Tsinghua Xuan sits quietly within the Summer Palace in Haidian District, Beijing. To reach it, enter the Summer Palace via New Palace Gate (Xinjian Gongmen)—the closest metro station is Beijing Zoo Station (Line 4). From there, walk along Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan) toward Cloud-Dispelling Gate (Paiyun Men), and you’ll spot Tsinghua Xuan just west of this iconic gate. If you’re arriving by bus, routes 331, 346, or 696 drop you near the palace’s main entrance. Inside the palace, Tsinghua Xuan is a short stroll from Kunming Lake, making it easy to combine visits.

Natural Scenery: Hill, Lake, and Tranquility

Nestled against the forested slopes of Longevity Hill and facing the shimmering Kunming Lake, Tsinghua Xuan feels like a hidden gem. The courtyard opens to views of the lake’s wide waters, while behind it, the hill’s trees offer shade and seasonal colors—pink cherry blossoms in spring, golden leaves in fall. A small lotus pool with a stone bridge sits at its heart, surrounded by white-walled buildings. The bridge, carved with symbols of luck (like ping an ru yi—“peace and good fortune”), invites visitors to pause and admire the water lilies below.

Cultural History: From Temple to Imperial Retreat

Tsinghua Xuan’s story spans centuries. During the Qianlong Emperor’s reign, it was part of a Buddhist temple called the Great Temple of Repaying Favors, housing a Hall of Five Hundred Arhats. These arhats—lifelike statues modeled after ones in Hangzhou’s Jingci Temple—were colored with fragrant materials. Tragically, the hall was destroyed by foreign forces in the 1860s.

Later, Empress Dowager Cixi rebuilt parts of the palace, transforming the temple into the Hall of Clouds (Paiyun Dian) and repurposing the arhat site into Tsinghua Xuan. Remarkably, the octagonal lotus pool and its stone bridge survived both destruction and reconstruction, now framed by white walls and delicate lattice windows.

Architectural Details: A Study in Elegance

Step through Tsinghua Xuan’s gate, and you’ll notice white walls adorned with 什锦漏窗 (sheji louchuang)—ornate, patterned windows that filter light and shadows. The 垂花门 (chuihua men), a classic Chinese gate, leads to two courtyards with over 40 rooms. The centerpiece? A 汉白玉桥 (white marble bridge) arching over the lotus pool. Walk across it, and you’ll pass 蚣蝮 carvings (mythical creatures) and 云头望柱 (cloud-shaped balustrades)—details that blend practicality with artistry.

Visitor Experience: Slow Down and Wander

Visiting Tsinghua Xuan isn’t rushed. Sit by the lotus pool to listen to birdsong, or explore the courtyard’s nooks—peek through windows, count arhat statues (a few remain!), or snap photos of the bridge reflecting in the water. The crowds here are lighter than central Summer Palace spots, perfect for quiet moments. Be sure to climb Longevity Hill afterward for panoramic lake views—it’s a reminder of how Tsinghua Xuan connects humanity’s art to nature’s grandeur.

Tips & Facilities

  • Opening hours: Match the Summer Palace’s schedule (usually 6:30 AM–9:00 PM in summer).
  • Tickets: Included in the Summer Palace entry fee.
  • Restrooms: Available near Paiyun Gate.
  • Refreshments: Nearby tea houses serve snacks, but bring water if you plan to linger.

Whether you’re fascinated by history, architecture, or simply seeking a peaceful corner of Beijing, Tsinghua Xuan offers a glimpse into China’s imperial past—and a serene escape within the city’s busiest tourist hub.