⛰️ Longevity Hill | Imperial Heights & Timeless Views 🇨🇳🏯🌿

📝 1. Overview
Longevity Hill (万寿山 / Wanshou Shan) rises majestically above Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace, forming the spiritual and visual center of this grand imperial garden. Standing at about 60 meters high, it was rebuilt and enhanced during the Qing Dynasty as a symbol of health and long life. Terraced with temples, pavilions, and corridors, Longevity Hill offers not only profound cultural depth but also some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Beijing. A must-visit for anyone exploring the Summer Palace.

🌟 2. Highlights
🏯 Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge) – The most iconic structure on the hill, once reserved for imperial prayer
🪟 Cloud-Dispelling Hall (Paiyun Dian) – Platform where Empress Dowager Cixi watched religious ceremonies
🖼️ Hall of the Sea of Wisdom (Zhihuihai) – Located at the summit, built with glazed tiles and Buddhist symbolism
🎨 Long Corridor (Chang Lang) – A colorful, covered walkway below the hill, lined with paintings and lake views
📸 Panoramic Views – Gaze over Kunming Lake, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and Beijing skyline
🌳 Scenic Trails – Serene walking paths, stairs, and quiet corners among pines and cypress trees
🎭 Cultural Symbolism – Every structure is carefully placed according to feng shui and imperial philosophy

💡 3. Tips
📸 Best photo spots:
🏯 Top of the Tower of Buddhist Incense – Ultimate lake and garden views
📷 From the Long Corridor – Frame your shots with painted eaves and reflections
📸 At the summit (Hall of the Sea of Wisdom) – For a higher, peaceful lookout point
🥾 Wear good walking shoes—lots of stone stairs and inclines
🧥 Go early or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temps
🎟️ Tower of Buddhist Incense requires a separate ticket (~¥10 extra, combo tickets available)
📖 Take your time—this is where the Summer Palace truly comes alive in story and structure

🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 near Longevity Hill / within Summer Palace

1. Yiheyuan Teahouse (益和园茶社)
   🍵 Traditional tea with light snacks and views of the hill
   📍 Just below the Tower of Buddhist Incense
   🕒 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
   🚶 Ideal rest stop before or after climbing the hill
2. Imperial Cuisine Restaurant
   🍲 Classic Beijing dishes in a historic-style setting
   📍 East of Longevity Hill near the East Palace Gate
   🕒 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   🚶 10 min walk
3. Lotus Garden Snack Corner
   🥟 Dumplings, drinks, quick bites for on-the-go visitors
   📍 Near Long Corridor lakeside
   🕒 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   🚶 Great for a fast recharge mid-tour

🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Recommended Spots by Area
🏯 Central Slope
Tower of Buddhist Incense – Climb for the best views
Cloud-Dispelling Hall – Ceremony & platform architecture
Bell & Drum Towers – For ritual and acoustic design
⛰️ Summit
Hall of the Sea of Wisdom – Highest point, peaceful and symbolic
Surrounding Gardens – Quiet trails, stone paths, and old pines
🌊 Lakeside Base
Long Corridor – Painted stories with epic lake views
Hall of Joyful Longevity – Empress Dowager’s residence and retreat

🚗 5. Access
📍 From central Beijing
🚗 ~45 min by car
🚇 Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (North Gate, Exit D) – ~10 min walk to hill base
🚌 Bus lines 303, 331, 332 to Summer Palace stops
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Hiking paths are all walkable—allow 1–2 hours to explore the full hill
🛶 Optional: boat across Kunming Lake to start from the south base
🛏️ Stay in Haidian District for easy access to Summer Palace and quiet surroundings

Longevity Hill is the soul of the Summer Palace—elevated, majestic, and full of spiritual meaning. Climb it not just for the view, but for a journey into China’s imperial heart.