The Summer Palace Yiheyuan is not just a park, but the greatest masterpiece of Chinese garden and park art. Located in the northwestern part of Beijing, this grand ensemble is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Its area covers 290 hectares, with three-quarters occupied by the picturesque Kunming Lake, and the remaining quarter by the Longevity Hill (Wanshoushan).
This park is recognized as an outstanding example of Chinese landscape architecture and is included among the most important cultural monuments in the world, as well as being on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
History of Creation: From a Gift to a Mother to Restoration by the Empire
The history of the Summer Palace began in 1750, when Emperor Qianlong, the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, ordered the construction of this garden in honor of his mother`s birthday. Initially, the complex was called the Garden of Clear Ripples (Qingyiyuan). To create this man-made wonder, a huge pit was dug and filled with water, turning it into Kunming Lake. The earth excavated during construction was used to create a hill, which received the name Longevity Hill (Wanshoushan). Several Buddhist temples were built on its summit.
In 1860, during the Second Opium War, the Summer Palace was almost completely destroyed by Anglo-French forces. Nearly three decades later, in 1888, the Dowager Empress Cixi decided to restore this magnificent ensemble. She renamed it Yiheyuan, which means "Garden of Peace and Harmony," and invested enormous funds into its reconstruction.
Ironically, this money was originally intended for the modernization of the Chinese navy. In 1900, the palace again suffered during the Boxer Rebellion and the invasion of the Eight-Nation Alliance, but was soon restored once more. After the Xinhai Revolution, in 1914, Yiheyuan was one of the first imperial gardens to be opened to the public, and since 1924 it has become a public park for all residents and guests of Beijing.
Structure and Main Attractions of the Summer Palace
The entire Summer Palace complex is divided into three functional zones: administrative, residential, and recreational (park). The recreational zone, occupying the main part of the territory, is centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. It is here that the most famous and impressive structures are located, which tourists should pay attention to.
Kunming Lake — The Heart of the Park
This man-made lake is the central element of the entire landscape. It was created in the image of the famous West Lake in Hangzhou. The lake occupies three-quarters of the park`s total area, and its surface reflects the majestic pagodas and green slopes of the hill, creating breathtaking scenery. One of the main activities on the lake is boat rides. At several piers, such as Bafangting, Yulantang, or near the Marble Boat, you can rent pedal, rowing, or electric boats, as well as take a cruise on large sightseeing vessels. Especially picturesque is the trip to Nanhu Island, which is reached by the famous Seventeen-Arch Bridge.
Longevity Hill (Wanshoushan)
An artificial hill rising 60 meters above the lake is the dominant feature of the entire complex. Its slopes rise in terraces, and on each of these terraces are located the most important architectural objects. The main structure at the top of the hill is the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge) . This three-tiered pagoda, 41 meters high, is the tallest building in the park. From its observation deck, a breathtaking view opens up over Kunming Lake, the entire park, and even the modern districts of Beijing stretching beyond the horizon.
Long Corridor (Changlan) — The Longest Painted Gallery in the World
This is, without exaggeration, the main architectural gem of Yiheyuan. The Long Corridor stretches along the northern shore of Kunming Lake for 728 meters and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest painted corridor in the world. Its 273 sections are adorned with more than 8,000 unique paintings illustrating scenes from Chinese history, mythology, and classical literature. A walk through this corridor is like a journey through time and art, so be sure to look up to admire these amazing paintings on the ceiling.
Marble Boat (Qingyanfang) — A Symbol of Luxury and Intrigue
On the western shore of Kunming Lake stands an unusual structure — the Marble Boat. This is a pavilion in the shape of a ship, built entirely of stone. It was erected on the orders of Empress Cixi and became a symbol of her love of luxury and, at the same time, a reminder of tragic pages of history, as the funds for its construction were taken from the military budget. Inside the boat, there is a hall with mirrors where, according to legend, the empress loved to dine while admiring the reflection of the lake. This is one of the most photogenic spots in the park.
Seventeen-Arch Bridge (Shiqikongqiao)
This elegant arched bridge, 150 meters long, connects the eastern shore of the lake with Nanhu Island. It is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in China and is a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset. The bridge got its name because it spans 17 arches, and from it, one of the best views of the lake and Longevity Hill opens up.
Suzhou Street — The Charm of Southern China
In the northern part of the park is a reconstruction of a traditional trading street, built in the architectural style of the southern Chinese city of Suzhou. Here the imperial family could take walks and "play" at ordinary city life, enjoying the atmosphere of the provincial south. Today, this is a picturesque place for strolls and an excellent backdrop for themed photographs.
Central Part of the Park (Ticketed Zone) — Longevity Hill Temple
Special attention deserves the central part of the park, located on the slopes of Longevity Hill, which requires an additional ticket for entry. It is here that the most majestic and richly decorated pavilions of Yiheyuan are concentrated, as well as the main architectural accent of the entire ensemble.
This zone begins at the foot of the hill, where the magnificent Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshoudian) is located — the administrative center of the Summer Palace. It was here that Empress Cixi received foreign diplomats and handled state affairs. The hall impresses with its luxurious decoration: carved dragons, golden ornaments, and massive columns of precious nanmu wood create a truly imperial atmosphere.
From the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, a wide stone staircase leads up the slope, passing through a series of terraced courtyards. On each terrace are elegant pavilions with rich carvings and bright paintings. On both sides of the staircase are bronze figures of mythical beasts and incense burners, creating a sense of solemn ascent.
Climbing higher, you reach the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge) — the tallest structure in the park. This three-tiered octagonal pagoda, 41 meters high, rises above the lake and is visible from any point in Yiheyuan.
However, the most intriguing detail of this central zone is the mysterious palace located at the very top of the hill, above the pagoda. This building, covered with yellow-green faience tiles, sharply contrasts with the blue and golden roofs of the other structures.
Its name is the Pavilion of Wisdom and Buddhist Law (Zhihuihai) . This pavilion was built as a place for meditation and prayers, but today access to it is strictly closed. Visitors can only admire it from below, examining its unique glazed tiles that shimmer in the sun, and wonder about the secrets it conceals. According to legend, Emperor Qianlong personally supervised the construction of this pavilion and used it for secluded contemplation.
Practical Information for Visitors
How to Get There: The most convenient way is to take the metro. Get off at Beigongmen Station (Line 4) — this is at the north entrance, or at Xiyuan Station (Line 4) — this is at the east main entrance.
Opening Hours: During peak season (April–October), the park is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (entry until 6:00 PM); during low season (November–March) — from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (entry until 5:00 PM). Please note that many internal buildings and palaces, such as the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, close earlier and are closed on Mondays.
Entrance Ticket: The entrance fee to the park is about 30 yuan in peak season and 20 yuan in low season. To access all the main pavilions, including the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Long Corridor, and the Marble Boat, it is necessary to purchase a separate ticket to the central part of the park, where the main pavilions on Longevity Hill and the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity are located. Tickets can be purchased online through an app, as well as on site — be sure to have your passport with you.
Recommended Time for Visits: Allow 4 to 6 hours or even a full day to explore the Summer Palace, so you can enjoy the walk without rushing.
The Summer Palace Yiheyuan is a must-visit place in Beijing that will give you unforgettable impressions. Unlike the monumental and strict Forbidden City, here reigns a peaceful atmosphere of an imperial garden, where nature and architecture complement each other.
You will be able to take a leisurely stroll along the longest painted corridor in the world, climb Longevity Hill to see the panorama of the capital, take a boat ride on Kunming Lake, and touch the history that holds the memory of the rises and falls of a great empire.
Special attention deserves the central part of the park with its majestic pavilions and the mysterious Pavilion of Wisdom and Buddhist Law, covered with yellow-green glazed tiles — a place that leaves visitors with a sense of mystery and admiration for the skill of ancient architects. The best time to visit is early morning to avoid crowds, or an hour before sunset, when the soft golden light makes this already beautiful corner of Beijing truly magical.
