Location: 6 mi (10 km) Northwest of Bejing
Tel. (010) 6288
1144
Subway Xizhi Men than take Bus 32
Open: 8:30am- 5 pm
daily
The Summer Palace, or Yiheyuan (颐和园), located in Beijing, China, is one of the most well-preserved imperial gardens in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Spanning over 290 hectares, it is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design, blending natural beauty with architectural elegance.
The Summer Palace has its origins in the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) when
the area was used as a scenic retreat. However, its current form began
taking shape in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Qianlong, who
commissioned the garden as a luxurious retreat for the imperial family.
Initially called Qingyiyuan (Garden of Clear Ripples), it was designed
to celebrate his mother’s birthday. The palace was heavily damaged
during the Second Opium War in 1860 by Anglo-French forces, reducing
much of it to ruins.
In 1888, Empress Dowager Cixi, one of
China’s most powerful historical figures, diverted naval funds to
reconstruct and expand the palace, renaming it Yiheyuan, or the "Garden
of Health and Harmony." It became her summer residence and a political
hub where she conducted state affairs. The reconstruction reflected
Cixi’s taste, with lavish additions like the marble boat and intricate
pavilions. The palace suffered further damage during the Boxer Rebellion
in 1900 but was restored by 1902. Since the fall of the Qing Dynasty in
1911, it has been a public park, attracting millions of visitors
annually.
The Summer Palace is divided into four main zones: the Court Area,
Front Hill Area, Rear Hill Area, and Kunming Lake Area. Approximately
75% of the site is water, dominated by Kunming Lake, with the rest
comprising hills, gardens, and architectural complexes. The design
adheres to Chinese garden philosophy, emphasizing harmony between humans
and nature, with elements like water, hills, and plants carefully
arranged to evoke poetic tranquility.
1. Court Area
Located
near the East Palace Gate, this area served as the administrative and
residential hub for the imperial family. Key structures include:
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshoudian): The main hall where
Empress Dowager Cixi held court and received foreign dignitaries. It
houses a throne and intricate decorations symbolizing imperial
authority.
Garden of Virtue and Harmony (Deheyuan): A three-story
theater complex where Cixi enjoyed Peking opera performances. The stage
is equipped with trapdoors and mechanical devices, showcasing Qing-era
theatrical innovation.
Yiyun Hall and Other Residences: Private
quarters for Cixi and her entourage, filled with luxurious furnishings
and artifacts.
2. Front Hill Area
This area, centered around
Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan), is the architectural heart of the Summer
Palace. The hill, about 60 meters high, was created using earth
excavated from Kunming Lake. Key features include:
Tower of
Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge): A three-story octagonal tower perched on
Longevity Hill, offering panoramic views of the lake and gardens. It
houses a statue of the Thousand-Handed Guanyin, a Buddhist deity.
Hall of Dispelling Clouds (Paiyundian): Located at the base of the
tower, this hall was used for ceremonial events, including Cixi’s
birthday celebrations.
Sea of Wisdom Temple (Zhihuihai): A Buddhist
temple at the hill’s summit, notable for its glazed tile exterior and
lack of wooden beams, a rare architectural feat.
Long Corridor
(Changlang): Stretching 728 meters along the northern shore of Kunming
Lake, this covered walkway is adorned with over 14,000 colorful
paintings depicting Chinese myths, history, and landscapes. It connects
various pavilions and offers shade for leisurely strolls.
3. Rear
Hill Area
The quieter, forested northern side of Longevity Hill
contrasts with the grandeur of the front. It features:
Garden of
Harmonious Pleasures: A smaller garden inspired by江南 (Jiangnan) water
towns, with lotus ponds, bridges, and pavilions.
Four Great Regions:
A Tibetan-style Buddhist complex with temples and pagodas, reflecting
the Qing court’s patronage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Suzhou Street: A
replica of a江南 commercial street, originally built for imperial shopping
and later restored for tourists. It features shops and teahouses along a
canal.
4. Kunming Lake Area
Kunming Lake, covering 2.2 square
kilometers, is the soul of the Summer Palace, inspired by Hangzhou’s
West Lake. Its waters reflect the hills and pavilions, creating a serene
ambiance. Highlights include:
Marble Boat (Shifang): A striking
stone structure built by Cixi, symbolizing the stability of the Qing
Dynasty. It was controversially funded with naval budgets, highlighting
Cixi’s extravagance.
Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A 150-meter-long bridge
connecting the lake’s eastern shore to South Lake Island. Its 17 arches
create a rhythmic aesthetic, and it’s a popular spot for photography.
Bronze Ox: A life-sized statue on the lake’s eastern shore, placed to
symbolize flood control and imperial prosperity.
South Lake Island:
Home to the Dragon King Temple, where emperors prayed for rain, and a
serene retreat with pavilions.
The Summer Palace is a pinnacle of Chinese garden design, embodying
the principles of feng shui and Confucian harmony. Its layout mimics
natural landscapes, with Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake symbolizing
mountains and seas. The gardens are dotted with poetic inscriptions and
literary references, drawing from Chinese classics like The Dream of the
Red Chamber and Tang poetry.
The palace also reflects the Qing
Dynasty’s cosmopolitan influences. The Tibetan-style temples,
European-inspired fountains (now in ruins), and the maritime symbolism
of the Marble Boat show a blend of cultural traditions. Cixi’s personal
touch is evident in the opulent decorations and theatrical spaces,
underscoring her role as a patron of the arts.
Politically, the
Summer Palace was a stage for imperial power. Cixi’s decision to rebuild
it during a time of national crisis sparked controversy, as it diverted
resources from modernization efforts. The Marble Boat, in particular,
became a symbol of Qing mismanagement in historical narratives.
Key Features in Detail
Long Corridor: Beyond its aesthetic appeal,
the corridor is a cultural archive. Its paintings cover themes like the
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, filial piety, and natural scenery,
serving as an educational tool for visitors.
Marble Boat: Built in
1893, this 36-meter-long structure is immobile, with a wooden
superstructure painted to resemble marble. It reflects Cixi’s
fascination with Western engineering but also her detachment from
practical governance.
Seventeen-Arch Bridge: The bridge’s design is
mathematically precise, with the ninth arch as the center, symbolizing
imperial centrality. It’s a favorite for sunset views and cultural
events.
Tower of Buddhist Incense: As the highest point, it serves as
a spiritual and visual focal point. The tower’s Buddhist iconography
underscores the Qing rulers’ role as patrons of multiple religions.
Today, the Summer Palace is one of Beijing’s top attractions, drawing
millions annually. It offers a blend of historical exploration, natural
beauty, and recreational activities. Visitors can:
Explore by
Foot or Boat: Walking the Long Corridor or taking a dragon-shaped boat
across Kunming Lake provides different perspectives.
Attend Cultural
Events: Seasonal festivals, like lotus flower displays, and occasional
opera performances at Deheyuan enhance the experience.
Enjoy Scenic
Views: The hilltop vistas and lakeside paths are ideal for photography
and relaxation.
The site is well-maintained, with multilingual
signage and guided tours. However, its size can be overwhelming, so
visitors are advised to prioritize key areas like Longevity Hill and the
lake. Admission costs around 30-60 CNY (depending on the season and
ticket type), with discounts for students and seniors.
Preserving the Summer Palace is a monumental task due to its size, age, and environmental factors. Pollution, heavy tourist traffic, and natural wear threaten its wooden structures and delicate paintings. The Chinese government has invested in restoration projects, such as the 2010 Long Corridor refurbishment, to maintain its integrity. Climate change poses a newer threat, with rising temperatures affecting the lake’s ecosystem and vegetation.
The Summer Palace is more than a historical site; it’s a symbol of China’s imperial past and artistic heritage. Its design has influenced modern Chinese gardens worldwide, and its story—particularly Cixi’s controversial role—continues to spark debate among historians. As a UNESCO site, it represents the universal value of cultural landscapes, blending human creativity with nature.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October)
for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Duration: Allocate 4-6 hours to
cover major sites; a full day for a leisurely visit.
Access: Easily
reachable via Beijing Subway Line 4 (Beigongmen Station) or taxis.
Essentials: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and consider an audio
guide for deeper insights.
Nearby Attractions: Combine with visits to
the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) or Tsinghua University.