Ruyi Isle

Ruyi Isle

Ruyi Isle is located to the north of Yuexiang Shengyin Island in the Mountain Resort. It is an island in the lake, named for its resemblance to a ruyi scepter, though it is actually connected to the lakeshore by a causeway. Before the year 1711 during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, it served as the palace area. Covering an area of 35,000 square meters, it is the largest islet in the resort and one of its main attractions. Twelve of the seventy-two scenic views created by Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong are located here. The existing buildings on the isle are relatively well-preserved, with an ingenious and flexible layout that uses corridors and short walls to define different scenic zones. The design incorporates features of traditional northern quadrangle courtyards as well as techniques from southern Chinese gardens. Major structures include Wushu Qingliang (the Gate Hall), Guanlian Suo, Jinlian Yingri, Shuifang Yanshou (later renamed Leshou Hall), Yanxun Shanguan, Yipian Yun, and Canglang Yu.

Chengde, Hebei Province