The Summer Palace (颐和园, Yíhé Yuán) in Beijing, China, is a renowned cultural and architectural masterpiece that embodies the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty and the timeless beauty of Chinese garden design. This UNESCO World Heritage site, once the summer retreat for the Qing emperors, is home to some of the most famous and intricately designed gardens in the world. These gardens, carefully planned and meticulously maintained, are a harmonious blend of nature and human creativity, offering a profound insight into the aesthetics, philosophy, and symbolism of imperial China.
In this article, we will explore the most famous gardens of the Summer Palace, delve into their historical significance, and discuss the design elements that make them so exceptional. These gardens not only served as a luxurious retreat for the imperial family but also embodied deep philosophical and cultural meanings, reflecting the emperor’s relationship with nature, tranquility, and the ideals of balance and harmony.
1. The Historical Significance of the Summer Palace Gardens
The Summer Palace, located in the Haidian District of Beijing, is one of the largest and most well-preserved royal gardens in China. Initially built during the Qing Dynasty in 1750 under Emperor Qianlong, it served as a summer retreat to escape the oppressive heat of Beijing. However, the palace’s design and gardens were altered and expanded during the reign of Empress Dowager Cixi, who significantly enhanced the gardens during her rule in the late 19th century.
The gardens of the Summer Palace were not only designed for aesthetic pleasure but also as a means of embodying the ideals of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. In these gardens, the emperors and empresses could relax, reflect, and connect with nature in a way that symbolized the balance between the imperial authority and the natural world.
Throughout its history, the Summer Palace has undergone various periods of destruction and reconstruction, notably during the Second Opium War in 1860 and again during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. Despite these turbulent times, the Summer Palace has remained a symbol of China’s royal heritage and cultural identity, and its gardens continue to attract visitors from around the world.
2. Kunming Lake: The Heart of the Summer Palace
At the core of the Summer Palace lies Kunming Lake, a vast man-made lake that covers approximately 2.2 square kilometers. The lake is one of the most iconic features of the Summer Palace and serves as the centerpiece of its landscape. The lake represents tranquility, harmony, and the unity between water and nature, which is central to Chinese garden design.
Kunming Lake was inspired by the famous West Lake in Hangzhou, and it features a series of pavilions, bridges, and islands designed to enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings. The lake is also symbolic of the emperor’s power and control over nature, as it was constructed to resemble the landscape of paradise.
The Marble Boat: A Symbol of Empress Dowager Cixi’s Power
One of the most famous structures on Kunming Lake is the Marble Boat (石舫, Shífǎng), also known as the “Boat of Purity and Ease.” This unique structure was commissioned by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1755, and its design is both symbolic and functional. The Marble Boat is built entirely from marble, giving it an ethereal, almost otherworldly appearance. It was originally designed as a lakeside pavilion where the empress and other members of the imperial family could enjoy the beauty of the lake.
The Marble Boat has deep symbolic meaning, representing stability and the preservation of the imperial dynasty. However, it also carries a more controversial significance, as Empress Dowager Cixi is said to have used the funds meant for the construction of a new navy to fund the Marble Boat’s creation, which caused dissatisfaction among the military. Nevertheless, the Marble Boat remains one of the most iconic symbols of the Summer Palace and its royal gardens.
3. Longevity Hill: A Symbol of Immortality and Harmony
Longevity Hill (万寿山, Wànshòu Shān) is the second major feature of the Summer Palace, rising over 60 meters above the surrounding landscape. The hill, along with Kunming Lake, forms the main architectural and landscaping framework of the Summer Palace. Longevity Hill was designed to symbolize the virtues of longevity, immortality, and harmony, which were core values in traditional Chinese culture and philosophy.
The hill is home to a number of stunning structures, including pavilions, temples, and grottoes, all arranged in a way that symbolizes the principles of balance and order. The most prominent structure on Longevity Hill is the Tower of Buddhist Incense (佛香阁, Fóxiāng Gé), a five-story pagoda that stands proudly at the top of the hill. The tower was built in 1751 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, and it offers a breathtaking view of Kunming Lake and the surrounding gardens.
The Tower of Buddhist Incense is an important spiritual site, as it was intended to honor the Buddha and the Buddhist tradition. The structure is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings that depict Buddhist symbols, and the area around it features several smaller temples and shrines.
4. The Long Corridor: A Walk Through Time and Beauty
The Long Corridor (长廊, Cháng Láng) is one of the most famous architectural features of the Summer Palace. Stretching over 700 meters, this covered walkway is adorned with over 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings, depicting scenes from Chinese history, mythology, and folklore. The corridor provides visitors with a sheltered path that meanders through the gardens and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Long Corridor serves as both a functional and artistic element of the gardens. Its purpose was to offer a peaceful retreat for the emperor and his family, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of the gardens in all seasons while being shielded from the elements. The corridor also embodies the aesthetic and philosophical principles of traditional Chinese gardens, where the journey through the space is just as important as the destination.
Each of the paintings along the corridor tells a story, often related to historical events or classical Chinese literature. These scenes serve as a reflection of the emperor’s power, culture, and education, highlighting the importance of art, history, and tradition in the imperial court.
5. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge: An Iconic Structure of Beauty and Symbolism
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge (十七孔桥, Shíqī Kǒng Qiáo) is another iconic feature of the Summer Palace, spanning across Kunming Lake and connecting the eastern shore with the Nanhu Island. This magnificent bridge is famous for its elegant design, featuring 17 arches that vary in size, creating a harmonious visual effect. The bridge is not only a functional structure but also a masterpiece of classical Chinese architecture.
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is symbolic of harmony and balance, with the 17 arches representing the perfect balance between heaven and earth. It is also said to symbolize the number of immortals in Chinese mythology. The bridge is beautifully adorned with marble lion sculptures, which add to its grandeur and spiritual significance.
The bridge is especially beautiful when viewed from the Marble Boat or the Tower of Buddhist Incense, offering visitors a scenic view of the gardens and the lake.
6. The Garden of Harmonious Pleasures: A Space for Royal Leisure
The Garden of Harmonious Pleasures (和谐园, Héxié Yuán) is a smaller, more intimate garden located on the western side of Kunming Lake. This garden was designed as a space for leisure and relaxation, where the imperial family could enjoy the pleasures of nature in a more private setting. It features a series of pavilions, winding paths, and small ponds that create a tranquil atmosphere.
The Garden of Harmonious Pleasures reflects the Chinese garden design philosophy of creating spaces that evoke serenity and peace. The garden is particularly notable for its rockeries, which symbolize strength and endurance, and its carefully selected plants, which emphasize the harmony between humans and nature.
7. The Cultural and Aesthetic Legacy of the Summer Palace Gardens
The gardens of the Summer Palace are a testament to the cultural and aesthetic achievements of imperial China. The careful integration of natural elements with architectural structures, the symbolic use of plants and flowers, and the philosophical underpinnings of the garden design all contribute to the timeless beauty of this extraordinary site.
These gardens reflect the ideals of Chinese garden design, where every element is imbued with meaning and purpose. From the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake to the majestic structures of Longevity Hill, the Summer Palace’s gardens remain a symbol of the harmony between nature and human creativity.
Conclusion: The Eternal Beauty of the Summer Palace Gardens
The famous gardens of the Summer Palace continue to captivate visitors with their unparalleled beauty and cultural significance. From the serene Kunming Lake to the symbolic Long Corridor and the stunning Seventeen-Arch Bridge, the gardens offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Qing emperors while embodying deep philosophical values. Today, the Summer Palace stands as a living testament to China’s royal heritage and the timeless allure of its gardens, offering a peaceful sanctuary where the past and present meet in perfect harmony.
