Question: Ever imagined stepping into a painter’s dream? The dream is now reality right before you.
Let me introduce you to the Pengdao Yaotai. It is an enchanting scene within Beijing’s historic gardens.
Pengdao Yaotai’s story begins long ago. Construction started around 1725. Back then it was called Penglai Zhou. The name Pengdao Yaotai was officially adopted during the early years of the Qianlong Emperor.
This scenic spot sits at the heart of the Fuhai Lake. It features three islands of varying sizes. The architecture on these islands mimics celestial palaces. Imagine pavilions and towers reminiscent of a divine mountain. The designer drew inspiration from Li Sixun. He was an ancient painter. His artwork “Celestial Mountain Pavilion” guided the layout.
The main palace has three rooms and seven halls. To the east stands the Changxue Tower. To the west lies the Divine Continent Three Islands. The eastern side houses the Sui’an Chamber. The western side offers the Daily Ping’an Hall.
A bridge on the southeast connects to the East Island. Here, you will find the Xunhai Xianshan Pavilion. A curved bridge on the northwest leads to the North Island. This island holds three palace buildings.
Legend says Empress Dowager Cixi often held court here. From a humble palace maid, she rose swiftly. In merely five or six years, she became a noble concubine. She bore Emperor Xianfeng two princesses and a prince. She won his deep affection. Cixi advised him wisely. Pengdao Yaotai became the source of her growing ambition.
It is said that the Pengdao Yaotai is based on legends. The legends speak of three fairy islands. They are Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou. Each year, the emperor would watch dragon boat races from here.
The architecture of Pengdao Yaotai is exquisite. Mountains and water surround it. The scene evokes a sense of depth. It resembles a lotus emerging from the water.
Picture this: mist hangs heavy. Looking across the lake towards Pengdao, you see a floating illusion. It is like a mirage. The scene perfectly matches a verse by Bai Juyi. He wrote of “fairy mountains” appearing “vaguely in the void”.
Emperor Qianlong himself composed a poem about this place. He described “celestial paintings hanging with sun and moon”. He saw “crystal palaces reflected in the water”. He felt as if he could touch the “ancestral dragon’s stone”.
Today as we stand here, let’s appreciate the artistry that shaped this place. Let’s imagine the emperors. Let’s admire the empresses who once walked here. Pengdao Yaotai is more than a scenic spot. It is a window into China’s rich imperial past.