Summer Palace

Located in the Haidian district in the north of Beijing, the Palace is a classical imperial garden embracing beautiful landscaped hills and lakes. It was used as the official summer residence by the imperial families of the Qing Dynasty.

Although government affairs were handled here, the Palace’s main purpose was to provide an idyllic and peaceful retreat for relaxation and play away from the heat of the city.

There are thousands of fascinating sights located among the calm lakes and wooded hills. These include the 700 meter “Long Corridor” decorated with Chinese mythical scenes, the “Benevolence & Longevity Hall” where the emperor in residence greeted special envoys and handled state affairs, and Longevity Hill which offers a marvelous panorama of Kunming Lake. There is even a Marble Boat, restored by the Empress Dowager in 1888.