Most preserved imperial garden (Sights & Attractions in Beijing)

Member Name: happysh2009

Product:	Sights & Attractions in Beijing
Date:	09/05/09 (92 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: beautiful scenery

Disadvantages: none

Brief introduction

The Summer Palace is located in the northwest suburb of Beijing. It was built in 1750 by an Emperor Qianlong to celebrate his mother's birthday. It was originally named Garden of Clear Ripples.

Historically it was burned down twice by foreign invaders and was rebuilt by the governors of Qing dynasty.

In 1924 the Summer Palace was formally opened to public as a park.

In 1998 it was inscribed on the World Heritage List.

What you can see?

The Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake are the two big areas of the Garden.

1. East Palace Gate

It's the front entrance to the Summer Palace. The gate in the middle was for the emperor and empress. Now you can walk along the gateway like an emperor.

2. Tower of the Fragrance of the Buddha

The Tower is in the peak point of Longevity Hill. Its height is 41 meters with three storeys. It's the must see site of the park.

3. Long Corridor

The long Corridor is at the foot of the Longevity Hill. It's more than 700 meters long. You will not miss it if you lead to the hill directions. It was built only for imperial family to avoid strong sunshine and rain fall. There are over 10000 painting pictures on its ceiling with some Buddhism stories.

4. Seventeen-arch Bridge

It's a very beautiful bridge, 150 meters long and 8 meters wide, that links the East Dyke and South Lake Island of Kunming Lake. It was built at Qianlong period (in 1736-1795). The shape of the Bridge looks like a new moon.

5. Suzhou Street

Historically the street was made for emperor's female family members who can not go out the Capital to experience the South China Fair. The street is about 300 metres and has over 60 shops there you can shop as well as have a look of ancient business custom. Incidentally the shop staffs all wear clothes in the style of Qing Dynasty. You can also dress like people in Qing Dynasty and take pictures.

Normally the 5 tourist sites are choices by all tourists. Beside these I do definitely recommend you visiting the Beijing Opera show in a garden called Deheyuan. I watched it once and found it very impressive.

Summary: must see if you visit Beijing