Ten miles North West of bustling central Beijing is a calm oasis known as The Summer Palace. In times past members of the imperial court abandoned the Forbidden City during the quiet summer months in favour of this tranquil escape.
The landscaped grounds cover 290 acres with three quarters of the park consisting of water. During the 18th century and under the rule of Qing emperor Qianlong, 100,000 labourers were employed to deepen and expand the manmade Kunming Lake. Qianlong reputedly carried out imperial naval drills from a hilltop perch during operations.
The Summer Palace has endured a turbulent history being raided by foreign troops in 1860 and 1900 during periods of unrest and being rescued from disrepair in 1949 following China’s political evolution.
In addition to the aforementioned Kunming Lake, whereby visitors can take to the waters by boat during the summer months, Seventeen Arch Bridge and The Long Corridor compliment the elegant surroundings further and are well worth a visit. In the courtyard by the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity are bronzed statues of animals including the mythical Qilin, a creature who only appeared on earth during periods of harmony. The Summer Palace, an outstanding example of Chinese landscape gardening achieved World Heritage Listed status during 1998 and is globally acclaimed attracting thousands of visitors through its gates annually.
Aman, a luxury boutique hotel established within the grounds of The Summer Palace has attracted international recognition with listings on the acclaimed Conde Naste Traveller’s 2009/2010 Hot Hotels List and Tatler Magazines 101 Best Spa Hotels . To experience The Summer Palace as a 21st century emperor check into the imperial suite at Aman, rates from $3,800.
For the best rates on tours and accommodation in Beijing contact China Travel Depot .
Vital Statistics:
Summer Palace, 19 Xinjingongmen Road, Haidian, Beijing, PRC, 100091
Aman at Summer Palace, ,1 Gongmenqian Street, Summer Palace, Beijing, PRC 100091
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