Summer Palace Garden is a famous attraction found in Beijing, China. The garden is a famous cultural park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features various Chinese gardens, including the Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, halls, palaces, pavilions, and towers. The garden covers an area of over 700 acres, with 3/4 of it occupied by the lake.
The Legendary History of the Summer Palace Garden
The garden was initially built in 1750 during the Qing dynasty for Emperor Qianlong, leading to its title as ‘Garden of Clear Ripples.’ The garden faced destruction during the Second Opium War in 1860, where Anglo-French troops set it on fire. However, Empress Dowager Cixi rebuilt the garden in 1886 after diverting navy funds to preserve the garden.
The Amazing Tourist Attractions of the Garden
The Longevity Hill:
The Longevity Hill in the Summer Palace Garden stands at 60 meters high, offering visitors an excellent panoramic view of the entire garden. Visitors who climb the hill can view various historical buildings in the surrounding areas, including the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity.
Kunming Lake:
The lake is an artificial lake occupying over 2.2 square kilometers, serving as the center of the Summer Palace Garden scenic area. Visitors can take boat rides in the lake or climb onto some buildings, such as the Terra-cotta Dragon Palace and Baoyun Bronze Pavilion, to see the surrounding attractions.
The Halls and Palaces:
The garden contains several halls and palaces, which feature designs and decorations that take inspiration from various elements of Chinese culture, history, and mythology. The main halls include the Hall of Jade Ripples, Hall of Aging Spring, and the Hall of Joyful Longevity, all of which are decorated with gemstones, paintings, sculptures, and intricate Chinese calligraphy.
Practical Information for a Visit to the Summer Palace Garden
Visitors planning to visit the Summer Palace Garden should consider booking their tickets online to avoid long queues. The garden opens at 07:00 AM, and the last entries are at 05:00 PM. Visitors should also consider bringing comfortable clothing and walking shoes since the gardens occupy a vast area. The garden is a must-visit tourist attraction, and a valuable cultural heritage site that visitors should not miss during their trips to China.
- Opening Time: 07:00AM – 05:00PM
- Ticket Price: CNY 30-50
- Location: No.19 Xinian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
- Website: https://www.summerpalace-china.com/
Wrap Up
In conclusion, the Summer Palace Garden is a famous tourist attraction in Beijing that offers visitors an insight into the rich Chinese culture, history, and mythology. The garden features several historical buildings, some of which date back to the Qing dynasty, and an artificial lake surrounded by beautiful gardens. Visitors can take boat rides in the lake, climb onto the Longevity Hill and explore the halls and pavilions. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to see one of China’s greatest treasures!