Summer Palace | A Glimpse of Eternity, A Dream of the Forbidden Heights

The breeze by Kunming Lake has been blowing for four centuries, still carrying the poetic essence of Emperor Qianlong and the lingering fragrance of Empress Dowager Cixi's rouge.
Strolling along the Long Corridor, 728 colorful paintings flow above your head—
"This is China's longest 'open-air art gallery.'"
Fingers brushing against the weathered red lacquer, it feels as if you can touch the whispers of palace maids from centuries past.
Rowing boats glide across the reflection of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge,
Counting the golden light piercing through its arches:
"Around the Winter Solstice, the setting sun aligns perfectly with each bridge arch."
The peach blossoms along the West Causeway bloom and fade, year after year,
While the graceful curves of the Jade Belt Bridge still captivate the clouds.
Ascending the steps to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, it suddenly becomes clear—
The so-called imperial grandeur is merely the essence of Jiangnan, scattered and blended into a northern lake.

Post by Zhicheng Travel | Oct 30, 2025