Summer Palace, Beijing, China ~ Sept 09

Entrance to the sprawling Summer Palace near Beijing, China.

This Palace and gardens were built in the early Jin dynasty ~ through the centuries it, a portion of the grounds and buildings were destroyed during wars. The Summer Palace we see this day is said to be more or less the same as it was ~ parts were rebuilt in 1903.

The Palace, surrounding buildings and gardens are set on Lake Kumming.

The buildings are filled with ornate furnishings and fine artwork.

Lotus Flower

I couldn't help but think of my pond

and Koi

on the other side of

the world.

I enjoyed intermingling and people watching. .

They are eager to nod and smile. When I ask to take a photo,

they are so pleased

and took great pleasure

in seeing the photo on the camera.

Wish I could show all here.

None spoke English,

however, the

universal language

of

smiles,

and nods , showing photos to them on camera

bring us together

for a brief while ~ `

we share happiness and

maybe

a memory for them too.

Mother and daughter

in the gardens.

Wouldn't it have been fun to actually talk with them?

Peaceful surroundings for sure.

A good place to escape.

Ornate structures enhance scenery ~














The Marble Boat. ~

In ancient China,

people often built a boat as part of decoration in classical gardens.

Here at the Summer Palace

we see this one made of marble.

Actually

it is not really a boat, but is a boat-shaped architecture~

They were built in the middle of water or port near the bank.

In parks, boats can enrich the beautiful scenery.
This Marble Boat was built here in 1755. It does not float.







Doesn't take you long to figure out that these people LOVE to build

and decorate what they have built.

Seems for centuries, all have been artists or entertainers.

Beijing is wonderful.

I could easily stay a month here ~

however

the rest of China awaits~

Leaving ~ was so happy that I could bring home visual memories ~ packed in the camera.



Bet we walked two miles and still could have spent yet another day or two here...

so, so

peaceful and beautiful.

We regretfully depart.

The OPERA AWAITS!