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There were actually two Summer Palaces in Beijing, but the original and allegedly more luxurious of the two (called Yuanmingyuan) was reduced to rubble by the British and French in 1860. The "new" Summer Palace (called Yiheyuan), built by the Empress Dowager Cixi at the end of the 19th century, is certainly worth a visit. A lot of the history of Yiheyuan is tied up with the personal life of Cixi in the last few decades of the Qing dynasty.
Most visitors enter via the East Gate and leave via the West Gate, taking in the main part of the Palace complex around Longevity Hill hugging the northern shore of Kunming Lake. There are lots of "guides" at the entrance offering personalised tours - if you really want a guide, make sure you settle the price before embarking on the tour. Alternatively, bring a good guide book - a large part of the pleasures of Yiheyuan is in its natural setting by Kunming Lake and no guide is required for this!
Updated Mar 23, 2006
Address: Northwest Beijing, close to the third ring road
Website: http://www.summerpalace-china.com
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This is the place where Empress Dowager Cixi retired in 1889. UNESCO placed the Summer Palace on its World Heritage list in 1998.
Written Jun 18, 2007
Address: Northwest of Beijing
Website: http://www.summerpalace-china.com
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Write a ReviewThis is the place where Empress Dowager Cixi retired in 1889. UNESCO placed the Summer Palace on its World Heritage list in 1998.
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