The Summer Palace on the shore of Kunming Lake is home to the largest royal garden in China and has many remarkable buildings. Enjoy the lush scenery and architecture and have a picnic on the lawns.

The complex was originally constructed as a vacation retreat for the Qing emperors in the 18th century. It later became their main residence. Like Beijing's Old Summer Palace, the complex was damaged by European troops during the Second Opium War and the Boxer Rebellion. However, the Chinese managed to restore this palace.

You’ll enter the park at East Palace Gate, which gives access to the park’s main complex. Here, you’ll find the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, which contains intricate bronze sculptures, engravings and ornate furnishings.

Watch the boaters on the large man-made lake. Stroll along the northwest shore to see a more unusual vessel: the Boat of Purity and Ease. This structure is also known as the Marble Boat, although it is actually a wooden pavilion on a stone base.

From the boat, it’s a short stroll to the foot of Longevity Hill, made from soil that came out of the pit for the lake. Hike up the 200-feet (60-meter) tall front slope, which has symmetrically laid-out structures on either side. Gaze up at the towering Hall of Dispensing Clouds. For a small fee you can enter the Tower of Buddhist Incense, a remarkable three-story building that contains a gilded statue of the Buddha with 1,000 hands and eyes. Descend at the rear end of the hill to find a scenic natural setting dotted with ruins.

The Summer Palace is located in the Haidian District, northwest of Beijing city. It takes at least 30 minutes to get to the palace from central Beijing by taxi. You can also take the subway to Beigongmen Station or Xiyuan Station, but this can take up to an hour. There is an admission fee to enter the palace.