Seeing the Good Times~~The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is the largest and most completely preserved imperial garden in China. It is also a World Cultural Heritage Site and a national 5A tourist attraction. I. History 1. Origin and Initial Construction The Summer Palace was formerly known as the Garden of Clear Ripples (Qingyi Yuan), and construction began in 1750 (the 15th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign). The Qianlong Emperor built it as a birthday gift for his mother, Empress Dowager Chongqing. Modeled after the West Lake in Hangzhou and incorporating the art of Jiangnan gardens, it took 15 years to complete at a cost of 4.48 million taels of silver. The naming of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan) also stems from the birthday theme. The layout of "Longevity Hill and Blessed Sea" symbolizes the auspicious meaning of a bat (representing good fortune) and a peach (representing longevity). 2. Destruction and Reconstruction Burning by Anglo-French forces: In 1860, the Garden of Clear Ripples was burned down by Anglo-French forces, leaving only the stone foundations. Reconstruction by Cixi using naval funds: In 1886, Empress Dowager Cixi diverted naval funds to rebuild it. In 1888, it was renamed the "Summer Palace" and served as the center of late Qing Dynasty politics and court life. Looting by the Eight-Nation Alliance: In 1900, it was damaged by the Eight-Nation Alliance and restored in 1902. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it underwent several renovations and was listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site in 1961. II. Architectural Features and Landscape 1. Landscape Layout With Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake as the core, water covers three-quarters of the garden. The front of Longevity Hill, centered on the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge), forms the central axis building complex. Kunming Lake is divided by the West Dike, symbolizing the three sacred mountains of Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou, integrating natural and artificial landscapes. 2. Landmark Buildings Tower of Buddhist Incense: An octagonal, three-story building with four eaves. Visitors can overlook the entire garden from the top, the highest point of the Summer Palace. Long Corridor: A 728-meter painted corridor with over 14,000 narrative paintings, known as the "world's longest painted corridor." Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A white marble arch bridge with unique stone lions on each arch. At sunset, it creates a spectacle of "golden light piercing through the holes." Marble Boat: Imitating a Jiangnan literati houseboat, it symbolizes that "water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it," reflecting the emperor's philosophy of governance. Garden of Harmonious Interest (Xiequ Yuan): A garden within a garden in Jiangnan style, famous for its waterscapes and pavilions. 3. Cultural Symbols Symbols of good fortune and longevity: Kunming Lake resembles a peach of longevity, and the outline of Longevity Hill resembles a bat, reflecting the Qianlong Emperor's intention to celebrate his mother's birthday. Hall of Benevolent Wind (Yang Ren Feng Dian): Taken from the allusion of Xie An presenting a fan in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, it symbolizes governing with virtue. Rotating Scripture Library and Stone Tablet: The Rotating Scripture Library is a Buddhist building. The stone tablet is inscribed with the Qianlong Emperor's calligraphy "Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake," recording the history of the garden's construction. III. Cultural Value and Status 1. Pinnacle of Garden Art The Summer Palace epitomizes traditional gardening, blending the styles of northern and southern gardens. Following the principle of "though made by man, it appears as if created by heaven," it has been praised by UNESCO as an "outstanding example of Chinese landscape gardening." 2. Historical Witness The garden witnessed major events such as the Hundred Days' Reform and Empress Dowager Cixi's regency, serving as a microcosm of late Qing Dynasty political history. 3. World Heritage Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998, it is recognized as a "symbol of several of the world's great civilizations." IV. Tourist Information 1. Opening Hours and Tickets Peak season (Apr–Oct): 6:30 am–6:00 pm, tickets CNY 30; Off-season (Nov–Mar): 7:00 am–5:00 pm, tickets CNY 20. Combined ticket CNY 60 (including the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, and other gardens within the garden). 2. Transportation Subway: Line 4 Beigongmen Station, Xiyuan Station; Line 16 Xiyuan Station. Bus: Routes 330, 331, 332, 469, etc., go directly to the Summer Palace. 3. Recommended Routes Classic Route: North Palace Gate → Suzhou Street → Tower of Buddhist Incense → Long Corridor → Seventeen-Arch Bridge → Marble Boat → New Palace Gate. In-depth Tour: Includes the Garden of Harmonious Interest, Wenchang Courtyard, Four Continents, and other unique attractions. V. Practical Tips Best Seasons: Spring and autumn (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) offer pleasant weather. Summer is suitable for boat tours on the lake, while winter offers unique snow scenery. Special Experiences: Interpretation of the Long Corridor paintings, Kunming Lake sunset, Marble Boat photography, tea tasting in the Garden of Harmonious Interest. Precautions: The garden covers a large area, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Book tickets in advance and avoid peak times during holidays.