Why is the Summer Palace important to China?

The Summer Palace, originally named Qingyi Yuan, or the Garden of Clear Ripples, was an imperial garden constructed in 1750 by Emperor Qianlong in a bid to celebrate his mother’s birthday. During the past few centuries, emperors and empresses spent their leisure time there, which is of great aesthetic value today.

Why was the Old Summer Palace destroyed?

In 1860, Britain’s High Commissioner to China, Lord Elgin, ordered troops to destroy both the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace to avenge the killing of several British envoys to Beijing. By striking sites of cultural and imperial significance, Elgin wanted to chasten China.

Was the Summer Palace rebuilt?

Destroyed during the Second Opium War of the 1850s, it was reconstructed by Emperor Guangxu for use by Empress Dowager Cixi and renamed the Summer Palace. Although damaged again during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 it was restored and has been a public park since 1924.

Why did Emperor Qianlong build the Summer Palace?

Around 1749, the Qianlong Emperor decided to build a palace in the vicinity of Jar Hill and the Western Lake to celebrate the 60th birthday of his mother, Empress Dowager Chongqing.

What is Summer Palace known for?

The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China and also in the World. The Chinese call it Yihe Yuan, Garden of Restful Peace. Constructed around the Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, Summer Palace is a vast complex of gardens, palaces, lakes, and hills.

Why you should visit the Summer Palace?

Why is the Summer Palace Important? The Summer Palace remains a highly preserved testament to Chinese architecture, horticulture, and forward-thinking philosophy about harmonious natural immersion. It stands as an internationally-recognized symbol that earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Who destroyed the Summer Palace?

During the Second Opium War, British and French troops invaded Beijing, ransacked the Old Summer Palace, and looted its treasures, which are now displayed in museums around the world. After the looting, they set fire to the entire palace. It was said that the fire lasted for 3 days and nights.

Who built Old Summer Palace?

the Qianlong Emperor
Constructed in the early 18th Century by the Qianlong Emperor, this over-the-top palace complex was five times bigger than the Forbidden City down the road. The Old Summer Palace was an intricate web of buildings, paths, lakes, gardens, bridges and halls that housed a mighty collection of priceless cultural treasures.

Why is the Summer Palace so important?

What happened to the Summer Palace?

The Old Summer Palace was known as the “Versailles of the East”, but its glory and magnificence ceased in 1860. During the Second Opium War, British and French troops invaded Beijing, ransacked the Old Summer Palace, and looted its treasures, which are now displayed in museums around the world.

Who lived in the Summer Palace?

the Qing dynasty
Constructed throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Old Summer Palace was the main imperial residence of Qianlong Emperor of the Qing dynasty and his successors, and where they handled state affairs; the Forbidden City was used for formal ceremonies.