China: Beijing – Imperial Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a UNESCO-listed grandiose landscaped complex of gardens and lakes about 15km north of Beijing, it was commissioned in 1750 by the Qianlong Emperor and extensively rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi in the late 19th century, it was designed as a lux summer retreat for the imperial court to escape the stifling heat of the walled capital city. The core of the palace includes grand structures and pagodas and pavilions, but other attractions are along the lake shore – like the Marble Boat or the Seventeen Arch Bridge. Takin a boat ride on a historic colorful boat across the lake is an absolute must!