Kunming Lake is the central body of water of Beijing`s Summer Palace, occupying three-quarters of its entire territory. This is not just a picturesque pond, but a grandiose engineering project created by human hands more than two and a half centuries ago. If you have already seen the main palaces and galleries, the lake deserves separate attention — it reveals the Summer Palace from a completely different side.
How the Lake Was Created
The history of the reservoir begins long before the appearance of the imperial garden. As early as 1291, the famous astronomer and engineer Guo Shoujing turned this place into a reservoir for the capital of the Yuan Dynasty. However, the lake acquired its true scale under Emperor Qianlong.
In 1750, Qianlong ordered the lake to be expanded and a new imperial garden to be created on its basis. The work was carried out on a grand scale: almost ten thousand workers took part in it. The lake was expanded not only for beauty — Beijing`s imperial gardens needed water reserves, and during the rainy season there was a risk of flooding if water overflowed the dam and threatened the city to the east. The expanded lake solved both tasks.
The earth extracted during the deepening of the bottom was not thrown away — it was used to build Longevity Hill, on top of which a palace and Buddhist temples later grew. Thus, on a flat plain, a man-made landscape appeared: mountain and water, created by the will of one man.
The name "Kunming" refers to ancient history: this was the name of the reservoir where the Han emperor Wu-di held reviews of his fleet. Qianlong seemed to hint that his lake was not just a decoration, but a symbol of imperial power.
Similarity to West Lake in Hangzhou
The main feature of Kunming is its striking similarity to West Lake in Hangzhou. Emperor Qianlong, without hiding it, ordered the appearance of the southern lake, which he considered the standard of beauty, to be recreated in Beijing.
The West Causeway of Kunming Lake is an almost exact copy of the Sudi Causeway on West Lake. The six bridges thrown across it repeat the six bridges of the Hangzhou causeway. Walking here, you seem to be transported to southern China without leaving Beijing. Even the layout of the islands and pavilions refers to the famous West Lake — the emperor wanted to have his own "West Lake," but in the capital.
The West Shore: Causeway and Six Bridges
The West Causeway stretches for about three kilometers along the western shore. It divides the lake into two parts and serves as an ideal route for a leisurely stroll. It is always cooler here than on the main alleys of the park: rows of willows create shade, and lotus ponds spread out on both sides of the causeway.
Jade Belt Bridge is the most famous of the six. Made of white marble, with a high graceful span, it seems to float above the water. Its arch, reflected in the lake, forms a full circle. From the bridge, there is a view of the lake and the pagoda on Yuquan Hill in the distance. Emperor Qianlong and Empress Dowager Cixi loved to walk here.
The other five bridges of Kunming Lake — Liushuqiao, Lianqiao, Jingqiao, Binfengqiao, and Jiehuqiao — each has its own appearance. Somewhere it is an openwork arch with a pavilion, somewhere a strict stone span. Together they create a rhythm that is best seen from the water.
The Island in the Center of the Lake
In the center of Kunming lies South Island — a man-made island that, together with the Zhijing Temple and other structures, forms the classical composition "three mountains and one lake," referring to the mythical islands of the immortals.
On the island stands the Dragon King Temple — one of the most interesting structures on the water. Its diverse buildings give the island a fairy-tale appearance. Here are also the Hall of Modesty and other pavilions. The island is connected to the eastern causeway by a famous bridge.
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge
Shiqikongqiao Bridge is one of the calling cards of the Summer Palace. Its length is 150 meters, width — 8 meters. Seventeen arches, increasing toward the center, resemble a row of interlocking rings. On the stone pillars of the balustrade, more than five hundred lions are carved in the most varied poses.
The bridge connects the eastern causeway with South Island. The best time for photographs is sunset: the golden light passing through the arches creates an effect for which photographers from all over the world come here.
Boating
Boating on Kunming Lake is a completely special experience. From the water, angles open up that are inaccessible from the shore: the causeway with six bridges stretches into perspective, the island grows out of the water, and Longevity Hill is reflected in the smooth surface of the lake.
Rental options:
• Rowboats (4 seats): 80 yuan per hour, deposit 400 yuan
• Pedal boats (6 seats): 120 yuan per hour, deposit 400 yuan
• Electric boats in antique style (6 seats): 200 yuan per hour, deposit 600 yuan
Many boats are equipped with the "5G+Beidou" system: you scan a QR code, book a boat, and pay for the ride yourself. If necessary, you can press the call button — park staff will instantly determine your location.
Ferries also run between piers. Short routes cost 30 yuan per person, longer ones — 40 yuan. For example, from the pier at the Marble Boat to South Island.
Tip: if you want to see the causeway as a whole, take a boat and sail along the western shore. From the water, the six bridges line up in a continuous line — such a panorama cannot be seen from land.
Why It`s Worth Coming Here
Kunming Lake is not just "water in a park." This is a place where the engineering genius of the 18th century met the aesthetics of southern China. Here you can stroll along the causeway, admire the lotuses, photograph the bridges, ride a boat, and simply look at the water. And if you are tired of palaces and galleries — the lake will give you that very respite for which the emperors built their Summer Palace. Here you can spend a whole day.
