Introduction
The Summer Palace is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Beijing. This beautiful palace complex is located in the Haidian District, about 15 kilometers from the city center. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in China, and it is easy to see why. The palace is a stunning display of Chinese architecture and landscape design, and it has a rich and fascinating history.
History
The Summer Palace was originally built in the early 18th century as a retreat for the Qing emperors. It was designed to be a tranquil garden where they could escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet. Over the years, the palace was expanded and improved upon by successive emperors, and it eventually became the sprawling complex that we know today.
Restoration
Unfortunately, the Summer Palace has suffered damage and destruction over the years. During the Second Opium War in the mid-19th century, British and French troops invaded Beijing and set fire to the palace complex. It was later restored by the Qing government, but it was damaged again during the Boxer Rebellion at the turn of the 20th century. In the decades that followed, the palace fell into disrepair and was neglected by the government.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1998, the Summer Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The organization praised the palace as a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design” and noted that it “exemplifies the philosophy and practice of Chinese garden design, which played a key role in the development of landscape architecture.”
Features
The Summer Palace is home to a wide variety of features, including:
- The Long Corridor
- The Marble Boat
- Kunming Lake
- The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
- The Tower of Buddhist Incense
The Long Corridor
The Long Corridor is one of the most impressive features of the palace. It is a covered walkway that stretches for more than 700 meters along the shore of Kunming Lake. The walls and ceiling of the corridor are decorated with more than 14,000 paintings and calligraphy works. It is a stunning display of Chinese art and craftsmanship.
The Marble Boat
The Marble Boat is another iconic feature of the palace. It is a large marble pavilion that sits on a island in the middle of Kunming Lake. It was built in the late 19th century by the Empress Dowager Cixi, who is said to have used money intended for the navy to fund its construction. The Marble Boat is a symbol of the extravagance and excess of the Qing court.
Conclusion
The Summer Palace is a fascinating and beautiful destination that is not to be missed. Whether you are interested in Chinese history, art, or architecture, you will find something to captivate you at this stunning palace complex.