Suyunyan Gate

Suyunyan Gate

Suyunyan is located in the northwest part of the Summer Palace. Originally a fortress gate, it was also known as Beique.

Suyunyan was built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1736–1795). The gatehouse originally enshrined Guan Yu. During the Qianlong period, when three sides of Kunming Lake were enclosed by walls, this gate served as the main entrance from the west. In the tenth year of the Xianfeng reign (1860), it was looted by the Anglo-French allied forces. Outside the gate stands an ancient pine tree with sprawling branches, a relic from the Qianlong era. At that time, when Kunming Lake was not enclosed on three sides, this gate was the main entry from the west and controlled the area around the West Ruyi Gate. Together with the Wenchang Pavilion to the east on Longevity Hill, symbolizing civil and military virtues respectively, the two structures represented a balance of scholarly and martial prowess.

Passing north across the stone bridge north of the stone memorial archway, then going through the Yunyan Memorial Archway, and walking north along a small path, you can see Suyunyan faintly nestled among trees. Cross the winding wooden railing bridge to reach Suyunyan Gate.

Location

Summer Palace, No. 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing