Summer Palace

​​A Timeless Imperial Retreat​​

The ​​Summer Palace (Yiheyuan, 颐和园)​​ is China’s ​​largest and best-preserved royal garden​​, celebrated as a ​​UNESCO World Heritage Site (1998)​​ for its harmonious fusion of nature and architecture. Originally built in ​​1750​​ as the Garden of Clear Ripples for Emperor Qianlong’s mother, it was later expanded by Empress Dowager Cixi into a lavish summer retreat.

​​Key Features​​

1. ​​Kunming Lake (75% of the park)​​: Modeled after Hangzhou’s West Lake, it features the ​​Seventeen-Arch Bridge​​ and ​​Nanhu Island​​, symbolizing mythical Penglai.
2. ​​Longevity Hill​​: Anchored by the ​​Tower of Buddhist Incense​​, this area integrates Tibetan-style temples and panoramic views.
3. ​​Long Corridor​​: A ​​728-meter covered walkway​​ adorned with ​​14,000+ paintings​​ of Chinese legends and landscapes.
4. ​​Marble Boat​​: A ​​36-meter pavilion​​ with a sophisticated drainage system, representing imperial resilience.

​​Historical Turbulence​​

• ​​1860​​: Destroyed by Anglo-French forces during the Second Opium War.
• ​​1888​​: Rebuilt by Cixi using misappropriated navy funds, renamed Yiheyuan ("Garden of Health and Harmony").
• ​​1900​​: Looted by the Eight-Nation Alliance, restored by 1902.

​​Cultural Significance​​

• ​​Design Philosophy​​: Embodies "man-made works matching nature", blending Daoist harmony with imperial grandeur.
• ​​Ethnic Fusion​​: Features Tibetan temples (Xiangyan Zongyin Zhige) and Suzhou-style market streets.

​​Visitor Tips​​

• ​​Hours​​: ​​6:30–20:00​​ (Apr–Oct), ​​7:00–19:00​​ (Nov–Mar).
• ​​Tickets​​: ​​¥30​​ (entrance), ​​¥60​​ (full access, peak season).
• ​​Transport​​: Bus ​​303/332​​ to East Gate; Metro ​​4号线​​ to Beigongmen Station.

For real-time updates, check Summer Palace Official Site.