Stories
When it comes to the Summer Palace, the most famous story is about Empress Dowager Cixi embezzling naval funds to rebuild the garden. Legend has it that to celebrate her sixtieth birthday, she cut funds from the Beiyang Fleet, which led to the defeat in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894. Some people sarcastically said that the Beiyang Fleet was not as good as a stone boat in the Summer Palace. That famous stone boat in the garden, named the Marble Boat, was built during the Qianlong period, but later Cixi had it remodeled with a Western-style cabin. She often enjoyed tea and views there, unaware that this stone boat became a symbol of her extravagant lifestyle. Another interesting detail is that among the colorful paintings on the Long Corridor, there is one depicting the Oath of the Peach Garden. It is said that to meet the deadline, the painters directly copied the woodblock illustrations from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, so the style is especially realistic.
History
The history of the Summer Palace dates back to 1750, when Emperor Qianlong built the Garden of Clear Ripples on the basis of Wengshan Hill and the West Lake to celebrate the sixtieth birthday of his mother, Empress Dowager Niohuru. It took fifteen years to complete. In 1860, when the British and French forces burned down the Old Summer Palace, the Garden of Clear Ripples was also severely damaged and nearly reduced to ruins. In 1888, Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled naval funds to rebuild it, and after ten years, it was renamed the Summer Palace, becoming her retirement retreat. In 1900, the Eight-Power Allied Forces destroyed it again, and Cixi fled. After returning to Beijing, she had it restored once more. During the Republic of China era, the Summer Palace was opened to the public as a royal park. After the founding of New China, it underwent multiple renovations and became a World Cultural Heritage site and a famous tourist attraction. Most of the buildings you see today were rebuilt during the Guangxu period, but the overall layout still preserves the original plan from the Qianlong era.
Art & Design
The artistic value of the Summer Palace is reflected in three aspects: architecture, painting, and garden design. The colorful paintings on the Long Corridor are the culmination of Qing dynasty folk painting. Among the over fourteen thousand paintings, no two are alike, covering mythology, history, opera, flowers and birds, and they can be called an art gallery of Chinese painting. The bronze Buddha statue in the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the glazed tiles of the Cloud-Dispelling Hall, and the Western decorations of the Marble Boat all showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Qing royal artisans. In garden design, the Summer Palace employs the technique of borrowed scenery, incorporating the distant silhouette of the Western Hills pagoda into the garden, creating a visual effect of a garden beyond the garden. In addition, the garden houses a large collection of precious cultural relics, such as Cixi's imperial porcelain and jade carvings, but most are not on public display. Visitors can catch a glimpse of them through the architectural details.
Nature
The natural scenery of the Summer Palace is framed by Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, with four distinct seasons, each with its own charm. In spring, peach blossoms and magnolias bloom along the lake, and willow catkins drift lightly. In summer, the lake is full of blooming lotus flowers, with lush leaves spreading across the water—a perfect place to escape the heat. In autumn, the ginkgo and maple trees on Longevity Hill turn brilliant colors, reflected in the lake like a poetic painting. In winter, the lake freezes over, and after snow, everything is wrapped in silver, offering a unique tranquility. The garden also has many ancient trees, such as the old pine in front of the Cloud-Dispelling Hall, which is over three hundred years old. Kunming Lake is home to many fish and birds, often with wild ducks and egrets resting there. At dusk, the setting sun blends with the lake and mountains, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.
Travel Tips
I'd recommend setting aside at least 4 hours for your visit. If you want to see every corner, plan for 6 hours. The best times to go are early morning or late afternoon in spring and autumn, when it's less crowded and the light is soft. As for getting there, you can take Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen Station or Xiyuan Station, but Beigongmen is closer. During peak season, be sure to book tickets in advance through official channels, especially on holidays. A recommended route: enter through the East Palace Gate, first see the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity and the east shore of Kunming Lake, then walk along the Long Corridor, Paiyun Hall, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. Then head downhill and walk west along the lake, cross the Seventeen-Arch Bridge to South Lake Island, and finally exit through the New Palace Gate. This route flows smoothly. To avoid the crowds, explore the eastern part in the morning, then visit the Long Corridor and Longevity Hill in the afternoon, since most tour groups enter from Beigongmen. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, as there are many steps. Bring water and snacks, because the refreshment stands inside are pricey. The best photo spots are at the east end of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, the west end of the Long Corridor, and the platform in front of the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
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