Built in the 18C, the Summer Palace was restored in the late 19C, at great expense, by Empress Cixi. Lying a few kilometres from Beijing, this enchanting site for a cooling stroll by the water is a must! Standing along the sloped banks of Kunming Lake, the complex boasts splendid gardens, pavilions, temples, bridges and an extraordinary 700m-long covered gallery, decorated with scenes from the history of China.