Kunming Lake

Kunming Lake is the magnificent centerpiece of the Summer Palace in Beijing covering approximately 220 hectares. This artificial lake created during the Qing Dynasty represents the perfect harmony between human creativity and natural beauty in traditional Chinese garden design. The lake takes its name from Kunming Lake in Yunnan Province and was designed to resemble the famous West Lake in Hangzhou. Surrounded by lush hills and elegant pavilions Kunming Lake features the iconic Marble Boat the magnificent Seventeen Arch Bridge and the picturesque Longevity Hill as its backdrop. The lake serves as both a scenic masterpiece and a functional reservoir that has supplied water to Beijing for centuries. Visitors can enjoy boat rides admire the reflections of classical architecture in the water and experience the same breathtaking views that once delighted Chinese emperors and their courts.