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Located on the western outskirts, Di Hòa Viên is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Beijing, China. It served as the summer retreat for the emperors and concubines during the Qing Dynasty.
Introduction to Di Hòa Viên
Di Hòa Viên is a favorite destination for tourists in China. Built around the Changsheng Hill and Kunming Lake, it is a vast complex featuring gardens, palaces, lakes, and hills. On December 2, 1998, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site. The natural landscapes blend seamlessly with human-made features to create a harmonious ensemble with exceptional aesthetic value.
Located about 15 km from Beijing, Di Hòa Viên was once a retreat and leisure area for the royal family. Empress Dowager Cixi had a deep fondness for the garden. Now over 800 years old, it has gone through various name changes under different Chinese dynasties.
The History of the Garden
The predecessor of Di Hòa Viên was the Jinshan Palace, built at the beginning of the Jin dynasty. During the Qing dynasty, Emperor Qianlong ordered the construction of the Qingyi Garden to celebrate his mother's birthday. However, in 1860, during the Opium War, the British-French alliance bombarded and heavily damaged the Qingyi Garden.
In 1888, Empress Dowager Cixi used funds originally allocated for modernizing the navy to renovate this garden. She renamed it "Di Hòa Viên," meaning "nurturing harmony." Not long after, in 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, the Eight-Nation Alliance again ravaged the garden. When Empress Dowager Cixi returned to the palace in 1903, she oversaw a second restoration of the garden. This is the version of Di Hòa Viên that visitors to China today experience.
The Architecture of Di Hòa Viên
Di Hòa Viên spans over 290 hectares. The garden contains about 3,600 different rooms in a palace architectural style. Three-quarters of its area is covered by water, ensuring a cool and pleasant atmosphere. Di Hòa Viên is not just a beautiful park, but also an architectural masterpiece. Its design is meticulously aligned with the principles of Feng Shui, specifically "Fu - Lu - Shou" (Good Fortune – Prosperity – Longevity).
The entire main area of Di Hòa Viên is divided into six sections: the temple area, the Wanshou Mountain scenic area, Kunming Lake, the Studio of Painting and Weaving, the walking area, and finally, the Changlang scenic area.
Inside Di Hòa Viên, there are other famous landmarks for tourists in China to visit. Notably, the Donggong Gate in the east is where the emperors once held court and rested. To display the emperor's power, the gate is adorned with nine dragon carvings around the main entrance, with two solemn lion statues standing on each side.
Di Hoa Vien is renowned for its design centered around feng shui, harmoniously blending water, objects, and intricate, delicate patterns. Every detail is meticulously crafted, making it a timeless masterpiece that endures through the ages.
According to Mytour.vn
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Source: Travel Guide Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnApril 15, 2024
