The vast imperial playground of the Summer Palace was where the regal court went to escape the oppressive heat of summer. It is now a wonderful public park where local residents and visitors can stroll, relax and bask in China¡¯s ancient cultural legacy. The area has served as a royal summer home since the Jin Dynasty; however, it attained its current configuration when Qing Emperor Qianlong remodeled it for his mother in 1750. Though heavily visited, the park is largest enough to allow people to find their own places to relax on the grounds, their own little piece of tranquility. Enjoy wandering the ancient parks pathways and avenues that were once reserved for the sole use of emperors and their coteries.
Address: 19 Xinjian Gongmen, Haidian District.
Time: 7 a.m - 5 p.m ( April 1- October 31)
Time: 6:30 a.m - 6 p.m (November 1 ¨C March 31)
Ticket: 30 yuan (gate ticket), 60 yuan ( all-inclusive ticket)
Transport: take Subway line 2 and get off at Xizhimen Station, then take a taxi for about 40 yuan, or buses 330, 332, 333, 346, 726,810 etc

The spots in the Summer Palace

Marble Boat: Originally built in 1775, the wooden superstructure of the 36-m-long boat was severely burnt by the Agnlo-French Forces in 1860; what we see today is the French-style paddleboat built in 1893.
Tower of Buddhist Incense: Easily spotted as the palace’s tallest building, the tower stands 41 m tall and has become a symbol of the Summer Palace. The Buddha statues within preside over a magnificent view of the Kunming Lake.
Sea of Wisdom: This architectural masterpiece was created without using a single beam or column, hence its nickname “no beam hall”. The outer walls were originally plastered with small Buddhist sculptures, most of which suffered at the hands of modern day invasions.
Suzhou Market Street: This 300-m-long street was originally designed to give the emperors and empresses their very own shopping plaza. Costumed staff, traditional shops, teahouses and restaurants add to the historic atmosphere today.
Garden of Harmonious Interest: This “garden within a garden” was modeled after the Pleasure Garden in southern China after Emperor Qianlong visited there in 1751. The seasonal blossoming of various plants ensures year-round beauty.
Garden of Virtuous Harmony: This garden boasts China’s biggest ancient theater – Grand Theater. Watching Peking Opera Performances here was a favorite pastime of Emperor Qianlong and, later Empress Dowager Cixi. Today it holds regular exhibits, including the pictures and everyday items of emperors and empresses.
Palace of Benevolence and Longevity: As you enter the east gate, you’ll see this main palace building where Emperor Guangxu (1871-1908) and Empress Dowager Cixi received their ministers during their stay here.
Long Corridor: The longest picture corridor in the world, the Long Corridor, as it is aptly known, is 728 m long. Linked by four pavilions representing the four seasons, the corridor contains ornate depictions of scenery, flowers and well-known folktales.
Bronze Ox: Sitting on the eastern bank of the Kunming Lake and cast in 1755, it was originally used to control the lake flooding.
17-arch Bridge: The white marble 17-arch Bridge stretches for 150 m across the Kunming Lake, 544 marble lions standing guard on its balustrades.
South Lake Island: This is the site where Empress Dowager Cixi would come and inspect the navy’s drills. It is home to many grand halls, one of which is the Dragon King Temple. It also has an artificial hill, which from the top, gives you a panoramic view of the lake and Longevity Hill.

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