Summer Palace

Welcome to the Summer Palace, or Yi He Yuan, a breathtaking synthesis of landscape, architecture, and history that spans nearly 3 square kilometers. This is not merely a park; it is the ultimate expression of Chinese classical…

At the heart of the palace is Kunming Lake, a massive body of water that mirrors the sky and anchors the entire garden's design. It was modeled after the West Lake in Hangzhou, an intentional effort to bring the gentle beauty of…

Stretching along the northern shore of the lake is the Long Corridor, the world’s longest painted walkway at 728 meters. It was built so that the Emperor’s mother could enjoy the lake’s scenery even in the rain or snow without…

Rising above the northern shore is Longevity Hill, a lush, forested rise home to some of the palace's most iconic buildings. At its peak stands the Tower of Buddhist Incense, or Fo Xiang Ge, rising nearly 60 meters tall. …

Connecting the eastern shore to Nanhu Island is the famous 17-Arch Bridge, which looks like a rainbow stretching across the waves. Every arch is a display of masterful craftsmanship, and the bridge is adorned with 544 uniquely…

Near the western end of the Long Corridor sits one of the most curious structures in the palace: the Marble Boat, or Qing Yan Fang. While it looks like a vessel ready to sail, it is actually a permanent pavilion built of stone. …

As we conclude our journey through the Summer Palace, we are reminded that this is more than a garden; it is a cultural encyclopedia of China. In its 250-year history, it has seen the heights of imperial glory and the depths of…