The Summer Palace

Last stop of the day was a brief visit to the Summer palace. Like the Forbidden city you could spend days here but we only scratched the surface. This place has been burnt down 3 times since it was originally built in 1750..so this is the last version1903 or so. A favourite place of the Dragon lady who was the power behind the throne for the last 4 emperors. Kunming lake was misty and surrounded by autumnal leaves but the palace was a cacophony of installed speakers and shouting tour guides. We watched a bloke doing water calligraphy using a special sponge tipped wand, apparently it is a good activity for the retired - I recommended it to Dad but he wasn't keen. The highlight really was a 750m covered walkway along the lake edge that ensured that the women could walk whatever the weather without getting wet or tanned. This was decorated with scenes from legends and classical books including a scene from Monkey. Car access was very difficult, much hooting and honking - our driver is amazing - Its a big car and she maneuvers it with if not exactly ease but definitely with bravado. Traffic was slow on the way back to the city - a good hours drive of solid traffic, not far but very busy - and that was a Sunday afternoon. I expect it wont improve as the week kicks off.Read more