Yíhéyuán

Yíhéyuán, commonly translated as the Summer Palace, is a vast complex of lakes, gardens, temples, and palaces in Beijing, China. It is located in the Haidian District and centers on Kunming Lake, with Longevity Hill rising at its northern edge. The site covers about 2.9 square kilometers, of which Kunming Lake accounts for most of the area. The landscape integrates water, islands, and rockeries with pavilions and halls arranged to harmonize natural scenery with imperial architecture.

History and development

Construction began in 1750 during the Qing dynasty as a royal garden and summer retreat for the Qianlong Emperor. In 1860, much of the complex was damaged by British and French forces during the Second Opium War. Reconstruction occurred between 1886 and 1895, funded by Empress Dowager Cixi, who used resources diverted from the imitation of the Old Summer Palace project. The site continued to serve as a summer residence into the early 20th century before being opened to the public. In 1998, Yíhéyuán was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Architectural and cultural features

The Summer Palace showcases Chinese garden design on a grand scale. Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill form the core, with features such as the Tower of the Buddhist Incense atop the hill and various temples and pavilions. The Long Corridor, a covered walkway richly decorated with paintings, runs along the lake’s edge. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge crosses to Nanhu Island, and the Marble Boat sits on the lake as a decorative structure. The ensemble includes multiple halls and structures built for imperial ceremonies and leisure.

Current status

Today Yíhéyuán is a major public park and popular tourist destination, preserving an important example of late imperial garden architecture and Qing-era landscape design.