An Appetite for Adventure

From [08.10.19] Summer Palace Sunday

“Women qu Yihe Yuan!” Translation: “We’re going to the Summer Palace!” That was one of the earlier phrases I learned in Chinese so I was ecstatic to actually use it when I get into the cab. Recovered from our night of chuanr-ing, Em and I took a trip up to the Summer Palace in the Northwest of Beijing.

We couldn’t have picked a better day weather wise: The sky sparkled a beautiful cerulean and the fall color were just starting to appear. However, we should have know that everyone else would recognize that this was a perfect time to visit the Summer Palace. It was so crowded! Luckily, the park is huge, and found some tranquility once we ventured further into the area.

The Summer Palace was built as a retreat during the Jin Dynasty, but it didn’t become so grand until the Empress Dowager Cixi dumped loads of what should have been navel funds into its beatification. The grounds of the enclave encircle Kunming Lake, where you can take elaborately painted period-piece boats from one side to the other. We preferred to stroll around the grounds, enjoying this oasis in such a  big, bustling city as Beijing.

[08.10.19] Summer Palace Sunday