Amongst essentially the most famous attractions in Beijing, the Summer Palace (or Yiheyuan) invites you to step back in time and immerse yourself in history and nature’s splendour. Explore this site and let its timeless beauty captivate your senses, taking you back to a period where emperors once ruled the land.
Getting to the Site
Reaching the Summer Palace is a breeze, due to its convenient location within the Haidian District, 15 km from the town centre, inside easy reach of accommodation providers like Ascott Raffles City Beijing. While you may make use of taxis to succeed in this destination, bus and subway services even have stops near several entry points. These include the East Palace Gate which might be reached via bus #303 to the Yiheyuan Station and the North Palace Gate which might be accessed by foot from the Beigongmen Subway Station.
A Historical Site
Before visiting this site from one in all the centrally positioned Beijing serviced apartments, it helps to search out out more about its history. For instance, it was originally constructed in 1750 in the course of the reign of the Qing emperor, Qianlong, and was initially often known as the Garden of Clear Ripples.
Subsequently, nevertheless, it faced significant destruction in the course of the war in 1860, though, was later restored in 1886. Despite damage in the course of the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, it was again restored and has since been a cherished public park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.
What to Expect
Prepare to be enchanted by the Summer Palace’s natural beauty, Chinese horticulture and traditional architecture which might be found amidst this expansive site spanning around 700 acres. Amidst idyllic landscapes and artificial gardens, one can find stunning temples, halls, pavilions, and bridges that seamlessly mix with the luxurious surroundings.
A key feature is the picturesque and artificial Kunming Lake which adds that extra little bit of “magic” to this enchanting attraction that can leave you spellbound. While you may join organised or guided tours to explore this site, you may alternatively make use of audio guides and revel in some self-exploration.
Some Highlights
Within this vast area, quite a few architectural and scenic wonders await equivalent to the Hall of Well-being and Longevity which boasts an elaborate throne and ornate decorations. The Hall of Dispelling Clouds showcases classical design, while the Hall of the Sea of Wisdom displays vibrant glazed bricks. Don’t miss the beautiful Garden of Harmonious Interests in addition to the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, where one can find attractions just like the Grand Theatre.
For a novel experience, take a ship ride on Kunming Lake, allowing you to understand the positioning’s grandeur from a distinct perspective; you can even look to savour imperial dishes on the Hall of Listening to the Orioles which is now a restaurant.
