Summer Palace: Detailed guide to the history and culture of the Summer Palace, Beijing. Map of Summer Palace: Summer Palace Map. Summer Palace Tours: Private tours to the Summer Palace and other Beijing delights. Yi He Yuan, or the Summer Palace, is the best-kept existing royal garden in Beijing. With a concentration of the best of ancient buildings as well as styles of gardening, it is a virtual museum of traditional Chinese gardening. The Summer Palace was first named the Garden of Clear Ripples, which was burnt down by the allied forces of Great Britain and France in 1860. Reconstruction started 25 years later and was completed in 1895, and the name was changed to Yiheyuan (Garden of Good Health and Harmony). The design gives prominence to the Longevity Hill and the Kunming Lake. The total area is 290 hectares, and the buildings are measured in over 3,000 bays. Beijing Travel: Beijng travel information for travelers to plan a trip to Beijing.