The Emperor’s Summer Palace
As the name would suggest, this is where the ancient Chinese emperors would live and relax during the summers. It’s not so much a palace as it is a gigantic complex of palaces on a stunning landscape - on Longevity Hill and around Lake Kunming. The Chinese name for this place, Yiheyuan, literally translates to “Garden of Nurtured Harmony.” Something I doubt the English and French knew when they ransacked and burned parts of it down in 1860 (huh, other stuff happened in the world during the Civil War).
Amazingly, I live only 20 minutes away from here, yet have never visited until now. I’m thinking an annual pass might not be a bad idea.
So. Much. Art. Everywhere!
This is where the emperor goes to pray and practice his Buddhist rituals.
The recreation area.
And tea as the emperors used to drink it. I now see why they do the “use the lid to push away the stuff” maneuver always seen in Chinese shows.
