Summer Palace, Beijing

The Summer Palace in Beijing is an imperial retreat that feels like an entire world—lakes, pagodas, bridges, endless corridors, and an atmosphere steeped in history. Once a place where Chinese emperors relaxed, it is now a serene destination for tourists to stroll among willows, boats, and landscapes that seem to have come straight out of a Chinese watercolor painting. ✨ Must-see highlights: 📍 The Long Painted Corridor 📍 Kunming Lake (you can take a boat ride!) 📍 The Marble Boat 📍 The view from Longevity Hill 📌 It's best to visit in the morning when there are fewer people and a magical tranquility. ⏳ Plan at least 3–4 hours for your visit—this park feels like a city within itself. We spent a full 5 hours here, including breaks to cope with the summer heat in June.