Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Quantitative evaluation of spatial nodes in linear cultural heritage tourism routes: a case study of the Beijing Central Axis

  A quantitative evaluation framework reveals significant disparities in cultural depth and service provision along the Beijing Central Axis. Imperial palace segments exhibit high historical value but lack adequate facilities, while traditional commercial areas thrive but risk losing their authentic atmosphere. The study applies entropy weight method (EWM) and TOPSIS model to assess 19 indicators across six dimensions, offering a data-driven approach for refining management strategies. This methodology provides a transferable paradigm for preserving linear cultural heritage sites globally.

  Zhang, Y. (2026). Quantitative evaluation of spatial nodes in linear cultural heritage tourism routes: a case study of the Beijing Central Axis. URBAN DESIGN International. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41289-026-00326-6

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• Psychological Healing through Sensory Perception in Water- and Culture-Centred Spatial Systems of Northern Chinese Gardens

  Northern Chinese gardens, particularly the Beijing Imperial Gardens like the Summer Palace, facilitate psychological healing through a structured sequence involving spatial design, sensory perception, and cultural memory. The study reveals that these gardens guide the body's movement, shift sensory focus, and evoke emotional meaning through cultural associations, contrasting with Western approaches to healing environments. Research methods included interviews, field observations, and analysis of water and landforms, extending insights into fengshui, atmospheric effects, and habitual behavior in hutong courtyards.

  Huang, J. (2026). Psychological Healing through Sensory Perception in Water- and Culture-Centred Spatial Systems of Northern Chinese Gardens. Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies, 4(4), 10852. https://doi.org/10.61173/q9ymvs55

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• Awareness and Behaviors of Beijing Residents Regarding Wetland Conservation

  A survey of over 1,000 Beijing residents reveals strong public support for wetland conservation, with 92.5% willing to volunteer and a preference for small annual donations. While most residents prioritize wetland protection over economic development, awareness of ecological functions like biodiversity conservation remains low. The study highlights that visit rates are higher at urban wetlands such as Shichahai and Summer Palace Wetlands, suggesting proximity influences behavior. These findings provide critical insights for policy-making to enhance public engagement and wetland conservation efforts in Beijing.

  Mo, L., & Yan, B. (2025). Awareness and Behaviors of Beijing Residents Regarding Wetland Conservation. Water, 17(3), 375. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030375

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• The Protection and Development Utilization of Architectural Paintings in Beijing's Imperial Gardens

  Architectural paintings in Beijing's imperial gardens, particularly those from the Ming and Qing dynasties, are revealed as pivotal elements that enhance both aesthetic appeal and structural longevity of wooden buildings. These paintings, characterized by their diversity and craftsmanship, hold significant cultural and social value. The study analyzes the intricate relationship between these paintings and garden structures, offering insights into their preservation challenges and providing recommendations for revitalizing this cultural heritage. By examining past achievements and issues in preservation, the research aims to guide future efforts in protecting and utilizing these artistic elements effectively.

  Shi, L. (2025). The Protection and Development Utilization of Architectural Paintings in Beijing’s Imperial Gardens. Highlights in Art and Design, 10(1), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.54097/x5sphz26

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• Application of smalt in building glazed tiles from Yuanmingyuan Park, Beijing’ in Qing dynasty

  Research on blue-glazed tiles from Yuanmingyuan Park (Summer Palace) reveals the use of smalt, a European-derived cobalt material, alongside Chinese cobalt ore during the Qing Dynasty. Analysis of nine lead-glazed pottery samples identified high levels of potassium (K), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), barium (Ba), bismuth (Bi), and uranium (U), characteristic of imported smalt, while manganese (Mn) indicated the inclusion of local Chinese cobalt ore. The findings suggest a hybrid approach to ceramic production, blending foreign and domestic materials, which persisted into Qing-era craftsmanship.

  Ping, M., Jin, H., Zhang, Z., Zhang, L., Sun, M., Cao, M., & Cui, J. (2025). Application of smalt in building glazed tiles from Yuanmingyuan Park, Beijing’ in Qing dynasty. Npj Heritage Science, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-025-01803-x

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• A Discussion on A Portuguese Embassy at The Old Summer Palace

  A significant diplomatic encounter between China and Portugal during the 18th century is illuminated through a detailed analysis of historical documents, revealing the intricate dynamics of cultural exchange at the Old Summer Palace. The study highlights five key audiences between Emperor Qianlong of China and the Portuguese embassy led by Francisco Pacheco de Sampaio in 1752–1753, where both parties fulfilled their roles and aspirations, contributing to mutual understanding. By cross-referencing Chinese and Portuguese records, the research reconstructs this pivotal moment in Sino-Portuguese relations, underscoring its broader implications for historical diplomacy.

  Xiaohan, X. (2025). A Discussion on A Portuguese Embassy at The Old Summer Palace. International Journal of Arts , Humanities & Social Science, 06(12), 128–133. https://doi.org/10.56734/ijahss.v6n12a13

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• The Effect of Enclosure Layout on Wind Environment in Chinese Classic Landscape Gardens: A Case Study of Beijing’s Summer Palace Ruins Garden

  Research on the Summer Palace Ruins Garden reveals that enclosure layout significantly influences wind comfort and ventilation in classical Chinese landscape gardens. Key findings indicate that increasing the direction index of earthen hill spaces reduces wind speed and comfort but enhances ventilation, while higher density indices similarly decrease wind speed and comfort, improving airflow. Conversely, larger area indices boost wind speed, potentially enhancing comfort but risking poor ventilation. The study employed on-site measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze these effects, offering critical insights for optimizing wind environments in historic gardens like the Summer Palace.

  Wang, Z., Wang, M., Wang, Y., Huang, T., Chen, J., & Liu, T. (2024). The Effect of Enclosure Layout on Wind Environment in Chinese Classic Landscape Gardens: A Case Study of Beijing’s Summer Palace Ruins Garden. Buildings, 14(1), 280. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010280

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