Through the Wonderland (Huazhongyou)

Dating back to the 1760s, the Through the Wonderland scenic area sits gracefully at the southwestern slope of front Longevity Hill in the Summer Palace. It offers visitors not only intricate pavilion views but also a prime viewpoint to the imperial garden.
 

The complex is designed in a two-level staggered layout based on a steep slope, with structures barely obstructing each other. The first level centers around Clear Radiance Pavilion, north of a stone archway, forming a courtyard with Mountain Affection Pavilion and Embracing Autumn Pavilion. The second level revolves around Through the Wonderland Hall, embraced by two winding corridors that climb up the mountain. 

In this popular open scenic area, there are three structures unmissable for you:
 

Taking Photos in the Clear Radiance Pavilion

Perched on the mountainside, the two-story octagonal Clear Radiance Pavilion harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Designers ingeniously incorporated bedrock into the structure by sculpting winding "mountain stacks" that spiral upward through the interior. Once emerging from the dim passageway to the upper level, you will be rewarded with a dramatic vista of lake and sky.

The pavilion's second floor draws crowds as a premier vantage point. Though the pavilion features a double-eaved, octagonal spire design, its sides are not perfectly symmetrical—the east, south, west, and north-facing walls are noticeably longer, which provides a wider viewing angle in all four directions, especially toward the lake.

Additionally, the beams and columns frame the distant lake like a painting, and the beams are adorned with landscape paintings, allowing visitors to admire the real lake and the painted scenery at the same time.
 

Passing through a stone archway and the second courtyard, you'll find a delicate overhanging flower gate. Known as the most beautiful one in the Summer Palace, it boasts 12 pendant lotus columns adorned with vibrant beads and intricate lotus designs, marking the boundary between the inner and outer sections of an ancient Chinese courtyard, .

More detailed, the lintel beam showcases colorful paintings of flowers, birds, fish, and insects, while the hanging panels, plates, and door pins are carved with openwork designs with auspicious meanings, featuring 24 "longevity" characters and 50 bats representing "good fortune".
 

Exiting the overhanging flower gate, you'll encounter the Pavilion of the Lake-Mountain Essence on the hillside to your left. The name "Lake-Mountain Essence" refers to its past lake and mountain view from inside the pavilion. Today, though a lush pine forest planted near the pavilion slightly obscures the view of western hill, by venturing west along the mountain path, you'll still be rewarded with the mountain and lake views. 
 

In 1764, after the Summer Palace was completed, noticing a lack of scenic harmony on the western slope of the Buddhist Incense Tower during a boat ride on Kunming Lake, Emperor Qianlong (1711~1799) ordered to build Through the Wonderland area. Destroyed by fire in 1860 and 1900, it had been rebuilt a few times, all preserving its original charm.
 

It is said that one night, Emperor Qianlong dreamed of an immortal visiting him with two maids, each holding a painting depicting beautifully arranged pavilions and forests. The immortal invited Qianlong to stroll through the painting, and in his excitement, Qianlong recited a poem. Upon waking, he immediately had a painter capture the dream and constructed the "Through the Wonderland" complex based on it.
 

1.    The area is open from 8:00 to 18:00 between April and October, and from 8:30 to 17:00 between November and March. Be sure to plan your visit within these hours.

2.    Given the numerous steep steps in Through the Wonderland area, it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes, and be cautious when taking photos to avoid slips or falls.

3.    The most convenient access is through the North Ruyi Gate. You can take bus or subway to North Palace Gate Station, then walk from outside the Summer Palace to North Ruyi Gate for about 10 minutes to this attraction. Entering directly from North Palace Gate is not advised as it involves climbing much more steps and slopes.

4.    For excellent photos with the architecture, you may wear traditional Chinese attire like cheongsam or hanfu. Be prepared for 15–30-minute waits at popular photo spots like the Kunming Lake-facing railing of Clear Radiance Pavilion, especially during peak photography hours (15:00-18:00) when lighting is optimal. Allocate 1-1.5 hours for photography. For shorter waits, consider visiting in the morning or during non-peak afternoon hours.

Next: Hall of the Sea of Wisdom

 Related Link: Summer Palace Travel Tips