🎨 Long Corridor | Painted Elegance & Lakeside Strolls 🇨🇳🖌️🌸

📝 1. Overview
The Long Corridor (长廊 / Chang Lang) is a stunning 728-meter covered walkway that winds along the north shore of Kunming Lake, connecting key structures at the Summer Palace. Built in 1750 and rebuilt in the late Qing Dynasty, this architectural masterpiece is celebrated not only for its length, but for the 14,000+ colorful paintings adorning its beams—depicting Chinese myths, landscapes, and scenes of daily life. Shaded by ancient pines and offering constant lake views, it’s the most romantic and story-filled walk in imperial Beijing.

🌟 2. Highlights
🎨 Painted Beams & Rafters – Every section features vibrant illustrations from Chinese folklore and history
🏯 Connecting Landmarks – Links Hall of Joyful Longevity, Tower of Buddhist Incense, and Marble Boat
🖼️ Four Pavilions – Symbolizing the four seasons: Spring (Liu Jia), Summer (Ji Lan), Autumn (Qiu Shui), and Winter (Qing Yao)
📷 Scenic Views of Kunming Lake – Gorgeous sightlines through columns and open-air windows
🌸 Seasonal Beauty – Cherry blossoms in spring, lotus in summer, red maples in fall, and snow-draped tranquility in winter
🎭 Cultural Symbolism – Designed to let emperors and empresses enjoy the garden year-round, sheltered from sun and rain

💡 3. Tips
📸 Best photo spots:
🎋 Between pavilions – Frame the lake through the corridor’s painted columns
🎨 Close-ups of beams – Focus on intricate mythical scenes (like Journey to the West or butterflies and immortals)
🌉 Near the Marble Boat – Corridor reflections with water and stone
🧥 Ideal for any weather—covered, breezy, and shaded
🕐 Visit mid-morning for bright natural light on the painted ceilings
🎟️ Included in Summer Palace admission; no extra ticket needed
🎒 Great place to pause, sit, and enjoy tea or people-watch

🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 near Long Corridor

1. Lotus Garden Snack Pavilion
   🥟 Steamed buns, tea eggs, and local snacks
   📍 Midpoint of Long Corridor
   🕒 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   🚶 Perfect for a mid-walk snack
2. Yiheyuan Teahouse
   🍵 Traditional tea service with shaded seating
   📍 Near Marble Boat (west end of the corridor)
   🕒 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   🌸 Quiet lakeside ambiance
3. Imperial Café by the East Gate
   🍰 Coffee, cakes, and cool drinks
   📍 East end of corridor, near Hall of Joyful Longevity
   🕒 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
   🚶 Easy to access before or after your walk

🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Recommended Stops Along the Corridor
🏯 East Entry
Hall of Joyful Longevity – The Empress Dowager’s residence
Spring Pavilion (Liu Jia) – Green and lush vibes
🎋 Midpoint
Summer Pavilion (Ji Lan) – Colorful ceiling art
Autumn Pavilion (Qiu Shui) – Look for orange leaves in fall
🌊 West End
Winter Pavilion (Qing Yao) – Tranquil and quiet
Marble Boat – Iconic photo backdrop

🚗 5. Access
📍 From Beijing center
🚗 ~45–60 min by taxi
🚇 Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (North Gate) – Closest to corridor’s east entry
📍 Local Travel
🚶 The entire corridor is walkable in 15–25 min (or longer if you stop for photos and tea!)
🛶 You can also take a boat across Kunming Lake to reach either end
🛏️ Stay in Haidian District for access to Summer Palace and peaceful accommodations

The Long Corridor is where architecture meets art, history meets harmony, and every step tells a story. It’s not just a walkway—it’s a painted journey through China’s imperial imagination.