The Summer Palace

Trip Start Jun 29, 2010
1
15
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Trip End Jul 28, 2010


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Sunday, July 4, 2010

Today we started by bus for a drive to The Summer Palace.  It took about half an hour by bus.  When the Chinese emperors used to go to the Summer Palace, they went on a in an imperial convoy on canals and river to Kunming Lake.  It took 3 days.  The palace is actually a garden consisting of a small mountain, a lake, a river, and many buildings.  In our 104 degree heat on this fourth of July, I knew why the emperors went there.  The cool shade of the gardens, the breeze from the lake, and the coolness of the palace high on the mountain made it a welcome retreat for anyone. 
I climbed Longevity Mountain to the Lama Temple at the top.  The views were breathtaking.  The smog which was not around at the time of the emperors, clouded my view, but I hope you can get a sense of what an achievemant this was and is.  I imagined that the emperors were carried by servants up the steep ramps.  Where the empress and concubines stayed, only eunuchs were allowed to serve them.
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Comments

Becky Stroud on

Looks like you're having a WONDERFUL time! I enjoyed looking at the pictures! Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Crystal on

Looks like you are having fun! Love your pics! My favorite is "The Great Wall and the Great Me".... :-)
Take Care!

Katie C on

Love these pictures! Looks like you are having a great experience! Can't wait to hear stories in person when you return! ☺

Anne on

Amazing photos. What a shame the smog is clouding the view. What a way to spend the 4th of July.

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