The Summer Palace: An Unforgettable Beauty of China

A Solo Female Traveler's Experience at the Summer Palace in Beijing This journey began with a high-speed train ride from Shanghai to Beijing 🚄, which took only about 4–5 hours. I must say, China's high-speed trains are incredibly convenient and fast. The ride was comfortable, and the scenic views along the way made the time fly by. Before I knew it, I had arrived in Beijing. Upon reaching Beijing, I chose the Summer Palace as my first destination. It is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, and I had always wanted to see it with my own eyes. 🏯 First Impressions As I stepped inside, it felt like I had entered an ancient Chinese movie 🎎. The architecture, pavilions, bridges, and the lake were all stunning and majestic, yet the atmosphere was incredibly serene. ❄️ Visiting in Winter (January) Visiting in January gave the place a unique charm that was different from the photos I had seen before. The palace's large lake was completely frozen! 🧊 The cold wind was constant, and the weather was so chilly that I had to keep my hands in my pockets. However, the cold added a special allure to the place, making every photo look like a painting. 🚇 Easy to Get There One thing I loved was how convenient it was to get there. You can take the subway to Beigongmen Station and then walk about 500 meters to the palace entrance. For a solo traveler like me, it was safe and incredibly easy. 💡 Memorable Impressions I spent hours wandering around but never felt bored. Every corner offered a chance to soak in the beautiful atmosphere, with views of the mountains, ancient pavilions, and winter trees. For me, this is one of the must-visit places in Beijing. It's not just beautiful but also gives a sense of peace that's hard to describe. ✨ If I have the chance to visit again, I'd love to come during summer or autumn to see the palace in a different color palette. But for now, seeing the frozen lake has become one of my most special memories 💙.