Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring… and The Palace

There are some highlights on your travel to Beijing which should not be missed. 'Yiheyuan' or The Summer Palace (The Palace) is no exception. In order to truly appreciate what The Palace has to offer, be prepared to allocate a large proportion of your day there. This becomes evident when considering that the grounds of The Palace spans 290 hectares. Furthermore, pay attention to some of the Beijing Tours on offer as this could make your visit less bothersome.One of the most convenient ways to reach The Palace is by getting off at Beigongmen (North Palace Gate of the Summer Palace). Alternatively, go to Xiyuan Sation, exit C, and walk west. The Palace is rather expansive, so as a tourist, it would be worth considering buying a map at the ticket office, an audio guide or look for an English-speaking tour guide. From experience, English-speaking tour guides can be found outside the entrance gate of The Palace. It is best to be safe and ensure that your tour guide appears official (such as carrying a professional badge) and that you negotiate a price before and agreement. A tour guide may typically charge in the region of 100RMB, so splitting the cost within a group doesn't seem quite so bad. The conception to build The Palace came from Emperor Qianlong's insistence to celebrate his mother's sixtieth birthday in 1750. This may have seemed extravagant; however, The Palace has been well-used and revered ever since with two major reconstruction projects taking place after foreign-led forces destroyed much of the palace in both 1860 and 1900. In 1886 Empress Dowager Cixi, for example, forwent many of the country's navy funds into rebuilding The Palace. In spite of its name, the multifaceted character of The 'Summer' Palace makes it an appealing location to visit in any season.  In the winter, for instance, some daring people have been known to walk on the thick, iced-over Kunming Lake (this is not particularly advisable). Whilst towards the warmer months, Lake Kunming allows tourists to take leisurely paddle boats rides. Secluded from hustle and bustle the rest of Beijing, it is understandable why Empress Dowager Cixi was adamant in restoring The Palace as a place in which to retreat. Since 1924, The Palace has welcomed the general public to enter its grounds and today The Palace serves as a historical hotspot and as a recreational park. The Palace certainly has its fair share of history which can be felt at every twist and turn along its extensive paths. In 1998, the Palace was proudly placed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations after it was given official recognition for its outstanding architecture, preservation and beauty. One feature of this list which is particularly interesting and entered in the Guinness Book of Records is the Long Corridor. Constructed in the mid-18th century, with over 14,000 paintings and stretching 782 metres this stunning walkway expresses much of China's cultural past showing tales such as that of the infamous 'Monkey King'. To assist with your China travel plans, here are some of the essential must-see attractions of The Palace. If you decide to go to the waterways around Suzhou Street, note that your tour guide may not be able to accompany you. Yet this section provides a fascinating insight into what life at The Palace may have been like, with numerous (64 to be exact) small shops. The wonderfully designed Marble Boat is another must-see attraction. Despite being a 'boat' made of stone, it nevertheless symbolises the resilience of China (and coincidentally, The Palace). Finally, at a staggering 41 metres in height, try to aim to visit the Tower of the Fragrance of the Buddha. This structure is the pinnacle of The Palace and it is said that reaching the top increases your longevity! from China Travel Blog http://blog.chinatraveldepot.com

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