Beijing, a city steeped in millennia of history, captivates visitors from around the world with its unique imperial garden culture. Parks like the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park are integral parts of the capital's historical and cultural identity, all recognized as Beijing's first batch of historic gardens. To safeguard these precious heritage sites, the Beijing Municipal Administration Center of Parks has been actively implementing the city's overall urban planning. Efforts have focused on achieving breakthroughs in the preservation of the old city, the Central Axis World Heritage application, and the development of the Grand Canal Cultural Belt. Modern craftsmen, adhering to traditional methods, meticulously restore each ancient structure, breathing new life into these historic gardens.
The Long Corridor is undoubtedly the most famous attraction in the Summer Palace. Stretching 728 meters with 273 sections, it holds the title of the longest corridor in the world today. Each beam is adorned with colorful paintings, totaling over 14,000, encapsulating thousands of years of Chinese history and culture within its length.
Since 2020, the Summer Palace has collaborated with the China Academy of Cultural Heritage to investigate and design the restoration of the corridor's paintings.
The Beijing Garden and Ancient Architecture Engineering Co., Ltd., which undertook the re-painting of the Long Corridor in 1959 and 1979, brought in some of the finest craftsmen of the era for the work. For the current restoration, the company's Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance Center selected five master craftsmen, including Beijing Grand Master Li Yanzhao, capital architecture master Wang Guangbin, painting craftsmen Zhang Mingguang and Qin Shulin, and lacquer master Li Haixian, who had personally participated in the 1979 project, to repaint the corridor's colorful murals.
"In the process of surveying the decorative paintings of the Long Corridor, we innovatively applied 3D digital surveying techniques for the first time," explained Li Xiaoguang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Summer Palace. "By combining 3D digital information collection with our proprietary software development, we were able to accurately document and analyze the current state of the paintings."
After nearly three years of restoration work, the Summer Palace's Long Corridor has achieved high-quality results, meeting the design expectations. This restoration serves as a valuable reference for future comprehensive protection and restoration efforts of the corridor's paintings.
Compared to the bustling Long Corridor, Yang Yun Xuan on the west side of the Hall of Happiness in Longevity (Leshou Tang) remains much more understated. Some parts of this courtyard still feature architecture from the Qianlong period, and during the Guangxu period, it served as a resting place for imperial consorts and princesses. In October 2023, the Summer Palace completed the preservation and restoration of the main structure and courtyard system of Yang Yun Xuan.
"Revitalizing and utilizing the site during renovations was done with careful consideration for the protection of the historical architecture, especially the preservation of the original wooden structures," explained Li Xiaoguang. "New partitions, lighting, and decorations were designed to avoid affecting the original structure, with a 'non-intrusive' approach to interior decoration, preserving the ancient building's character while meeting modern functional needs. We also aimed to highlight the building's original charm by using the existing floor tiles and wooden roof structures wherever possible, respecting the historical features."
The restored Yang Yun Xuan is being transformed into the Summer Palace Research Institute and is expected to officially open to visitors in mid-October.
The Zizhuyuan Imperial Palace is expected to reopen by the end of the year
Located on the northwest side of Purple Bamboo Park(Zizhuyuan Park), this palace served as a temporary residence for Qing dynasty emperors and empresses on their way to Wanshou Temple and Suzhou Street. It is also a shining gem along Beijing's Grand Canal Cultural Belt.
Zizhuyuan completed the restoration of the palace and surrounding courtyards in 2012, officially opening to the public in August 2014 as a key venue for cultural exhibitions and related activities. However, some of the palace's buildings later experienced roof leaks and damage to painted surfaces. From 2023 to 2024, Purple Bamboo Park(Zizhuyuan Park), following the unified plan of the Municipal Park Management Center, launched the first and second phases of the palace's restoration project.
During the restoration process, the principle of "no alteration to the original state of the cultural relics" was strictly followed. This included the use of original materials, traditional craftsmanship, original structures, and authentic methods, ensuring the preservation of the integrity and authenticity of the heritage buildings.
The restoration of the imperial palace is now nearly complete. Every brick and tile reflects the meticulous effort of the craftsmen, and every plant exudes the charm of history. By the end of the year, this "Qing Dynasty Palace," steeped in rich history, is expected to reopen to the public with a renewed appearance.
Renovation of Biyun Temple in Xiangshan Park completed ahead of schedule
After last year's autumn leaf season, Biyun Temple in Xiangshan Park was closed for restoration.
Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, Biyun Temple is a nationally protected site and opened to the public in 1954. It has undergone several partial restoration projects, but this is the first time it has been closed for such large-scale restoration work.
As part of the Western Hills Yongding River Cultural Belt project, restoration efforts began in 2023, covering 2,800 square meters, about one-third of the temple's total area, including seven structures such as the Arhat Hall and Bodhisattva Hall. The project has been completed ahead of schedule and will reopen to the public soon.
With the completion of renovations at the Long Corridor and Yang Yun Xuan in the Summer Palace, the Imperial Palace in Purple Bamboo Park(Zizhuyuan Park), and Biyun Temple in Xiangshan Park, these historic gardens are ready to welcome visitors from around the world with a refreshed appearance.
Translator: DING Hongwei
Reviewer: BAI Jing
