Summer Palace - A masterpiece of Chinese landscape gardening

The Summer Palace is the best preserved imperial“Garden of Clear Ripples” when it was first
garden in the world that clearly depicts the essencebuilt in the 12th century. It is said that the best
of classical Chinese architecture in its own uniquedesigners and landscapers in China combined the
way. It is the ideal place to get an idea of howstyles of different gardens and palaces from
traditional Chinese landscape gardening creates athroughout the Empire in building this remarkable
poetic harmonization of different scenes. This canmonument.
even be seen in its Chinese name Yihe yuan whichIn its long history the Summer Palace complex
literally means the "Gardens of Nurtured Harmony".suffered two major attacks and was even
It is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape gardendestroyed by fire. In 1911, with the birth of the
design where the natural beauty of landscaped hillsRepublic of China it was declared a public park and
and open water is blended with man made pavilions,today it serves as a recreational park which attracts
arched bridges, decorated corridors and breezewaysmany tourists to the area.
to form a edifice of exceptional aesthetic value.In 1998 UNESCO included the Summer Palace on
As its name indicates the Summer Palace was usedWorld Heritage List recognizing it as a symbol of one
as a luxurious royal garden retreat where China'sof the world’s major civilizations. Grand Millennium
royal families used to relax and enjoy the beautifulBeijing is a premier five star Beijing hotel which offers
gardens and spend a relaxing time in the airy pavilionsthe best facilities for the global travelers who come
during the summer. It was originally known as theto visit this historical landmark.