Summer Palace
A vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces. The perfect place to experience imperial garden design and escape the city hustle.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Kunming Lake
- Longevity Hill
The Story
The Summer Palace, originally named the Garden of Clear Ripples, was first built in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty by Emperor Qianlong as a gift for his mother. The complex was destroyed by foreign forces in 1860 and rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1888 using funds intended for the Chinese navy. The palace served as the summer retreat for the imperial family, providing a cool escape from the heat of the Forbidden City. The design follows traditional Chinese garden principles, creating a harmonious balance between natural and man-made elements. The complex covers 290 hectares, with Kunming Lake occupying three-quarters of the area and Longevity Hill providing the backdrop. The Summer Palace represents the pinnacle of Chinese landscape garden design and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Visual Journey
Don't Miss
Long Corridor
728-meter covered walkway with 14,000 paintings
Marble Boat
Unique stone boat built by Empress Cixi
Tower of Buddhist Incense
Octagonal tower on Longevity Hill with panoramic views
Seventeen-Arch Bridge
Beautiful stone bridge connecting to South Lake Island
Photography Guide
Kunming Lake from Longevity Hill
Panoramic view of the lake and surrounding gardens
Long Corridor
Colorful paintings and traditional architecture
Marble Boat
Unique architectural feature on the lake
Nearby Dining
Summer Palace Restaurant
$$$Imperial
Fine dining with lake views
Garden Cafe
$$International
Light meals and refreshments
