A Day at the Summer Palace: Relaxing Moments in a Picturesque Landscape

Hey friends! Today, we're heading to the famous Summer Palace in Beijing. I've heard it's truly like a painting come to life, and I can't wait to see it for myself. 1. First Impressions of the Summer Palace The morning sun was just right—not too hot, not too humid—perfect for a day out. When I arrived at the entrance of the Summer Palace, the crowd was manageable, so no need to squeeze through throngs of people. As soon as I stepped in, I was captivated by the expansive view. Kunming Lake looked like a massive mirror, shimmering under the sunlight. The water was so green it felt like nature had dyed it. Surrounding the lake were lush trees, creating a vibrant green border. Looking further out, Longevity Hill stood tall and verdant, with ancient buildings scattered across its slopes. The red walls and yellow tiles of the structures stood out beautifully against the greenery. The combination of the hill and the lake was simply perfect, a match made in heaven that brought a sense of peace to my heart. 2. Strolling Across the Seventeen-Arch Bridge Walking along the lakeside, I arrived at the famous Seventeen-Arch Bridge. This bridge is truly a masterpiece! It stretches across the lake like a long centipede, and its seventeen arches reflected in the water create the illusion of thirty-four arches. It's quite magical. As I walked across the bridge, the stone slabs beneath my feet, polished smooth by time, made me feel a bit heroic. The railings were adorned with intricate carvings of flowers and birds, so lifelike they resembled a stone-made picture book. I couldn't resist touching them, marveling at the craftsmanship of ancient artisans who could sculpt stone so beautifully. Looking down from the bridge, the lake water was crystal clear, revealing fish swimming freely below. Sometimes they gathered as if whispering secrets, and other times they scattered to play on their own. Standing on the bridge, watching the water and the fish, I felt a sense of ease and freedom. 3. Climbing to the Tower of Buddhist Incense After crossing the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, I began my ascent up Longevity Hill. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of trees. Before long, I reached the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the crown jewel of the Summer Palace. It stood tall atop the hill, like a majestic general guarding the entire palace. Inside the tower, the interior was dazzling, with walls and pillars adorned with countless Buddha statues and intricate patterns. The craftsmanship was so exquisite that I felt compelled to tread softly. I climbed the stairs to the top floor, and from there, the view was breathtaking! The entire Summer Palace unfolded before me. Kunming Lake looked like a small chessboard, with boats gliding across its surface like moving chess pieces. The distant mountains, nearby trees, and ancient buildings all appeared miniature, like a scaled-down landscape painting. As I gazed at this stunning view, I thought to myself, no wonder people say the Summer Palace is beautiful—now I truly understand. 4. Boating on Kunming Lake After descending from the Tower of Buddhist Incense, I returned to the lakeside. By now, the lake was bustling with boats, as everyone seemed eager to experience the joy of boating amidst such beauty. I rented a small boat and carefully paddled out onto the lake. The water was cool, and as the oars sliced through the surface, ripples spread out in circles. Lying back in the boat, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds, I felt as if I were inside a painting. The willow trees along the shore swayed their long branches in the breeze, as if waving hello. I also spotted ducks swimming around the lake. Sometimes they dove underwater to forage, and other times they surfaced, shaking off water and quacking cheerfully. They were absolutely adorable. I paddled around the lake several times, reluctant to leave. Kunming Lake felt like a giant embrace, making it hard to part with. 5. Appreciating the Beauty of the Gardens After boating, I strolled leisurely through the gardens. Everywhere I turned, there were pavilions, terraces, rock formations, and flowing streams, each step revealing a new scene. The garden designs were incredibly clever—some featured rock formations with small caves to explore, while others had bamboo fences enclosing tiny courtyards filled with flowers and plants, like secret gardens. I saw many elderly folks practicing tai chi or dancing in the gardens, their faces lit up with smiles as they enjoyed the serene atmosphere. I found a spot to sit and rest, soaking in the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. By this time, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over everything. I closed my eyes, listening to the birdsong and the cheerful chatter of visitors, thinking to myself, the Summer Palace is truly amazing. I’ll definitely come back if I get the chance. @CommunityBenefits @CtripCommunityCreationCenter