Marble Boat, Beijing

Name: Marble Boat
Address: Beijing, China

#15 among attractions in Beijing

Palace, Top attraction

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Facts and practical information

The Marble Boat, also known as the Boat of Purity and Ease, is a unique and historic structure situated in the Summer Palace in Beijing, China. This ornate pavilion, constructed in 1755 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, stands as an emblem of imperial extravagance and Chinese garden design.

Unlike its name suggests, the Marble Boat is not a functional vessel but a stationary lakeside pavilion built with a base of large stone blocks designed to resemble a boat. Its two stories are adorned with intricate wooden structures that mimic the sails and masts of a ship, painted in vibrant colors and gilded with gold. The pavilion extends 36 meters long, and while the lower level is solid marble, the upper deck is crafted from wood, combining traditional Chinese architectural styles with Western design elements, reflecting the Qing Dynasty's fascination with European culture.

Originally intended as a place for the empress to enjoy the scenic views of Kunming Lake, the Marble Boat has withstood the test of time, although it was reconstructed in 1893 after being damaged during the Second Opium War. The renovation was funded by the notorious Empress Dowager Cixi, using money that was purportedly intended for the Chinese navy, hence the pavilion is sometimes linked to the decline of the Qing military.

Local name: 石舫 Coordinates: 39°59'48"N, 116°15'50"E

Address

海淀区 (hai dian qu)Beijing China

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Day trips

Marble Boat – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Summer Palace, Long Corridor, Kunming Lake, Jade Belt Bridge.

0.4 miS
Iconic lakeside retreat for royalty
Summer Palace, Beijing
10 min walk • The Summer Palace, an exquisite landmark nestled in the city of Beijing, stands as a pinnacle of Chinese horticultural and architectural traditions. This sprawling royal retreat spans over 2.9 square kilometers, three-quarters of which is covered by water, primarily...
~1960 ftE
Palace, Historical place
Long Corridor, Beijing
10 min walk • The Long Corridor at the Summer Palace in Beijing stands as a testament to the grandeur of traditional Chinese architecture and the opulence of the Qing dynasty. This covered walkway, extending an impressive 728 meters, is one of the longest of its kind in the world...
~1610 ftSE
Natural attraction, Nature, Lake
Kunming Lake, Beijing
8 min walk • Kunming Lake is a tranquil oasis nestled within the bustling metropolis of Beijing, China. As the central lake on the grounds of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kunming Lake offers a serene escape from the city's frenetic pace.
1.3 miSE
Bridge
Jade Belt Bridge, Beijing
32 min walk • The Jade Belt Bridge, also known as the Camel's Back Bridge, is an 18th-century pedestrian moon bridge located on the grounds of the Summer Palace in Beijing, China. It is famous for its distinctive tall thin single arch.
~1200 ftE
39°59'52"N • 116°16'5"E
Fo Xian Ge, Beijing
6 min walk • Temple
0.9 miNE
Universities and schools
University of International Relations, Beijing
25 min walk • University of International Relations is a public university, in Beijing, China. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in International Politics, International Economics and trade, Law, English, French, Japanese and Public Administration.
1.2 miW
Park
Jade Spring Hill, Beijing
32 min walk • Jade Spring Hill is located to the west of the Summer Palace in Beijing, China. It was also formerly known as Jingming Palace. It contains an imperial garden, the Jingming Garden and is named after the Jade Spring. It is the location of the Xiangji Temple, the Yufeng Pagoda, the Jinxing Palace and the Furong Palace.
~1300 ftNE
39°59'55"N • 116°16'5"E
Longevity Hill, Beijing
7 min walk • Natural attraction, Nature, Mountain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Marble Boat?

Nearby attractions include Fo Xian Ge, Beijing (6 min walk), Longevity Hill, Beijing (7 min walk), Kunming Lake, Beijing (8 min walk), Long Corridor, Beijing (10 min walk).

How to get to Marble Boat by public transport?

The nearest stations to Marble Boat:

Bus

颐和园北宫门 • Lines: 303, 330, 331, 346, 375, 384, 563, 563区, 601, 608, 610, 683, 696, 697, 718, 特5 (13 min walk)
青龙桥 • Lines: 运通112 (14 min walk)

Metro

Beigongmen • Lines: 4 (13 min walk)
Anheqiao North • Lines: 4 (26 min walk)

Light rail

West Gate of Summer Palace • Lines: 西郊 (24 min walk)
Chapeng • Lines: 西郊 (41 min walk)