Summer Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing, China. It is a large and beautiful park that covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers. The park is located in the northwest suburbs of Beijing and is known for its stunning natural scenery and unique cultural significance.
The History of Summer Palace
Summer Palace has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century, when it was built as a royal garden. The park was later expanded and reconstructed by the emperors of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century.
During the 19th century, the Summer Palace was destroyed by foreign troops during the Second Opium War. However, it was later restored and became a favorite summer retreat for the royal family.
The Features of Summer Palace
Summer Palace is renowned for its picturesque landscape and man-made structures. The park is situated around Kunming Lake, which is fed by multiple streams and surrounded by scenic mountains. The park also features a number of small islands, pavilions, bridges, temples, and other traditional Chinese architecture.
The most famous landmarks in Summer Palace include the Long Corridor, which is the longest covered walkway in the world, the Marble Boat, which is a large marble structure that resembles a boat, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense, which is a three-story tower that stands on a hill.
The Long Corridor
The Long Corridor is a covered walkway that stretches over 700 meters along the shore of Kunming Lake. The corridor is adorned with more than 14,000 paintings and is one of the most impressive architectural features of the park. Visitors can walk through the corridor and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the lakeshore.
The Marble Boat
The Marble Boat is a marble structure that resembles a boat and is situated on the western shore of Kunming Lake. It was built during the reign of Empress Dowager Cixi, who used it as a place to relax and enjoy the lake view. The Marble Boat is considered to be one of the most iconic structures in the Summer Palace.
The Tower of Buddhist Incense
The Tower of Buddhist Incense is a three-story tower that stands on a hill in the center of the park. The tower was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty and was later restored and expanded during the Qing Dynasty. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Visiting Summer Palace
Summer Palace is open to the public every day of the year. Visitors can purchase tickets at the main entrance or online. The park is quite large, so it is recommended that visitors allow several hours to explore all of the attractions. There are also many restaurants and vendors scattered throughout the park where visitors can enjoy traditional Chinese food and snacks.
Overall, Summer Palace is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Beijing. With its stunning scenery, historical significance, and impressive architecture, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
- Location: No.19 Xin Jian Gong Men Road, Haidian District, Beijing
- Opening Hours: 6:30-18:00 (Apr.1 to Oct.31); 7:00-17:00 (Nov.1 to Mar.31)
- Admission Fee: CNY 30 (Nov.1 to Mar. 31); CNY 40 (Apr. 1 to Oct.31)