On the fourth day, we were going to visit the Summer Palace, one of the world's best kept imperial gardens. It is used by the court as a retreat from the capital's heat for 800 years. During the Qing Dynasty, it became a fashionable royal resort and scene of extravagant celebrations.

Here, the Empress Dowager Cixi made it her residence and spent vast amounts of money to create a veritable Xanadu. This place was badly damaged during the Taiping Rebellion of 1860 and further devastated in 1900 following the Boxer Rebellion.

Yes, I am quoting from the travel brochures again! One should know the background first before one's visit - that's my philosophy. And it has done wonders towards my appreciation of the trip. Actually I don't have to prepare myself if it were not for my lack of understanding Mandarin as Xiao Kuok has given excellent explanation throughout the trip. Fortunately, for the summer palace, it's more towards the scenery.

The place looked grand as usual but what took my breath away was definitely the view of the Kunming Lake. It is so lovely, enchanting, very scenic. This place is like taken out of a fairy tale. It contains small islands, ornamental bridges and the famous marble boat which was once a teahouse.

The weather was sunny but very cold due to the breeze from the lake. There was an auntie who did not wear extra cover and finally our Xiao Kuok offered his jacket. Which was very kind of him since he only wore a t-shirt and would be the one to freeze instead. Ah... you must be wondering what is it I had for him eh? Yes, I'm touched of course but you should read on under the topic of tour people!

Here's some pictorial explanations:

With tour members at one of the entrance to the Summer Palace.

Look at the view behind mom, it's so enchanting!

The beautiful Kunming Lake.

Me and mom - we decided to take more pictures here while waiting for other members.

Me and the very active tour members - gutsy ladies they are. The lady on the right in white attire is the one who did not bring extra jacket.

Mom, walking at the longest corridor in the world at the Summer Palace. The corridor has many paintings, each with a story of its own. On the left, folding his arms is Mr. Wong Jong Kong, our caring local tour leader.

The lake is a large one as you can see.

Ooo... I love the wind here!

Yet another view of the lake.

Mom in front of the marble boat.

Me in front of the marble boat. Aiya, this man in front of me is blocking the view.

So I had to take the picture again.

A lovely flowering tree with beautiful white petals.

I shall name this tree - Pearly Fingers.

Still part of the Summer Palace.

Lovely bridge - in the distance, my mom.

Can't let go the opportunity to take pictures with the "thau hua" tree again with a backdrop of the beautiful 'sorrowful' willow tree and a bit of the bridge.

Okay, the "thau hua" tree again.

I had to take a picture too.