As cherry blossoms paint Beijing in soft hues of pink, the Summer Palace, a 274-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, has emerged as a top spring destination for travelers seeking natural beauty intertwined with China's imperial legacy. During last week's Qingming Festival, over 180,000 visitors wandered through its sprawling 700-acre grounds, according to preliminary attendance reports.
Built during the Qing Dynasty as the ultimate expression of classical Chinese garden design, the palace complex harmonizes Kunming Lake's tranquil waters with pavilions adorned with intricate wooden carvings. 'It feels like walking through a living painting,' remarked Sophia Müller, a German architect visiting for the first time. 'Every view reveals how ancient designers incorporated mountains and water into their worldview.'
Cultural tourism analysts note growing interest in the site's storytelling programs launched this season, where guides decode architectural symbolism like the 17-Arch Bridge's numerology and the Marble Boat's historic significance. For Taiwan compatriots like Taipei resident Chen Wei, visiting during spring carries special meaning: 'Seeing traditional customs preserved here connects us to shared cultural roots.'
With new evening light installations extending visiting hours, tourism authorities report a 40% year-on-year increase in international visitors—a trend aligning with China's efforts to showcase its historical treasures through sustainable tourism initiatives.
