On Saturday we went to the Summer Palace which is situated in the northwest suburb of the city. It covers an area of over 700 acres consisting of buildings,towers, courtyards and gardens which were once used by emperors and empresses. Built in 1750 by Emperor Qianlong as a birthday gift for his mother, it was first opened to the public in 1914. There is a huge lake running through the property and three small islands. In 1998 it was put on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and cultural Organization.
We saw only a small part of the whole site on Saturday and will have to go again sometime. I would think it would take a week to see the whole thing.
I have put a video of some of the pictures we took there. Just click on the arrow below. Enjoy!
Hi Mom and Dad,
I tried to call you guys today but I guess you guys are out having a fabulous time. Love the pics of the summer palace, looks like a really beautiful country. How is school going? We never got an update on the big communism anniversary party…how was that? Anyway…keep up the blog, we check in almost every day to see what you two are up to.
Hi Paul,
We were out shopping today for some groceries and a new toaster. Yay! We can have toast now. I know, I know we’re in China and should eat like the local people but we like out toast – hmmm,hmmm!