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Description:
Constructed during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), the Summer Palace is a sprawling complex over 726.5 acres in size, the bulk of which comprises an artificial lake. It was popularly used as a summer resort of members of the imperial palace, and reached its height during the 18th century when the Empress Dowager Cixi embezzeled funds intended for the navy to rebuild and extend the palace to its current proportions. The palace was ransacked in 1900, but was restored in the 1500's.
The palace features a number of intricate gardens, pavilions, towers, bridges and corridors. It is split into four parts: the front hill area, front lake area, the rear hill area and the rear lake area.
The palace features a number of intricate gardens, pavilions, towers, bridges and corridors. It is split into four parts: the front hill area, front lake area, the rear hill area and the rear lake area.
Getting there:
On bus routes: 907, 375, 801, 808, 732, 394, 718
Pokin Y. says...
Added Jun 20, 2007
I went to see this place as part of a big guided tour. Not, in my opinion, the best way to go about things. We were shuttled from place to place following streams of people patiently filing their way around the palace. Stop here, take a picture there. When the guide told us rub the butts of these two lion sculptures for good luck, the group obediently went up and did so. So the guides said jump where??That said, this is a stunning complex. You arrive, and immediately take a boat ride through this massive artificial lake. Once you land, you can explore the gardens, the buildlings and all the detailing - all of which was quite impressive. Now if only we could just lose some of the crowds.
Jasmine S. says...
Added Jul 12, 2008
Really enjoyed the Summer Palace. It took me a while to figure out what bus i needed to take to get there but once there I loved it. It has a really old feel about it and there is so much to buy. Make sure you bargain though.And bargain well. Walking away seems to be a winner for some bargains, depending on how much they want to sell items to you. This is a large palace to look at. I heard a story that the emperor at the time had a war going on but he lost the war because he spent his money on this palace instead...Definitely a must see when in Beijing
AnnaPantz says...
Added Aug 20, 2008
The Summer Palace is amazing. really beautiful and even just spending the day there walking around is nice. there is so much to see and it really gives a great idea of the chinese achitecture and the beautiful country of china. But in the summer it does get hot.
May K. says...
Added Nov 2, 2008
It was built during the 1st year of Emperor Zhenyuan (1153) of the Jin Dynasty. The Empress Cixi used to go there to escape the summer heat. It has got the longest painted gallery in the world (783m long - 273 sections)
Nicolas P. says...
Added Aug 28, 2008
This place is magic, the palace is located on the hill in front of lake. Personally, I remained everything after noon, there what gave me the chance to attend the slept of sun, it was magnificent...For me, it is the most beautiful places!
Yanjun Z. says...
Added Nov 27, 2008
A perfect place to enjoy and relax ueself! It is a little bit similar with the Fountainbleu in Paris.
Agnieszka M. says...
Added Aug 19, 2008
Large area with lots of temples... and Marble Boat also known as the Boat of Purity and Ease...
Tianning Z. says...
Added Aug 16, 2008
night in summer palace---lover's heaven
Antonio C. says...
Added Aug 31, 2008
