The Imperial Summer palace was begun in 1750 as a summer garden retreat for the emperor and his court during the Qing dynasty. It was destroyed and plundered by the British and French during the opium war of 1860. In 1888 the notorious Empress Cixi used the money intended for the Chinese Navy to build this opulent summer retreat for herself. A stationary marble boat was built, and this was the extent of the Chinese navy at that time. In 1900 the Summer Palace was damaged extensively once again during the Boxer Rebellion, but was rebuilt in 1903 by Cixi.The name was changed to Yiheyuan (Garden of Good Health and Harmony). The design gives prominence to the Longevity Hill and the Kunming Lake. The total area is 290 hectares, of which three quarters is water, a man made lake.
More Pictures:
http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/beijing/summerpalaceindex.htm
Outline and History of Each Major Feature:
http://www.beijingtrip.com/attractions/summer/
