📝 1. Overview
Tucked away on the west side of the Summer Palace, the Garden of Harmonious Interests (谐趣园 / Xiéqùyuán) is a peaceful and exquisitely designed “garden within a garden.” Modeled after a private Suzhou-style courtyard, it’s a world of delicate rockeries, willow-lined ponds, and quiet pavilions. This hidden gem contrasts the grandeur of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill with refined elegance and intimacy, offering visitors a moment of calm reflection and traditional artistry.
🌟 2. Highlights
🏯 Classical Jiangnan Garden Design – Inspired by the famous gardens of Suzhou
🌊 Square Lotus Pond – Central water feature surrounded by covered walkways and flowering plants
🪨 Miniature Rockeries – Artistic stone arrangements imitating natural mountains
🏠 Pavilions & Studios – Names like “Floating Fragrance Hall” and “Green Cloud Room” evoke poetic charm
🌳 Quiet Courtyards – Intimate spaces for rest, reading, or quiet contemplation
🎨 Calligraphy & Paintings – Some halls exhibit traditional scrolls and ancient aesthetics
🧘♀️ Meditative Ambiance – Far fewer crowds than the main palace areas
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best photo spots:
📷 From the covered walkways – Frame pavilions and pond reflections
📷 Beside the lotus pond – Capture seasonal blooms and koi fish
📷 At the rockery edges – Show the harmony between structure and nature
🕐 Visit in late morning or golden hour for warm, soft light
🧥 Great spot to cool down on a hot day—shaded and breezy
🎟️ Included in Summer Palace entry; no extra ticket required
🧭 Easily missed—look for signage on the west side of Kunming Lake
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 near Garden of Harmonious Interests
- West Garden Teahouse
🍵 Traditional teas and quiet garden views
📍 Near garden entrance
🕒 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🌿 Ideal rest stop after wandering the pavilions - Xiequyuan Snack Stand
🥟 Dumplings, soft drinks, and quick bites
📍 Just outside garden gate
🕒 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
🚶 Convenient for on-the-go visitors - Marble Boat Lakeside Café
🍰 Light desserts and iced drinks
📍 ~10 min walk toward the Marble Boat
🕒 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🎭 Enjoy with lakeside views
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Recommended Stops Within the Garden
🌸 Floating Fragrance Hall (浮香舫) – Overlooks lotus pond, ideal for peaceful photos
🎋 Pavilion of Far-Off Fragrance (远香亭) – Beautiful spot surrounded by bamboo
🪨 Rockery Corner – Climb a few steps to get miniature “mountain” views
📚 Study Halls – Sometimes feature cultural displays or calligraphy scrolls
🚗 5. Access
📍 From Kunming Lake (West Side)
🚶 5–10 min walk from Marble Boat or West Causeway
📍 From Beigongmen Station
🚶 15–20 min walk from North Gate (through Longevity Hill trails)
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Best accessed on foot; allow ~30–45 min to enjoy the garden
🛏️ Stay in Haidian District for easy access to Summer Palace and tranquil surroundings
The Garden of Harmonious Interests is where imperial elegance meets scholarly peace. It’s not just a garden—it’s a poetic retreat into the soul of classical Chinese design.
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