Imperial Summer Villa

The Imperial Summer Villa is located in the city of Chengde in northeastern Hebei Province. Construction began in the 42nd year of Emperor Kangxi's reign (1702), and it was completed in the 57th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1792). It is China's largest imperial garden, covering an area of 5.6 million sq. meters, and with a surrounding 10km long wall. It is a mammoth structure that is still a beauty to behold.

The Summer Villa is constructured into two sections, the palace and garden area. The palace section is at the southeast part of the Mountain Resort where the main buildings include Zhenggong (Front Palace), Songhezhai (Pine and Crane Hall), Wanhesongfeng (Whispering Pine Valley), and Donggong (Eastern Palace). The Hall of Danbo Jingcheng (Frugality and Placidity) is the main hall of the Front Palace. It is also known as Nanmu Hall because it was built from fine-grained fragrant hardwood called `Nanny.'

The garden section surrounds the lake, plains and mountains. The lake is filled with crystal-clear rippling waters. Three pavilions were built on a long bridge over the lake. To the north of the pavilions, lies an isle called `Moon Color and River Sound'. The buildings on the island include Jingji Shanfang (Mountain Haven For Quietness), Yingxin Tang (Hall of Jade-Like Heart), Lengxiang Ting (Pavilion with cold Fragrance) etc. On a clear moonlit night, the moon reflections on the lake waters are bright and belie the tranquility and peace of the area. The only sounds are the soft, gurgling sounds of the waves lapping against the banks of the lake.

The plains lie north of the lake area. The Garden of Ten Thousand Trees at the northeast. On this vast green landscape, deers roam wild along with hares. The Shimadai or horse yard area at the southwest, is a vast stretch of flat grassy land. Stupa at the Yongyou Temple (Temple of Eternal Blessing), the largest building in the plain area, was built in the style of the Pagoda at Baoen Temple (Temple of Paying Debt of Gratitude) in Nanjing City. The Liuhe Pagoda (Six-Harmony Pagoda) in Hangzhou City is nine storeys high and over 10 metres tall. At the west, stands Wenjin Hall (Knowledge Imparting Hall) which appears two storeys tall but is actually three storeys high.

There are four mountainous areas and subsequent valleys. There are the Zhenzi yu (Hazels Valley), Lishu yu (Pear Trees Valley), Songlin yu (Pine Trees Valley) and Songyun xia (Pine Clouds Valley). On the Zhenzi Yu summit, one can get a commanding view of Qingchui Peak (Club-shaped Peak). However the most fascinating viewpoint is at the Pavilion of the "Snow-Covered South Mountain". One can view the Wulie River in the east as well as the lake area. In winter, the pavilion is an ideal place to enjoy the snow scenery.