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The Summer Palace
No.1 Imperial Garden under the sun
The Summer Palace, locally known as Yiheyuan - meaning Garden of Nurtured Harmony - comprises Kunming Lake and Wanshou (Longevity) Hill. The garden was first made in 1750 in celebration of the 60th birthday of Emperor Qianlong's mother. The next year Qianlong named it Qingyiyuan, or Garden of Clear Ripples.
When he was 40 years old, the country being prosperous and the people living in peace and harmony, Qianlong decided to have his own place for relaxation and the expression of his aspirations. His choice was the Summer Palace, adorned with views of the hill and the lake, halls, pavilions, towers, corridors, bridges, temples, and a marble boat. They were all harmoniously situated and the entire garden became a beautiful scenic place in the picturesque Jiangnan region.
It was destroyed by fire in 1860, and rebuilt in 1888, occupying 717 acres (290 hectares), with over three thousand varied types of building. It became ever more splendid and impressive in terms of the variety of scenes, the harmonious unity of the past and the present, and the scale, history, and system of horticulture. It continues to rank among the greatest imperial and royal gardens of the world.
In spring, peach blossoms bloom along the western causeway spanning Kunming Lake and the ancient arched bridges shine brilliantly at sunset. Though the lake is not as pretty as the West Lake in Hangzhou, it features wild ducks swimming about and small fish that appear to find it fun to hold hooks in their mouths. Angling in the rain here would be a delight.
In summer there are lotus scenes around the Jade Belt Bridge, which looks like a rainbow spanning the water. Playing chess in the shade of willow trees or singing to the accompaniment of a Chinese zither on the lakeside are activities that brings immense pleasure.
In fall, the six bridges appear as still as silk. Autumnal charms are displayed in these golden months. With the winter approaching however, wild geese fly over the lake southward, the lotuses begin to wither, and no more flowers come after the chrysanthemums - it is a scene that might put poets in a reflective or even a melancholy mood.
Winter snow makes Kunming Lake more attractive again. The winter scene is no longer the one described by ancient Chinese poets as bleak, dreary, and lonely. Sweeping snow, sipping tea, skiing about, or enjoying the distant view from the Buddhist Incense Tower are popular activities.
In all seasons, Longevity Hill remains imposing and impressive. The marble Seventeen-arch Bridge spanning the blue-green waters of the lake, modelled on Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge), has 544 balusters along its entire 490 ft (150m) length, all of which are topped by carved lions, each in a different pose.
This palace was thought to be an ideal resort for the members of the emperor's family in the Qing dynasty. They were able to enjoy the picturesque scenery in the direction of the Yangts River in Beijing.
In modern times several films on the Opium War have brought the Summer Palace to the screen. More and more westerners have come to know and love this renowned imperial garden.
Location
The palace is located in the north-western suburbs of Beijing.
Climate
The area enjoys hot summers, cold winters, and a mild spring and fall (the golden season). The best months are May, September, and October, but in spring it may be dusty.
Of Special Interest
The Summer Palace was the summer resort for the imperial family of the Qing dynasty and has China’s largest and best preserved classical garden. It is on the World Heritage List.
Main Attractions
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity Hall, Garden of Virtue and Harmony Garden of Harmonious Interests, Long Corridor, Cloud-dispelling Hall, Buddhist Incense Tower, Suzhou Street, Longevity Hall, Seventeen-arch Bridge, and Jade Belt Bridge.
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