Garden of Harmonious Interests

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The Garden of Harmonious Interests (Xiequyuan) was the place where emperors and empresses went fishing and took in the scenery. The garden was modeled after a garden in Southeast China, which indicates that the Summer Palace is a museum of Chinese gardens. At the center of the garden is a pool with lotus flowers which are in full bloom during the summer. The pool is accentuated by nearby pavilions, towers and cloisters. The water warbles over its rocky bed, playing a harmonious musical chord. The tower appears to be only one storey but actually has multiple floors. What a wonderful tower!Bridges perch over the pond, and are a perfect addition to the landscape and blend in with the elegant character of the site.


During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Emperor Qianlong, the fourth successor, conducted his inspection tours to the areas south of the Yangtze River. On his visits, he was so deeply impressed by a garden at the foot of Mt. Hui in Jiangsu Province, that he had a garden with the name of 'Mt. Hui Garden' built in 1751 in the image of the garden at Mt. Hui. In 1881, the garden was restored and given the name 'Garden of Harmonious Interests'. Burnt down by the Anglo-French Allied  Forces, the garden was reconstructed during the reign of Emperor Guangxu.

 Summer palace Attractions:

Court Area Longevity Hill Area Kunming Lake Area
East Palace Gate Longevity Hill Bronze Ox
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity Long Corridor Seventeen-Arch Bridge
Hall of Jade Ripples Hall of Dispelling Clouds Nanhu Island
Garden of Virtue and Harmony Tower of Buddhist Incense Marble Boat
Hall of Joyful Longevity Hall of the Sea of Wisdom
Back Lake
Suzhou Market Street
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