The Summer Palace, the largest and most complete imperial garden existing in China, was first built in the 12th century and renovated and extended in the following several hundred years. Hilly and water scenery dominates the Summer Palace with the Kunming Lake making up four-fifths of this royal garden. The Long Corridor running east-west along the lake as well as the Pavilion of the Fragrance of Buddha, the Sea of Wisdom, and the Hall of Dispelling the Clouds and Suzhou Street standing south to north on the Longevity Hill are the major scenic spots.

The Pavilion of the Fragrance of Buddha, 41 meters high, is decorated with glazed tiles. The Marble Boat at the western end of the Long Corridor is a noted structure on water. Built in 1755, the boat, having a length of 36 meters, was made completely out of marble. There is a mirror on each of its two decks to reflect lake water. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value. 

 

 

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