Marble Boat, Beijing

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.