Imagine strolling along Kunming Lake at sunrise, the morning light scattering silver ripples across the water. It feels like stepping into a living painting, where every pavilion and willow tree whispers stories from centuries past. 📸
Beijing’s Summer Palace is the largest surviving imperial garden in the Chinese mainland, and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends nature, art, and history. Originally part of 18th-century Qing Dynasty expansions, the garden known as the Garden of Clear Ripples was completed in 1764 under Emperor Qianlong.
Go early to beat the crowds, bring your smartphone for mirror-like reflections, and don’t miss the Seventeen-Arch Bridge or the Long Corridor’s hand-painted panels. Whether you’re a history buff or a casual wanderer, this green jewel offers a serene escape right in the heart of Beijing.
Pro tip: Compare the lake’s calm vibe to the backwaters of Kerala or the misty mornings at Angkor Wat—heritage sites across Asia share that same tranquil magic. 🌿
Reference(s):
Ripples of history: Walking the Summer Palace in the morning light
cgtn.com
