Wake up before the crowds and step into a living canvas of history at Beijing’s Summer Palace. As dawn breaks, Kunming Lake shimmers with silver ripples, and you’ll instantly see why emperors once escaped here to breathe in nature’s calm.
🌅 With every step along the winding paths, you drift through centuries:
- Early gardens among Beijing’s western hills laid the groundwork.
- Under the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), expansions began in 1750 and turned it into the “Garden of Clear Ripples” by 1764.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Summer Palace blends hills, pavilions and lakes into a storybook landscape. Today, it’s a top spot for:
- 📸 Sunrise photos over Longevity Hill
- 🦆 Boat rides on Kunming Lake
- 👟 Peaceful morning jogs along marble bridges
Whether you’re a history lover, an aspiring photographer or a traveler chasing that perfect sunrise pic, this imperial garden offers a vibe unlike any other. Pro tip: arrive before 7 AM to feel the hush of history and snap your favorite shots without the crowds! 😉
Reference(s):
Ripples of history: Walking the Summer Palace in the morning light
cgtn.com
