The Summer Palace, dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, covers an area of 3.08 square kilometers, three quarters of which is a water area. The 70,000 square meters features various palaces, gardens and ancient structures. Known for the precious collection of cultural relics, the Summer Palace was listed in the first batch of national key cultural heritage protection units. 

Originally known as the Qingyi Garden or the Garden of Clear Ripples, the Summer Palace was constructed in the 15th year of the reign of Emperor Qianlong in 1750 and was burnt down in 1860 by the Anglo-French Allied Force. In 1886, the 12th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu, the Qing imperial court started to misappropriate the navy funds and other resources for the garden’s reconstruction. Two years later, it was renamed Yiheyuan, the Summer Palace, and supposed to serve as a summer resort for Empress Dowager Cixi. However, the Palace was again destroyed by the Eight-Power Allied Forces in 1900 and restored in 1902. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Summer Palace has undergone several renovations, and restored the major attractions such as Four Great Regions, Suzhou Street, the Pavilion of Bright Scenery, the Hall of Serenity, the Wenchang Galleries and the Plowing and Weaving Scenery Area.