As a must-visit spot for traveling in Beijing, the Summer Palace not only carries rich historical and cultural significance but also attracts countless visitors with its unique charm. Today, let's step into The Summer Palace together and kick off a spontaneous journey through this classical garden!
1. Introduction to the Summer Palace
The Summer Palace, located at No. 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China, is one of the famous imperial gardens in China and is known as the "Royal Garden Museum". It was built in the fifteenth year of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (1750), originally as Qingyi Garden, which was built by Emperor Qianlong to honor his mother, the Empress Dowager Chongqing. After several ups and downs and repairs, it was rebuilt in the 14th year of Guangxu (1888) and renamed the Summer Palace, as the place of care of the Empress Dowager Cixi. Famous for its beautiful landscape and ingenious architecture, the Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China and the best-preserved imperial palace in Beijing.
2. Tickets and opening hours
Ticket price: 30 yuan/person in peak season (April 1-October 31), 20 yuan/person in low season (November 1-March 31). The price of the combined ticket (including the park in the park) is 60 yuan/person in the peak season and 50 yuan/person in the off-season.
Opening hours: 6:00-20:00 in high season (last admission 18:00), low season 6:30-19:00 (last admission 18:00).
How to make a reservation: Summer Palace tickets need to be booked in advance to avoid tickets being sold out.
3. The main attractions
Wanshou Mountain: 58 meters high, the building is built on the mountain, and it is the location of some important buildings in the front and back mountains of the Summer Palace. The Buddha Incense Pavilion occupies the central position, which is extremely majestic; At the foot of the mountain stands the Paiyun Hall, surrounded by magnificent Buddhist buildings and various gorgeous pavilions.
Kunming Lake: The main body of water of the Summer Palace, the lake is wide and rippling. A boat trip to the lake is the best way to enjoy the picturesque view of Kunming Lake and the exquisite classical architecture of Wanshou Mountain.
Renshou Palace: Originally the Qinzheng Palace, it was the place where the emperor of the Qing Dynasty Qianlong to Guangxu period was in charge of the dynasty, and its architectural decoration and furnishings were the specific form of the imperial palace, which was extremely luxurious.
Long corridor: Located at the foot of Wanshou Mountain, with a length of more than 700 meters, it is the longest existing corridor in Chinese classical gardens and the longest corridor in the world. The various exquisite figures, landscapes, flowers and birds and other colorful paintings painted on the beams of the promenade are its biggest attraction.
Seventeen-hole bridge: With a total length of about 150 meters, it is the longest existing bridge in China's classical gardens, and it is named because it has 17 bridge holes. There are hundreds of stone lions of different shapes carved on the bridge head and the bridge railing, and there are four majestic stone carvings at both ends of the bridge railing. At sunset, the 17-hole bridge will appear as a wonder of "golden light piercing", which is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
4. Travel tips:
Plan your route ahead: The Summer Palace is pretty big, so it's a good idea to plan your visit route in advance to avoid going the long way. If you're into Chinese garden architecture, focus on exploring Longevity Hill; if you prefer natural scenery, stick to Kunming Lake.
Dress comfortably: Since the Summer Palace is quite large, wear comfy shoes and bring enough water and snacks.
Stay safe: There are lakes at the Summer Palace, so whether you're boating or just walking by the water, keep safety in mind.
Best visiting seasons: From April to October is the best time to visit the Summer Palace. In spring, you can enjoy the blooming flowers; in summer, you can boat on Kunming Lake and see the lotus flowers; in autumn, enjoy the beautiful fall scenery; and even though winter is cold, the snow and winter sun reflecting on the palace buildings have their own charm.
Here, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes and amazing architecture, feeling the grand luxury of a royal garden combined perfectly with the charm of nature. Whether you want to appreciate the allure of ancient Chinese garden art or experience the unique vibe of a royal garden, the Summer Palace is definitely a choice you shouldn't miss.
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