The Summer Palace

Experience the opulence of emperors past at Beijing's stunning Summer Palace. Originally built as a summer getaway for emperors of the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234 CE), rulers of the centuries to follow added their own flourishes, including ornate palaces and even a massive man-made lake. Today, you can take a boat ride, then climb to the top of Longevity Hill for scenic views. The grounds surrounding the palace are massive, so bring a picnic basket and some comfortable shoes, and enjoy the day.