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With Beijing Old Liu ... Visitor guide to the Summer Palace in BeiJing Overview The Summer Palace, located in the Haidian District of BeiJing, is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a summer retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors. Renowned for its beautiful landscape and rich cultural heritage, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of BeiJing's top tourist attractions. Getting There Location: The Summer Palace is located in the northwest of BeiJing, about 15 kilometers from the city center. By Canal Boat: For a unique and scenic route, take a canal boat from the Purple Bamboo Park (ZiZhuYuan) or Beijing Zoo wharfs. The boat ride takes about an hour and provides a relaxing way to reach the Summer Palace, offering views of the city's waterways. By Subway: Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Beigongmen Station (Exit D), which is close to the North Palace Gate. By Bus: Several bus routes, including 303, 330, 331, 332, 346, 394, 563, 584, 601, and 608, stop near the Summer Palace. By Taxi: A taxi ride from central BeiJing takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Entrance and Tickets Main Gates: The three main entrances are the East Palace Gate, the North Palace Gate, and the New Palace Gate (South Gate). Entrance Fee: The entrance fee varies by season. Generally, it ranges from 30 to 60 RMB. Combined tickets, including entry to special sites like the Tower of Buddhist Incense and Suzhou Street, are also available. Opening Hours: The Summer Palace is open daily from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October) and 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March). Main Attractions Kunming Lake Kunming Lake covers approximately three-quarters of the Summer Palace area. Visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the scenic beauty and visit the South Lake Island. Longevity Hill Rising behind Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill is dotted with splendid halls, pavilions, and temples. Key sites include the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Sea of Wisdom Temple, and the Hall of Dispelling Clouds. Seventeen-Arch Bridge This iconic bridge connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. It is known for its unique design and the 544 stone lions carved on its railings. Long Corridor The Long Corridor is a covered walkway that stretches for 728 meters along the northern shore of Kunming Lake. It is adorned with thousands of beautiful paintings depicting Chinese legends and landscapes. Marble Boat The Marble Boat, also known as the Boat of Purity and Ease, is a lakeside pavilion made of marble. It symbolizes stability and is a unique and photogenic structure. Suzhou Street Suzhou Street is a charming area with shops and buildings designed to mimic the style of the famous water town of Suzhou. It offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese commerce and architecture. Activities and Experiences Boat Rides: Rent a paddle boat or take a dragon boat cruise on Kunming Lake for a relaxing and scenic experience. Photography: The Summer Palace offers countless picturesque spots, especially at dawn and dusk when the light is soft and golden. Walking and Hiking: Explore the numerous trails and paths around Longevity Hill and the lakeshore for a leisurely or invigorating hike. Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic in one of the many tranquil garden areas, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and historical architecture. Dining and Refreshments Palace Restaurants: There are several restaurants within the Summer Palace grounds offering traditional Chinese cuisine and snacks. Tea Houses: Enjoy a traditional tea experience at one of the tea houses overlooking Kunming Lake. Outside Dining: Numerous restaurants and cafes are located near the main entrances, offering a variety of dining options. Shopping Souvenir Shops: Various shops within the Summer Palace sell traditional Chinese arts and crafts, souvenirs, and books. Market Streets: Nearby shopping streets outside the palace offer local snacks, handicrafts, and other unique items. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit the Summer Palace are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Plan Your Visit: The Summer Palace is vast, so plan your visit to focus on the main attractions you want to see. A map of the palace grounds can be very helpful. Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the hot summer months, as the extensive grounds require a lot of walking. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of cultural and historical sites. Avoid touching artifacts and follow posted signs and instructions. Conclusion The Summer Palace in BeiJing is a stunning testament to Chinese landscape gardening and imperial architecture. With its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, it offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Plan your trip carefully to make the most of your visit and immerse yourself in the splendor of this magnificent heritage site.

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With China Walking Tour ... Visitor Guide to the Sui and Tang Dynasties of LuoYang City National Park Getting There Location: The Sui and Tang Dynasties of LuoYang City National Park is located in LuoYang, HeNan Province. It is easily accessible from the city center. By Public Transport: You can take a local bus or taxi from anywhere in LuoYang to reach the park. Buses 81 and 83 have stops near the park. By Car: If you are driving, ample parking is available near the park entrance. Entrance and Tickets Entrance Fee: The entrance fee varies depending on the season and any special exhibitions. Typically, it ranges from 50 to 100 RMB. Opening Hours: The park is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Check for any changes during holidays or special events. Attractions and Activities Historical Sites MingTang and TianTang Complex: Reconstructed palace complexes that offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the Sui and Tang dynasties. The architecture and layout are based on historical records and archaeological findings. Ancient City Walls: Explore the remnants of the ancient city walls that protected LuoYang during the Sui and Tang periods. Museums and Exhibitions Archaeological Museum: This museum within the park showcases artifacts and relics from the Sui and Tang dynasties, including pottery, tools, and ancient manuscripts. Historical Exhibitions: Various exhibitions throughout the park provide detailed insights into the history, culture, and daily life of the Sui and Tang dynasties. Gardens and Scenery Imperial Gardens: Beautifully landscaped gardens that reflect the horticultural styles of the Sui and Tang periods. These gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Scenic Lakes: The park features several artificial lakes that enhance the serene atmosphere and provide picturesque views. Interactive Activities Costume Experience: Visitors can dress in traditional Sui and Tang dynasty attire and take photos in the historical settings of the park. Guided Tours: Join guided tours to learn more about the history and significance of the sites within the park. Tours are available in multiple languages. Dining and Local Specialties Within the park, you will find several dining options that offer both local and traditional Chinese cuisine. Some recommended spots include: Imperial Banquet Restaurant: Experience a traditional imperial-style meal with dishes that were popular during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Tea Houses: Relax in a tea house and enjoy a variety of Chinese teas along with light snacks. Street Food Stalls: Try local snacks and delicacies from the numerous food stalls scattered throughout the park. Shopping Souvenir Shops: Browse the souvenir shops for unique gifts and mementos, including replicas of ancient artifacts, traditional crafts, and books on local history. Artisan Workshops: Visit workshops where local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as pottery, calligraphy, and silk weaving. Many items are available for purchase. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit the park are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes. An umbrella or raincoat may be useful during the rainy season. Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the historical significance of the park. Many tours are available in English and other languages. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and historical sites. Avoid touching artifacts and stay on designated paths. Conclusion The Sui and Tang Dynasties of LuoYang City National Park offers a fascinating journey through Chinese history. With its blend of historical sites, beautiful gardens, and cultural activities, the park provides an enriching experience for all visitors. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this national park in LuoYang is a must-visit destination.