Kunming Lake occupies three-quarters of the area of the Summer Palace and is known for its beautiful scenery, which is considered the soul of the entire garden. Every year, during the summer and autumn seasons, a large number of tourists flock to the lake to enjoy boating and admire the pavilions, towers, and buildings along the lake, taking in the beauty of the entire garden. In addition to the lake’s scenery, attractions such as the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and the Western Causeway are also worth savoring.
Kunming Lake, divided by water, can be categorized into three parts: the Main Lake, West Lake, and Back Lake. Walking around the lake takes approximately two hours, and during the summer and autumn seasons, visitors can opt for a boat tour, which is both relaxing and convenient for sightseeing. There are eight boat docks within the garden, offering five different types of boats. Prices and routes vary, so visitors can inquire at the scenic spot for details. The main attractions include the Zhichun Pavilion on the east side of Kunming Lake, which is said to be the first place where the lake thaws in spring each year. Here, visitors can capture panoramic views of the entire garden, and the vast water offers a very artistic silhouette effect. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge spans between the South Lake Island and the east shore, measuring 150 meters in length, resembling a rainbow over the sparkling waves. It is modeled after the Lugou Bridge, with each stone railing pillar topped with uniquely carved stone lions, making it exquisite, majestic, and aesthetically pleasing. On the eastern shore of the lake, near the east end of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, stands the largest octagonal pavilion in the country, with a beautifully cast bronze bull nearby, the size of a real ox. The bull appears to be listening and looking back with a startled expression, which is very graceful and vivid. Originally, it was meant to symbolize the divine bull controlling the water, and now it is considered a precious cultural relic. South of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, there is a Western Causeway, modeled after the Su Causeway in West Lake, with six exquisitely built bridge pavilions that are worth a visit. Opening hours are from November 1st to March 31st, 07:00-17:00; and from April 1st to October 31st, 06:30-18:00. The peak season is from April 1st to October 31st, and the off-peak season is from November 1st to March 31st of the following year.Kunming Lake
Kunming Lake occupies three-quarters of the area of the Summer Palace and is known for its beautiful[...]
