Beijing's Spring Awakening: Tranquil Beauty of the Summer Palace in Early Spring скачать в хорошем качестве

Beijing's Spring Awakening: Tranquil Beauty of the Summer Palace in Early Spring

The Summer Palace (颐和园, Yíhé Yuán), located in Beijing, China, is one of the most magnificent and well-preserved imperial gardens in the world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, it masterfully blends natural landscapes with artificial architecture, reflecting the essence of traditional Chinese garden design and royal aesthetics. Historical Background Constructed during the Qing Dynasty in 1750, the Summer Palace was initially named the "Garden of Clear Ripples" (Qingyi Yuan). It served as a luxurious retreat for emperors to escape Beijing’s summer heat. However, it was severely damaged during the Second Opium War (1860) and later rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1888 using funds originally intended for naval development. Despite facing destruction again during the Boxer Rebellion (1900), it was restored and remains a symbol of China’s cultural heritage. Layout and Highlights The Summer Palace covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers, dominated by Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Key attractions include: Long Corridor (Chang Lang): A 728-meter covered walkway adorned with over 14,000 intricate paintings depicting historical tales, landscapes, and folklore. Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge): A majestic three-story pavilion atop Longevity Hill, offering panoramic views of the lake and gardens. Marble Boat (Shi Fang): A symbolic stone structure by the lakeside, representing imperial power’s stability. Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A 150-meter bridge connecting the eastern shore to Nanhu Island, decorated with over 500 carved lions. Suzhou Street: A water-themed marketplace mimicking Jiangnan-style architecture, once used by the imperial family for recreation. Cultural Significance The Summer Palace exemplifies Chinese philosophy’s harmony between humanity and nature. Its design integrates pavilions, temples, bridges, and lotus-filled waterscapes, inspired by classical Chinese poetry and paintings. It also reflects Buddhist and Taoist influences, seen in its temples and symbolic layouts. Modern-Day Role Today, the Summer Palace is a popular tourist destination and a peaceful oasis in Beijing. Visitors stroll through its gardens, boat on Kunming Lake, and admire its architectural marvels. It stands not only as a testament to China’s imperial past but also as a living museum of art, history, and nature. A visit to the Summer Palace offers a journey through time, showcasing the elegance of China’s imperial era and the timeless beauty of its landscape artistry. [Time Directory] 0:00 Intro 18:38 North Palace Gate (北宫门) 28:25 Four Great Continents (四大部洲) 51:50 The Long Corridor (长廊) 1:01:30 Hall of Nurtured Clouds (养云轩) 1:10:28 Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (仁寿殿) 1:17:07 Seventeen-Arch Bridge (十七孔桥) 1:18:37 South Lake Island (南湖岛) 1:45:33 Bright Scenery Tower (景明楼)