Summer Palace (China) Historical Facts and Pictures

Located in central Beijing, the Summer Palace is a sublime embodiment of Chinese horticulture. Dominated by Kunming Lake and the Longevity Hill, this historical complex came into existence in 1750 as a luxurious royal garden used for resting purposes. It became the main residence for the royal family of the Ming Dynasty before being destroyed by the Anglo-French allied force. Empress Dowager Cixi reconstructed the palace in 1888, and remained here till her death.

Summer Palace Map

Summer Palace Images

Summer Palace Photos

Architecture and Design

The complex comprises lakes, palaces and gardens along with 3000 man-made ancient structures of towers, pavilions, bridges within its vast area of 742.8 acres. Exemplifying one of the finest garden architectural structures, this magnificent complex is divided into four parts, the Front Hill area, the Rear Hill area, the Court area and the Lake area.

Summer Palace Pictures

Summer Palace

The Interiors of the Summer Palace

Spreading from the Eastern Palace Gate to the north-east Coast of Kunming Lake, the Court area is located in the north-east part of the palace. Resembling the imperial palace structure of China, this court area contains sections of court affairs as well as residential quarters. The Garden of Virtue and Harmony was for Cixi’s entertainment purposes.

Summer Palace Garden Pictures

Summer Palace Garden

Summer Palace Inside

Summer Palace Kunming Lake

Spread out symmetrically across the east and west, the Front Hill areacomprises, delightful gardens, delicate buildings along with the Tower of Buddhist Incensein the center.

Bayoun Bronze Pavilion Pictures

Bayoun Bronze Pavilion

The southern slope of the Hill area is occupied with grand buildings, such as the Hall of Moral Glory, the Hall of Sea of wisdom, Bayoun Bronze Pavilion and Revolving Archives along with the Hall of Dispelling Clouds, decorated with marble balusters. The Rear Hill area is composed of lesser constructions and most parts of the section are in ruins.

Cloud Dispelling Hall of Summer Palace

Bronze Ox Statue Pictures

The Lake area occupies a large part within the complex. A long gallery, interspersed with bridges, pavilions and wharfs, connects the eastern and western causeways of the lake. The Seventeenth arch bridges, the Hall of Embracing Universe, the statue of Bronze Ox, the Nanhu Island and Marble Boat are the prime attractions within this area.

Seventeenth Arch Bridges Pictures

Summer Palace Bronze Ox Statue

Summer Palace Seventeenth Arch Bridges

The Hall of Benevolence and the East Palace Gate were the office of Empress Cixi while the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Joyful Longevity were the livings of Emperor Guangxu and the Empress, respectively.