One of the 'Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing': Spring Shade on Jade Islet

The 'Spring Shade on Jade Islet Stele' is located on the northeast side of Qionghua Island in Beihai Park, erected in the sixteenth year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1751). The stele is 4.1 meters high, facing east, with a dragon carved on each of the four ridges on the top, and dragon patterns in relief on the tablet's head, with the words 'Imperial Creation' in seal script on the front and back. Under the Sumeru pedestal, it is supported by a square stone platform. The east-facing side of the stele is inlaid with the calligraphy of Emperor Qianlong's 'Spring Shade on Jade Islet' in regular script, while the west side (the back) and the north and south sides each bear an imperial poem by Qianlong. The base of the Sumeru pedestal is carved with seated Buddhas, strongmen, and entwined flowers, and there are two round stone carvings of chi dragons in front of the stele. This stele was originally erected in front of the Joyful Heart Hall and was moved here in the fifty-first year of Qianlong (1786).