Global Treasures - YIHE YUAN - Summer Palace - Peking - China

YIHE YUAN

The former summer palace of the Late Empire Dynasty of Yihe Yuan is located among the northwestern outskirts of the Chinese capital of Peking.It is also known as The Garden of Harmonious Pleasures.

However, a number of buildings have managed to survive the ravages of time. In1860 the Opium Wars reached the summer palace of Yihe Yuan. Western colonial troupes devastated the Chinese Garden and destroyed numerous buildings. Reconstruction of the pavilion was due to the Emperors widow, Cixi. After the death of her husband, Ianfeng, in 1861, the empress took control of the empire and subsequently ordered the restoration of the buildings that were destroyed during the Opium Wars.

The dominant Longevity Hill, known as Wanshou Shan, is crowned by a 41 metre high pavilion, The Tower Of Buddhist Virtue that was built in 1750.

For many years a cruise on Kunming Lake has not been reserved solely for the former family of the emperor as it is now frequented by tourists from around the world. The widows favourite haunt was the Marble Boat from which she enjoyed the magnificent view across the lake. In spite of past military destruction, the natural beauty of the elegant gardens of the Yihe Yuan Palace has been extremely well preserved.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.