BEIJING: Summer Palace

This place would be so neat to visit in the summer. It was a summer retreat for the emperor just outside of Beijing. There's a huge lake and gorgeous buildings built in the hills. It was built in the 1100s and changed from one emperor to the next until Empress Cixi made it her own. The stories about Empress Cixi are nuts! She was one powerful lady. The Dragon Lady. One of China's most powerful women. 

500 year old trees are tagged with red tags. 

There were lots of gorgeous buildings to see with thrones, jewelry collections, furniture, art work, remnants of the imperial dynasties. 

This is our guide, Ashley giving us the history, telling us stories of the powerful Dragon Lady and explaining the significance of every little detail. The Seventeen-arch Bridge with its marble lions. The Marble Boat. The Long Corridor with its gorgeous paintings. The Garden of Virtue and Harmony. The Hall of Happiness and Longevity.

It was a super crowded day. 

Loved the advertising on this rickshaw outside the front gate. 

The boys did great as long as we took time to stop and play. They made friends with some kids with a boomerang and could have been here all day. 

At the base of the Tower of the Fragrance of the Buddha on top of Longevity Hill.

We also had frequent snack stops. Cup of noodles anyone? Or a hot dog? 

Or, "hey Mom, take a picture of my fist!" 

"Ok." 

Sybil loves her shoulder rides from Gage. 

and Daddy. 

Everyone was very excited when we stopped by the costume shop. So of course we had to go in, dress up the kids like little Emperors and take their picture. 

Empress Sibby. The boys thought this was hilarious and started calling her Empress Sibby from here on. Build me a palace! Dig me a lake! I want a marble boat!