Hidden within the Summer Palace, the Great Fountain whispers tales of imperial ambition and a surprising blend of cultures. The Great Fountain, also known as Dashuifa, wasn’t always called that. It was once referred to as “water method” or “shuifa” in Chinese, highlighting its intricate workings. The Great Fountain at the Summer Palace is a mesmerizing spectacle. It is the largest and most magnificent European-style fountain in the garden. Commissioned by the Qianlong Emperor, its creation spanned from 1745 to 1759. Imagine the meticulous work involved in designing and building this marvel during the Qing Dynasty.
The Great Fountain isn’t just a single fountain. It’s a complex of three large fountain groups: Xieqiqu, Haiyantang, and the Great Fountain itself. These fountains showcase a unique fusion of Chinese and Western artistry, thanks to the collaboration of two missionaries: Giuseppe Castiglione and Michel Benoist. The Qianlong Emperor tasked these missionaries with designing the “European Palaces” in the Garden of Perfect Brightness (Yuanming Yuan). The Great Fountain is a centerpiece of this complex. One stunning depiction of the Great Fountain is captured in a set of mounted prints commissioned by the emperor. These prints showcase the main fountain adorned with a stag confronted by hounds, along with two pyramidal fountains and meticulously manicured trees.
The Great Fountain stands at a crucial intersection within the Changchun Garden, where the north-south main axis meets the east-west axis of the “European Palaces”. This positioning underscores its importance within the garden’s overall design. The bottom of the Beijing Summer Palace Great Fountain Watch, a limited edition timepiece, features an engraving of the Dashuifa Site. This watch serves as a modern tribute to the historical and cultural significance of the Great Fountain. It symbolizes the grandeur and artistry of this unique landmark within the Summer Palace. The watch, limited to 2018 pieces, also features the Tiananmen logo at 12 o’clock, representing China’s rich history and culture.
The Great Fountain isn’t just a static display. It’s a dynamic interplay of water and artistry, showcasing the ingenuity of its creators and the vision of the Qianlong Emperor. As you stand before the Great Fountain, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details, the cultural fusion, and the historical echoes that resonate within its waters.