The Summer Palace is the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China. Construction began in 1750, as a luxurious royal garden for royal families to rest and entertain. It later became the main residence of royal members in the end of the Qing Dynasty. Empress Dowager Cixi (Dragon Lady) ended up using it as a resort to spend most of her life. The Palace grounds are filled with temples, gardens, pavilions, a lake, the 17 arch bridge, gate towers and a corridor all among impeccable landscape.
We had our own tour guide throughout our time in the Summer Palace. She was a college student who basically walked us
through the park, giving us history and insight along the way. One of the things that amazed us throughout our trip that everything in traditional Chinese architecture and design has a purpose. On the 17 arch bridge there are 17 arches because this makes the 9th arch (and the tallest) in the middle from either direction and nine was considered the highest number. The colors are chosen based on meaning as well as the animals and statues used throughout the park. Cherry, our guide also told us that this is where the idea of Fung Shui started and is still widely used throughout the country. The Summer Palace is also home to the longest painted corridor in the world.
Throughout the historic spots in the China there are plates at the bottom of doorways. This was believed to keep out the ghosts and evil spirits.
At one of the shops we had Savannah's name written in Chinese calligraphy by a local artist (who according to his assistant is VERY famous). Savannah was also a popular attraction with in the park.
Day one of our trip has been great!
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