Longevity Hill

Overview

Longevity Hill, known in Chinese as Wanshoushan, stands as a magnificent and central feature within the sprawling landscape of the Summer Palace in Beijing, China. This iconic hill, rising approximately 60 meters (200 feet) high, is not merely a natural elevation but a meticulously crafted man-made wonder, its very existence intertwined with the creation of the adjacent Kunming Lake. The Summer Palace, with Longevity Hill as its focal point, is recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to its profound cultural and historical significance and its unparalleled beauty.

The hill's meticulously planned design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding environment, showcasing the classical Chinese philosophy of harmonizing human artistry with nature. Visitors ascending its slopes are treated to a captivating blend of imperial architecture, lush gardens, and breathtaking vistas, making it an unforgettable destination for those exploring Beijing's rich heritage.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of Longevity Hill trace back to the Yuan Dynasty, when it was known as Jar Hill (Wengshan). Its transformation into the majestic Longevity Hill began in 1752 under the decree of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, as part of his ambitious project to construct the Garden of Clear Ripples (Qingyi Yuan), the predecessor to the Summer Palace.

A significant aspect of its creation is the fact that the soil excavated to enlarge Kunming Lake was ingeniously used to build up Longevity Hill, demonstrating an early form of sustainable landscape design. Emperor Qianlong often associated the hill's development with celebrating imperial birthdays, particularly that of his mother, imbuing it with wishes for long life and prosperity.

Tragically, the original structures on Longevity Hill suffered severe destruction in 1860 during the Anglo-French Allied Forces' invasion. However, the site was painstakingly rebuilt starting in 1886 under the patronage of Empress Dowager Cixi, who infamously diverted funds originally earmarked for the Imperial Navy to restore the palace complex as her summer retreat. Despite further damage during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, the resilience of its design ensured its restoration and continued legacy.

What Makes It Special

Longevity Hill is particularly special due to its array of architectural masterpieces and its strategic role in the Summer Palace's overall design. The most iconic structure dominating its summit is the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge), a stunning three-story, 41-meter-high octagonal tower that offers panoramic views over Kunming Lake. Initially conceived by Emperor Qianlong as a nine-story pagoda, its construction was halted after the eighth level, giving it a unique character. Inside, a magnificent five-ton, five-meter-tall gilded statue of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin Buddha from the Ming Dynasty resides.

Below the tower lies the Hall of Dispelling Clouds (Paiyun Dian), a grand complex originally rebuilt to celebrate Empress Dowager Cixi's birthday, showcasing exquisite imperial architecture. Higher up, nestled behind the Tower of Buddhist Incense, is the intriguing Sea of Wisdom Temple (Zhihuihai). This unique Buddhist hall is constructed entirely of brick and stone without traditional wooden beams, earning it the moniker 'beamless hall.' Its exterior is adorned with over a thousand glazed Buddha statues, creating a striking visual spectacle.

The hill also features a distinct contrast between its front and back slopes: the front is characterized by grand, ornate halls and pavilions, while the back offers a more serene, natural landscape, interspersed with unique Tibetan-style buildings like the Four Great Regions and the charming Suzhou Street.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Longevity Hill is steeped in fascinating tales. One popular legend recounts that during the construction initiated by Emperor Qianlong, workers unearthed an ancient tomb belonging to a concubine from the Ming Dynasty. An inscription on the tomb door reputedly read, 'I will not disturb you if I am left undisturbed.' Struck with awe and perhaps a touch of apprehension, Qianlong reportedly sealed the tomb and decided to build the Tower of Buddhist Incense directly atop it, believing its spiritual presence would subdue any restless spirits.

Another historically significant detail involves Empress Dowager Cixi's extravagant reconstruction of the Summer Palace, including Longevity Hill, after its destruction in 1860. Her decision to use funds originally allocated for China's Imperial Navy highlights a controversial period of Qing Dynasty history, yet resulted in the creation of the magnificent garden we see today.

The Sea of Wisdom Temple, with its 'beamless' brick and stone construction, stands as an architectural marvel, cleverly mimicking wooden structures. Sadly, many of the glazed Buddha statues on its exterior bear the scars of history, with numerous heads removed during the Cultural Revolution, serving as a poignant reminder of past events.

At the foot of Longevity Hill lies the celebrated Long Corridor, a covered walkway of 728 meters that is a UNESCO World Record holder for its length. Adorned with over 14,000 paintings depicting landscapes, flowers, birds, and scenes from Chinese folklore, it serves as an open-air art gallery leading visitors along the shore of Kunming Lake towards the hill's splendors.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, exploring Longevity Hill offers a journey through imperial grandeur and natural beauty. The ascent provides continuously evolving perspectives, culminating in the unparalleled panoramic views from the summit. From this vantage point, the vast expanse of Kunming Lake unfolds, reflecting the surrounding landscape, with the distant cityscape of Beijing providing a modern backdrop to this ancient masterpiece.

Walking the paths and climbing the stairs of Longevity Hill allows visitors to immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of carefully curated gardens, intricate pavilions, and majestic temples. The distinct atmosphere of the 'front hill,' bustling with impressive architectural complexes, contrasts beautifully with the 'back hill's' tranquil, natural setting, complete with its unique Tibetan-style structures. It is a place designed to inspire awe, offer serenity, and provide a deep connection to China's rich imperial past and its enduring landscape design traditions.