The Summer Palace is a complex of palaces and gardens set in multiple lakes in Beijing. The first stage of construction on the Summer Palace building was commissioned in 1750 by the emperor Qianlong—the fourth emperor of the Qing (Manchu) dynasty—as a gift for his mother. It was completed in 1764.
The Qinjan marble boat dates back to 1755. An advisor told the emperor that "the waters that float the boat can also capsize it," implying that the Chinese people can not only support an emperor, but can also topple him. So, the emperor had a very substantial boat built as a sign of stability.
We were there during a national holiday week, when many Chinese came in from the provinces to see Beijing, perhaps for the first time. Some, like this woman, wore clothing typical of the provinces.
We were told that this long corridor is in the Guinness Book of Records as the place with the most paintings. (Perhaps an exaggeration.)
The Summer Palace itself is off limits to visitors. It is visible here from the long corridor.
We took a boat trip to a small island in the biggest lake.
We weren't alone. Many people enjoyed the day in boats.
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