Traces of the Empire Reflected on the Water – Ihwa Garden

📍 Summer Palace (颐和园)
🗓️ Visited: July 29, 2025
☁️ Weather: Clear + slightly hot, pleasant for a walk
🕰️ Duration: Approximately 3 hours (slow stroll)

A different feeling from the majesty of the Forbidden City.
I felt that the Summer Palace was built for "rest," not for someone's "power."

A lone boat floating on Kunming Lake, Mount Longevity and the corridor stretching out beyond,
lotus flowers swaying in the breeze, and after a long walk, the shadows of the weeping willow trees.
Everything was gentle, quiet, and very slow.

"They say the emperor came here every summer for a retreat... I'm so jealous."
I must have said this three times.

📝 Tips

1. It's convenient to book tickets in advance on Trip.com (the lines were quite long on-site).
2. Entering through the west entrance offers a more natural and less crowded walking path.
3. You don't necessarily need to take a boat; the lakeside promenade alone is relaxing.
4. In summer, parasols and sunscreen are essential! There's not much shade.

#SummerPalace #Beijing

Post by 하니보틀 | Aug 8, 2025