Let me tell you about the Summer Palace – it’s not just another tourist spot in Beijing. This place has quite a story to tell!
A Tale of Creation, Destruction, and Rebirth
You know what’s fascinating? The Summer Palace wasn’t always called that. It was originally known as the Garden of Clear Ripples (清漪园), built back in 1750. Emperor Qianlong wanted to do something special for his mom’s 60th birthday – talk about a birthday present! Instead of flowers or jewelry, he commissioned this massive garden that took 15 years to complete.
The emperor was pretty clever about it too. He justified this enormous project as both a water conservation effort and a birthday gift. He renamed Weng Mountain to Longevity Hill (万寿山) and West Lake to Kunming Lake (昆明湖), creating what locals described as a landscape that looked “man-made yet seemingly created by heaven itself.”
But the garden’s history hasn’t always been peaceful. In 1860, during the Second Opium War, British and French forces burned it down, leaving only stone structures standing. It wasn’t until 1888 that Empress Dowager Cixi decided to rebuild it – though she stirred up quite a controversy by using navy funds to do it! She renamed it “The Summer Palace” (颐和园), meaning “Garden of Health and Harmony.”
Just when things were looking up, disaster struck again in 1900 when the Eight-Nation Alliance looted the palace during their invasion of China. After that, it was gradually restored to its former glory.
The palace has worn many hats over the years – from imperial playground to public park (officially designated in 1928). During the Liberation War in 1948, it was actually protected by the People’s Liberation Army and escaped damage. In 1998, it finally received the recognition it deserves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Masterpiece of Garden Design
When you visit the Summer Palace, you’re looking at about 3 square kilometers of pure artistry – and most of it is water! The whole place is centered around Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, with three distinct areas:
- A political zone featuring the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (仁寿殿)
- The imperial living quarters with the Hall of Joy and Longevity (乐寿堂) and Hall of Jade Ripples (玉澜堂)
- A scenic area for strolling and sightseeing, including the famous Long Corridor and Tower of Buddhist Incense
There are 879 historic buildings here – can you believe that? From grand halls to tiny pavilions, each structure contributes to what many consider the pinnacle of classical Chinese garden design.
Five Must-See Spots
If you’re short on time, here are the highlights you shouldn’t miss:
Longevity Hill: Head to the top to see the Tower of Buddhist Incense (佛香阁), an eight-sided pagoda that gives you panoramic views of the entire garden. Nearby is the Hall of Dispelling Clouds (排云殿), built where the Great Temple of Gratitude and Longevity once stood – this is where Empress Dowager Cixi celebrated her birthdays.
Kunming Lake: This lake was modeled after West Lake in Hangzhou and features the impressive Seventeen-Arch Bridge (十七孔桥) with 544 uniquely carved stone lions. Look for the bronze ox near the bridge – legend says it’s a mythical beast that can control water!
Long Corridor: Imagine walking along a 728-meter covered walkway decorated with over 14,000 colorful paintings showing landscapes, flowers, birds, and scenes from famous Chinese literature. It’s like strolling through “the world’s longest art gallery.”
Garden of Harmonious Interests (谐趣园): This is a garden within the garden, modeled after another famous garden in Wuxi. It’s known for its “eight delights” – different aesthetic experiences related to sounds, pavilions, bridges, and more.
Marble Boat: Don’t miss this stone vessel that combines Chinese and Western architectural styles. It’s not just decorative – it symbolizes the political philosophy that “water can carry a boat but can also capsize it,” a reminder about the relationship between rulers and the people.
The Summer Palace isn’t just about beautiful buildings and landscapes – it’s a cultural treasure trove. It blends imperial grandeur with the delicate touch of southern Chinese garden design. Historically, it was an important political stage (the Hundred Days’ Reform was planned here) and houses numerous cultural relics, including cloisonné, jade carvings, and other exquisite crafts known as the “Eight Masterpieces of Yanjing” (燕京八绝).
The Summer Palace is not merely a garden but a living piece of history. Walking through its grounds, visitors can experience both imperial grandeur and poetic natural beauty.