pursuit of health and harmony but also embodies the expectation for national prosperity, stability, and the well-being of the people. This naming approach is both majestic and culturally rich.
3. Connection with Other Names:
The Summer Palace was originally named Qingyi Garden but was later renamed the Summer Palace after reconstruction and expansion. This name change not only corresponds to the historical changes of the garden but also better reflects its characteristics and values. Additionally, the term "Yihe" harmonizes with the architecture, landscapes, and overall design concept of the garden, allowing visitors to deeply experience its charm and artistic conception.
In conclusion, the Summer Palace is named "Yihe Yuan" because this name aptly summarizes its characteristics and values, reflects the royal pursuit of health and harmony, and carries rich historical heritage and cultural connotations.