Summer Palace, Beijing

🏵️Summer Palace🏵️ This imperial garden, steeped in rich history and culture, boasts unique lake and mountain scenery, exquisite garden architecture, and a wealth of cultural significance. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of life, the Summer Palace caters to all. ✨Classic Attractions Suzhou Street: This replica of a Jiangsu water street, built during the Qianlong Emperor's reign, served as a royal market. Despite the passage of time, its ancient charm remains. Strolling along the street feels like stepping back in time. Four Continents: This complex of Tibetan Buddhist architecture, with its unique style and red walls topped with golden roofs, is particularly magnificent under the sunlight, exuding a rich religious and cultural atmosphere. Tower of Buddhist Incense: As one of the Summer Palace's iconic landmarks and its highest point, the viewing platform in front of the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Long Corridor: Stretching 728 meters, this is the world's longest covered walkway. Its beams and rafters are adorned with over 14,000 colorful paintings depicting landscapes, figures, flowers, and birds, offering a feast for the eyes and an immersive art experience. Marble Boat: Located at the western end of the Long Corridor, this large stone boat, commissioned by the Qianlong Emperor, is exquisitely carved from white marble. It symbolizes the saying, "Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it," serving as a reminder for the emperor to treat his people well. Hall of Dispelling Clouds: Situated at the end of the Long Corridor, this hall served as the venue for Empress Dowager Cixi to receive tributes on her birthday. Its architecture is grand and solemn. Hall of Joy and Longevity: Located east of the Hall of Dispelling Clouds, this was Empress Dowager Cixi's residence in the Summer Palace. The elegant furnishings and exquisite decorations within the hall offer a glimpse into the extravagance of her life. Seventeen-Arch Bridge: Departing from the Hall of Joy and Longevity, this bridge spans Kunming Lake like a rainbow. Composed of 17 arches, each varying in size and shape, it is a truly magnificent sight. South Lake Island: This island, shaded by lush trees and boasting beautiful scenery, is home to the Dragon King Temple, where emperors of old prayed for rain. Garden of Harmonious Interest: This garden within a garden, modeled after the gardens of Jiangnan, is compact and charming, filled with the charm of a southern water town. Its pavilions, terraces, ponds, and lotus flowers create a picturesque setting, perfect for taking photos. -🍀Spring Flower Viewing Route🍀: East Palace Gate—Hall of Benevolence and Longevity—Garden of Harmonious Interest—Hall of Joy and Longevity (Magnolia viewing)—Long Corridor—Marble Boat—West Dike (Mountain Peach Blossom viewing)—Embroidered Wave Bridge—East Bank Road of Kunming Lake (Distant views of West Dike, Jade Peak Pagoda of Jade Spring Hill, Longevity Hill, Tower of Buddhist Incense)—Kuoru Pavilion—Seventeen-Arch Bridge—New Palace Gate. The highlights of spring are the peach blossoms and willows along the West Dike of Kunming Lake and the magnolias in full bloom at the Hall of Joy and Longevity. This route avoids backtracking, covers the best spring viewing spots, and incorporates as many major attractions as possible. Transportation: 🚊: Subway Line 4, Xiyuan Station, for East Palace Gate; Subway Line 4, Beigongmen Station, for North Palace Gate. 🚎: Buses 346, 303, 332, and 584 to Summer Palace stop for East Palace Gate. Buses 394, 584, 563, 303, and 601 to Beigongmen Subway Station for North Palace Gate. Special Tour: Royal River Cruise: Board the boat at the Ziyuyuan Wharf in Zizhuyuan Park and travel to the South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace. The journey takes approximately half an hour. Along the way, you can not only enjoy the spring scenery but also listen to free commentary about the history of the ancient waterway, adding a unique touch to your trip.