The Summer Palace

As the largest and best preserved of imperial gardens in China, and one of the most famous classical gardens in the world, the Summer Palace is located in Haidian District, about 15 kilometers from the city proper.

During the Liao (907-1125) and Kin (1115-1234) dynasties, this scenic spot attracted pleasure seeking feudal rulers. In the Ming and Qomg dynasties, it became an imperial garden. In 1888, Empress Dowager Ci Xi rebuilt it. He named it the Park of Nurtured Harmony, but foreigners generally know it as the Summer Palace.

It consists of Longevity Hall and Kunming Lake. All architectures are well arranged at the foot of the hill and by the lake, adding radiance and beauty to the park. Its main scenic spots include the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Long Corridor, Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, 17-Arch Bridge, Garden of Harmonious Interests, Suzhou Street, and Marble Boat.