The Summer Palace
The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)in Beijing is located on the outskirts of the city, about 12 km (8 miles) from the city center. The Imperial Summer Palace is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Beijing's Summer Palace is actually a parklike imperial retreat spread out over 10 square miles (30 sq km). Much of it is covered by Kunming Lake. We visited the Summer Palace our first morning in Beijing, and it was an excellent introduction to Chinese history, architecture, and garden design. The palace was originally designed as a royal retreat from the summer heat of Beijing and the Forbidden City. The last dynastic member to use the Summer Palace was the notorious Empress Dowager Cixi, who lived there from the late 19th century until she died in 1908.
Cixi started out as a concubine of the third rank, but was the "power behind the throne" in the Qing dynasty for over 50 years. Cixi's son became emperor when just a small child, so she ruled in his stead, keeping him away from the throne until he died at age 18. Cixi then managed to bypass the legal inheritance and installed her young nephew on the throne. Cixi continued her control over the empire until her nephew came of age, and she then supposedly retired and moved to the Summer Palace. Many think she reigned until her death in 1908. Interestingly, Cixi diverted funds originally designated for the Chinese Navy to renovate the Summer Palace and its grounds. The only "naval" item she constructed at the Summer Palace was the large marble boat that sits at the northern edge of Kunming Lake. Cixi filled the marble boat with mirrors and a lavish decor and used it for tea and dining. Visitors to the Summer Palace should allow time to walk along the Long Corridor on the north shore of Kunming Lake. It runs for about 2500 feet and ends at the marble boat. From there, boats will ferry you to the other side of the lake, passing by the 17-arch bridge.
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Beijing Imperial Summer Palace Pictures
Beijing, China - Summer Palace - Pagoda of the Incense of Buddha
Beijing Tour - Kunming Lake at Summer Palace
Beijing, China - Summer Palace Tour
Flowering Tree at Summer Palace in Beijing, China
The Long Corridor at the Summer Palace in Beijing, China
Flowering Chinese Peach Trees at the Summer Palace in Beijing
Beijing, China - Summer Palace Pagoda - Touring Beijing
Beijing, China - Chinese Rooftop at Summer Palace
Beijing, China - Male Lion Statue at Summer Palace in Beijing
Beijing, China - Female Lion Guarding Entrance at Summer Palace
Marble Boat at the Summer Palace in Beijing
Summer Palace Boat Ride in Beijing, China
Summer Palace Chinese Boat in Beijing, China
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