Welcome to Scenic Kumming Lake

Last stop was "The Summer Palace". It was probably my favourite. It was also really crowded. I was thinking if someone set off an H-bomb or something, and got rid of all the people, it would be fantastic. The 'Palace is a collection of courtyards, gardens and small palaces gathered around a lake. Very peaceful. It was built in 1750, and later renovated and enlarged by the infamous Empress Dowager Cixi. Some of the highlights included the "Clear and Peaceful" marble boat, the "Tower of the Fragrance of the Buddha" (couldn't actually approach it) and a building ("Bayoun Bronze Pavilion") cast entirely from...... well, bronze. Go figure.