舊地重遊 2nd times visit to this awesome architecture historic palace - Beijing's Summer Palace 北京 颐和园. Truly a great scenic views & remarkable atmosphere of this historic site 041214

The Marble Boat is often seen as an ironic commentary on the fact that the money used to restore the Summer Palace largely came from funds originally earmarked for building up a new imperial navy.

Tang Dynasty chancellor Wei Zheng is said to have told the Emperor: "the waters that float the boat can also swallow it", implying that the people can support the emperor but can also topple him.

In the Empress Dowager's restoration, a new two-story structure was designed incorporating elements of European architecture . Imitation paddlewheels were added to make it look like a paddle steamer.

It was first erected in 1755 during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor. The original was made from a base of stone blocks which supported a wooden superstructure done in a traditional Chinese design.

The pavilion has a sophisticated drainage system which channels rain water through four hollow pillars. The water is finally released into the lake through the mouths of four dragonheads.

With Wei Zheng's words in mind, it's plausible that Emperor Qianlong chose to construct the Marble Boat on a solid stone base to indicate that the Qing Dynasty was not to be overthrown.

On each "deck", there is a large mirror to reflect the waters of the lake and give an impression of being totally surrounded by water.

In 1860, during the Second Opium War, the pavilion was destroyed by Anglo-French forces. It was restored in 1893 on order of the Empress Dowager Cixi.

Beautiful outdoor sculpture

fanatastico

Precioso barco de Mármol , maravilloso!!!

Дорого и бессмысленно ;( Приходится долго ждать пока лодка наберётся людьми ... Да... и только в хорошую погоду !!!