Summer Palace

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After lunch, we drove to the west of Beijing, to visit the vast Summer Palace, which were the Imperial Gardens for the Qing (pronounced 'ching') Dynasty. The Summer Palace was in the western mountains, with a beautiful lake and cooler air to provide some relief to the Emperors during the hot summer months. The Summer Palace is home to the world’s longest corridor, at 728m. This covered walkway fronts the lakeshore to Kumming Lake, which is a manmade lake, dredged by thousands of conscripted labourers to create. The mud dug out to make the lake was piled high on the north shore, to create the Hill of Longevity. The Summer Palace had also been lost to fire on a number of occasions, with the last re-construction taking place in the 19th century, when China was ruled by the Empress Cixi (si-shi), also known as the ‘Dragon Lady’. Apparently she spared no expense, and spent money that was intended for the Chinese navy (leading to their defeat to the Japanese navy some years later!). It was so crowded, but also very chilly, with a cool wind blowing in off the lake. We came in the east gate and walked across the Palace, to exit through the west gate. My guide book said the west corridor is one of the better places in the Summer Palace, as it is so peaceful and beautiful. It was. We were glad to leave the crowds behind us, and head back home. The trip back was uneventful, but almost 1 ½ hour long through the Beijing traffic (Guide Gary says it is constant, not really just rush hour!), so we saw a lot of the real Beijing life along the way. Finished the day with a dinner of sandwiches and drinks from one of the supermarkets in the mall, in our hotel room. Dawn and mom were thinking of going for a foot massage tonight, so will have to see how they did, and will report back tomorrow! Later, - J

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Photos

Lunch with the Dragon Lady
We had Chinese food one more time! This was a restaurant used by the travel services, so was mostly western folks eating here. Pretty sure our waitress was the Dragon Lady....

Guide Gary and our Mercedes van!
Not sure how many times we climbed in and out of the van today... Gary was a great guide and was well versed in the history of his country!

Which one of the red hats belongs to our group?
A lot of tour groups used colorful hats to signal which group they belonged too. Still pretty easy to pick T out of the crowds in the Summer Palace!

Hill of Longevity and Hall of Happiness
Coincidentally, the Hall of Happiness was also the name Dawn gave to our bathroom in the hotel after the first week of travelling....

Comments

[Uncle Ding Dong]

Frank in China?
Hi Thomas - Uncle Ding Dong here. Hope you're enjoying your trip buddy. What a great opportunity, and especially to be able to share it with your Dad, MomMom and Auntie. Are you listening to Frank over there when you go to bed? I don't think Frank ever did any concerts in China but I wondered what one of his bigger hits may have sounded like if he needed to translate it for a Chinese audience: Stranger Night Wink at night to exchange Stranger Wondering at night What have the opportunity to share love marriage Was passed during the night. Your eyes are so invited to the East and West, You smile things are so exciting, Things in my heart, Tell me, I must have you. Stranger night, two lonely people We are strangers in the night Up to now When we say our first Hello. Unexpectedly, we know that It is very clear the love, Other than a warm embrace and dance -- Since that day led to our evening together. Lovers fall in love at first sight, in love forever. It turned out that such a right, Stranger in the night. Yeah....maybe not a top 10 hit. Have a great time and a safe trip home. Look forward to hearing all about your trip next time we see you. Love, Uncle Ding Dong (Bill)

[Uncle Ding Dong]

Red Hats
Apparently red hats are popular in China but not red pants. They'll come around one day.