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The
Summer Palace, Yiheyhun, is located in the northwest area of the city, and
during the late Qing Dynasty was the summer retreat from Beijing's heat for the
imperial family and court.
Originally created as an imperial garden by
Emperor Qianlong, it was destroyed
and plundered during the Second Opium War in 1860. In 1888 the notorious
Empress
Cixi used the money intended for the Chinese Navy to build this opulent summer
retreat for herself. In 1900 the Summer Palace was damaged extensively once
again
during the Boxer Rebellion, but was rebuilt shortly after.
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Kumming
Lake, which is man-made, is available for boat rides during much of
the year, but ice skates can be rented during the frozen winter months. Also in
the lake
is Empress Cixi's famous Marble Boat, China's Navy during that time.
The Long Corridor is 795 yards
long and parallels the lake. Don't miss the fabulous paintings of Chinese
history and legend inside the corridor which have been recently restored.
Other
highlights are the many pavilions, palaces and halls in this twelve square mile
complex, once the playground of the royal court.
The grounds with their extraordinary
gardens are a favorite destination of Beijingers
and travelers and can be very crowded on weekends.
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