Behind the Shizhang Pavilion at the end of the Long Corridor, the big Stone Boat, or Qingyan Boat, at the river side comes into our sight.

Built in 1755, the boat originally was composed of white marble bull and a wooden pavilion, the latter destroyed in the war of 1860. Then, a western-styled building with colored glass windows was constructed in 1893. And two wheels were added at the hull sides. Henceforth, the boat was referred to as Qingyan Boat.

The 36-meter-long boat consists of the stone hull and two-story wooden cabin that was painted like white marble. Each floor of the cabin was installed with a big mirror reflecting the vast waves of the lake, making people feel like in a sailing boat. Rainwater pouring on the cabin will flow through the four hollow pillars, then back into the lake through the four dragons' mouths. On occasion of downpour, people may have a grand view of the four dragons spouting water out.

Originally, Emperor Qianlong intended to appreciate the beauty of Kunming Lake on the boat, which symbolized the stable and lasting ruling of the Qing Dynasty as well. In the Emperor Guangxu's reign, the rebuilt Qingyan Boat became the pleasure boat sheltering the Empress Dowager in summer and on rainy days.

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