Summer Palace, Beijing

The Summer Palace is in the northwest of Beijing.  It is said to be the best preserved Imperial garden in the world.

The Summer Palace’s landscaped gardens, temples and pavilions were designed to achieve harmony with nature.  It’s Chinese name is ‘Nourishing Peace Garden’.  It certainly lives up to its name as the gardens are truly beautiful.

The highlights of the park include Kumming Lake, The Long Corridor, Longevity Hill, The Marble Boat and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony.

There is also the famous 17 hole bridge which unfortunately we didn’t get to see as we ran out of time.

We visited Beijing during the Golden holiday week and there were lots of visitors at the Palace.  They were mainly Chinese rather than tourists and were very interested in us as westerners.  My best friend Jeanette was inundated with requests for photos because I think she is blonde, they are fascinated because we are seen as so different from them.

it was an amazing day.