Marble Boat

The Marble Boat, also known as the Boat of Purity and Ease, is a striking lakeside pavilion in Beijing's Summer Palace. First built in 1755 under Emperor Qianlong, the original structure consisted of a stone foundation topped by a wooden superstructure in the traditional Chinese style. After British troops destroyed it during the Second Opium War in 1860, it was rebuilt in 1893 at the behest of Empress Dowager Cixi. Today's two-story wooden structure is painted to imitate marble and combines Chinese elements with European architectural styles. Look for the imitation paddle wheels on either side, which give the building the appearance of a steamship, as well as the large mirrors on each deck, which reflect the water of the lake and create the impression of being fully immersed in the surroundings. An ingenious drainage system channels rainwater through four hollow columns, which finally empties into the lake from four dragon heads. The pavilion stands on the northwestern shore of Kunming Lake near the Long Corridor and is often interpreted as an ironic comment on the diversion of naval funds to restore the palace.