Chengde

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Chengde was the summer resort of the Qing emperors. They alsoa occasionally sought refuge here in a time of crisis in Beijing. The imperial resort is now an important tourist destination. There were too many tour groups at the palace, but further from the entrance in the park it gradually became quieter. I started to enjoy it when I was appreciating the pink lotuses just coming into flower. They will make a very impressive show in the early autumn. I have seen plenty of statues holding alotus flower, but not the real thing. There are small temples and pavilions scattered through the park. Many have grandiose titles And descriptions in which the moon features. One of my favourite ares in the park had only trees and no buildings, its name was myriad trees garden. The mountain area of the park was wilder and quieter, quiet enough for me to spot three deer. The best viewpoint over the park and tcotton was from a steep hill in the north east.

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