Yiheyuan (Summer Palace) is as famous as the Forbidden City and its name translated means Garden of Nurtured Harmony. It's a blend of southern China's gardens and northern China's parks, forming a unique style of garden architecture and landscaping.

The gardens at Yiheyuan occupy an area of 290 hectares and consist mainly of Wanshoushan (Longevity Hill) and Kunming Lake. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge connects the east bank with Dragon King Temple.

Kunming Lake covers about two thirds of the total area of Yiheyuan. The waters are still and shallow. You won't find any fountains or waterfalls here since Chinese rulers believed that peace and quiet were the key to their longevity. From spring to autumn, lotus leaves and flowers cover the shoreline and pleasure boats and ferries bring visitors around the lake.

Xuequ (Harmonious Interest Garden) is known as the garden within a garden and was modeled after Jichangyuang (Pleasure Garden) in Wuxi, in Jiangsu Province.