Situated
in the western outskirts of Haidian District, the Summer
Palace is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from central Beijing.
Having the largest royal park and being well preserved, it
was designated, in 1960 by the State Council, as a Key
Cultural Relics Protection Site of China. Containing
examples of the ancient arts, it also has graceful
landscapes and magnificent constructions. The Summer Palace
is the archetypal Chinese garden, and is ranked amongst the
most noted and classical gardens of the world. In 1998, it
was listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Constructed in the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), during the
succeeding reign of feudal emperors; it was extended
continuously. By the time of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911),
it had become a luxurious royal garden providing royal
families with rest and entertainment. Originally called
"Qingyi Garden" (Garden of Clear Ripples), it was know as
one of the famous "three hills and five gardens" (Longevity
Hill, Jade Spring Mountain, and Fragrant Hill; Garden of
Clear Ripples, Garden of Everlasting Spring, Garden of
Perfection and Brightness, Garden of Tranquility and
Brightness, and Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure).
Like most of the gardens of Beijing, it could not elude the
rampages of the Anglo-French allied force and was destroyed
by fire. In 1888, Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled navy funds
to reconstruct it for her own benefit, changing its name to
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan). She spent most of her later years
there, dealing with state affairs and
entertaining.
In 1900, it suffered again, being ransacked by the
Eight-Power Allied Force. After the success of the 1911
Revolution, it was opened to the public.
Composed
mainly of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, The Summer
Palace occupies an area of 294 hectares (726.5 acres),
three quarters of which is water. Guided by nature, artists
designed the gardens exquisitely so that visitors would see
marvelous views and be amazed by perfect examples of
refined craftwork using the finest materials.
Centered on the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge) the
Summer Palace consists of over 3,000 structures including
pavilions, towers, bridges, and corridors. The Summer
Palace can be divided into four parts: the court area,
front-hill area, front-lake area, and rear-hill and
back-lake area.
Front-Hill Area: this area is the most magnificent area in
the Summer Palace with the most constructions. Its layout
is quite distinctive because of the central axis from the
yard of Kunming Lake to the hilltop, on which important
buildings are positioned including Gate of Dispelling
Clouds, Hall of Dispelling Clouds, Hall of Moral Glory,
Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Hall of the Sea of Wisdom,
etc.
Rear-Hill
and Back-Lake Area: although the constructions are fewer
here, it has a unique landscape, with dense green trees,
and winding paths. Visitors can feel a rare tranquility,
and elegance. This area includes scenic spots such as
Garden of Harmonious Interest and Suzhou Market Street.
Court Area: this is where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor
Guangxu met officials, conducted state affairs and rested.
Entering the East Palace Gate, visitors may see the main
palace buildings: the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
served as the office of the Emperor, the Hall of Jade
Ripples where Guangxu lived, the Hall of Joyful Longevity,
Cixi's residence, the Hall of Virtue and Harmony where Cixi
was entertained.
Front Lake Area: covering a larger part of the Summer
Palace, opens up the vista of the lake. A breeze
fluttering, waves gleam and willows kiss the ripples of the
vast water. In this comfortable area there are the Eastern
and Western Banks, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, Nanhu Island,
and so on. On the western bank float six distinct bridges
amongst which the Jade-Belt Bridge is the most beautiful.
content from Travel China Guide