Qionghua Islet (Jade Islet), with a height of 32.3 meters and a circumference of 913 meters, is otherwise known as Qiong Islet. The islet also gets the name of White Pagoda Mountain because of the white Pagoda that stands at its tip. Qionghua means beautiful jade, so the islet has come to be known as Jade Islet to imply that it is a wonderland of magnificent jade.
Shrouded in green pines and cypresses, the exquisite buildings on the islet are laid out in total harmony with the hilly terrain. In the south lies the YongAn Temple which contains Falun Hall, Zhengdang Hall, and PuAn Hall, as well as the side halls, corridors, bell tower and drum tower. Just as the Qing emperor’s guests did, visitors today can gaze upon the glowing yellow roofs and vermilion walls of the temple. In the west lies Yuexin Hall, Qingxiao Building, Linguang Hall and Wengu Building where precious calligraphic works created during Emperor Qianlong’s reign were kept. There aren’t many buildings in the eastern part of the islet. However, old shady trees and quiet, beautiful scenery provide visitors with perfect
places to relax and refresh one’s mind. Amid the greenery stands a tablet with an inscription written by Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong called “Qiongdaochunyin” (Spring Shade of Jade Islet). It is one of the eight famous sights in ancient Beijing. To the north, a long row of two-story veranda appears to wrap around the heart of the Jade Islet. Walking along the veranda, visitors can admire picturesque reflections of the corridors, mountains and the White Pagoda.
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