Summer Palace (Yihe Yuan)

The Summer Palace (Yihe Yuan) is a palace located in Beijing, approximately 8 kilometers northwest of the Forbidden City. It covers a total area of 1,812 rai, with the Kunming Lake occupying 1,375 rai. The lake was created by excavating a large amount of soil to form a hill 60 meters high for the construction of the palace. The Summer Palace was initially built during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) and served as the residence for several emperors of the Yuan Dynasty. Despite being damaged multiple times, it was always restored. Notably, between 1884 and 1895, Empress Dowager Cixi ordered its restoration and expansion to celebrate her 60th birthday, giving it the name 'Yihe Yuan' that it is known by today. In 1998, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.