Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

The 60-meter-high hill dominating the northern shore of Kunming Lake, crowned by the octagonal Tower of Buddhist Incense. The hillside features a cascade of temples, pavilions, and halls connected by winding pathways. Climbing to the tower offers panoramic views of the entire Summer Palace and Beijing skyline. The south-facing slope showcases elaborate imperial architecture arranged in hierarchical order reflecting Buddhist cosmology.

The 41-meter-tall octagonal tower is the architectural centerpiece of the Summer Palace, visible from across Kunming Lake. Built in 1750, it houses a bronze statue of the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara. The tower sits atop a 20-meter stone platform on Longevity Hill's summit. Climbing the 100+ steps rewards visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views of the palace gardens, Kunming Lake, and distant Beijing cityscape. The tower represents the axis mundi (world center) in Buddhist cosmology.

The world's longest painted corridor, stretching 728 meters along the northern shore of Kunming Lake. This covered walkway connects the eastern and western sections of the palace, featuring 273 sections with 14,000 intricate paintings on beams and ceilings. The artwork depicts Chinese classical literature, historical stories, landscapes, flowers, and birds—an encyclopedic representation of traditional Chinese culture. Walking the entire corridor while admiring the paintings takes about 30-45 minutes. It's both functional (provides shade and rain protection) and artistic.

The iconic 36-meter-long stone boat moored at the northwest shore of Kunming Lake. Built by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1893 using funds intended for the Chinese navy, it symbolizes the 'unsinkable' Qing Dynasty—a tragic irony given the dynasty's collapse 18 years later. The boat features marble hull, wooden upper deck, and stained glass windows. It's purely decorative, serving as a lakeside pavilion for enjoying views. The Marble Boat represents both architectural beauty and historical controversy.

The 150-meter-long graceful bridge spans Kunming Lake, connecting the eastern shore to South Lake Island. As its name suggests, it features seventeen arches, symbolizing perfection and longevity. The bridge is decorated with 544 stone lions, each with unique expressions, lining the balustrades. The elegant arched design creates beautiful reflections in the lake. At sunset during winter solstice, the sun's rays perfectly illuminate all seventeen arches—a phenomenon attracting photographers.

The vast 2.2-square-kilometer artificial lake occupying three-quarters of the Summer Palace. Originally excavated during Emperor Qianlong's reign, it was designed to resemble West Lake in Hangzhou. The lake features three islands representing the mythical Isles of the Immortals from Chinese mythology. Visitors can rent paddle boats, rowboats, or electric boats (¥30-100/hour) to explore the lake, offering unique perspectives of Longevity Hill, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and shoreline architecture. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a skating rink.

A replica of a traditional Qing Dynasty water town marketplace along a canal on the northern side of Longevity Hill. Originally built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother, it was reconstructed in 1990. The street features traditional shops, teahouses, and restaurants lining the waterway, with small bridges and boats creating an authentic ancient Chinese town atmosphere. It offers a glimpse into Qing-era commercial life and provides a quieter, less crowded section of the palace to explore.