Summer Palace
The Summer Palace, located in the northwestern outskirts of Beijing, is the largest and most well-preserved royal garden in China. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this imperial retreat covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers, with about three-quarters of its area being a beautiful, serene lake. Originally constructed in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty by Emperor Qianlong, the palace was designed as a peaceful summer residence for imperial families. It represents the pinnacle of Chinese landscape garden design, seamlessly blending natural scenery with architectural elements. Visitors can explore the famous Longevity Hill, marvel at the intricate marble boat, walk along the Long Corridor decorated with thousands of traditional paintings, and enjoy the tranquil Kunming Lake.
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19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
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🏞️ Imperial Garden Paradise
A Masterpiece of Landscape Design: Covering 2.9 square kilometers with 75% being the beautiful Kunming Lake, this UNESCO site represents the pinnacle of Chinese garden art combining natural beauty with imperial architecture.
🗺️ Essential Areas to Explore
- Longevity Hill: Climb for panoramic lake views and visit the Buddhist Fragrance Pavilion
- Long Corridor (728m): Walk the world's longest covered corridor with 14,000 paintings
- Kunming Lake: Take a boat ride or rent a pedal boat
- Marble Boat: Empress Cixi's famous stone pleasure boat
- Suzhou Street: Recreated Qing Dynasty commercial street
⏰ Perfect Timing
- Best Hours: Early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM)
- Seasons: Spring for blooming flowers, summer for lotus blossoms, autumn for golden leaves
- Duration: Allow 4-5 hours for full exploration
💡 Visitor Tips
- Start with Longevity Hill, work your way down to the lake
- Rent a boat for the best lake experience (April-October)
- Visit the Buddhist Incense Pavilion for stunning views
- Pack a picnic - beautiful spots throughout the grounds
- Combine with nearby Old Summer Palace for a full day
📸 Photography Highlights
Seventeen-Arch Bridge reflections, Long Corridor perspective shots, Longevity Hill panoramas, traditional Chinese architecture details, seasonal flowers and foliage.
🎭 Cultural Experiences
Traditional Chinese music performances, calligraphy demonstrations in the garden, seasonal flower festivals, and Qing Dynasty historical reenactments.
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