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Marble Boat
The
Marble Boat is also called Qingyanfang Boat. It is located in the northwest
of Kunming Lake. It was first built in 1750 with a Chinese-style wooden
superstructure on it. Unfortunately in 1860, the original boat was burned
by the Anglo-French forces, and in 1893, it was rebuilt with a French-style
superstructure and two wheelers added to it. Taking the implied meaning
of "the water can hold the boat as well as topple the boat",
the Marble Boat symbolizes the steadfast rule of the Qing Dynasty.
Built with huge stones, the body of this boat is 36 meters long with two
tiers. Although made of wood, the superstructure is painted white, looking
like a marble boat. Hence the name Marble Boat. The ground was paved with
colored bricks and the windows are inlaid with multi-colored glass. A
huge mirror was set on each tier, reflecting the waves in the lake. Sitting
in front of the mirror, one may feels that he is floating on the water.
The boat has a marvelous drainage system. Four dragonheads serve as the
route way for the rainwater. When it rains, the rains water pour out from
the mouths of these dragonheads into the lake, forming unique scenery
in this garden.
This boat used to be the place for Empress Dowager Cixi to enjoy the lake
scenery.
The
Marble Boat is also called Qingyanfang Boat. It is located in the northwest
of Kunming Lake. It was first built in 1750 with a Chinese-style wooden
superstructure on it. Unfortunately in 1860, the original boat was burned
by the Anglo-French forces, and in 1893, it was rebuilt with a French-style
superstructure and two wheelers added to it. Taking the implied meaning
of "the water can hold the boat as well as topple the boat",
the Marble Boat symbolizes the steadfast rule of the Qing Dynasty.