Tour Boats Along the Shores of Kunming Lake 昆明湖
As one explores much of the Summer Palace in Beijing, one could be forgiven if they forget about the largest attraction this park has to offer – Kunming Lake 昆明湖. The lake is an artificial lake which started its life as a reservoir for the water supplier to the city and also for irrigation of the neighboring fields. It has been in use for hundreds of years now. In the time of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing dynasty, the lake was widened and deepened with the surrounding area developed into the emperor’s imperial park. The result is today’s Summer Palace.
View of Wanshou Hill from Kunming Lake 昆明湖
Today, Kunming Lake continues to be a source of water for thirsty Beijing. It is also a place for recreation as it is possible to go boating during the warmer months. The lake has three islands of which South Lake Island is one of them. Much of the design of the lake is based on Chinese mythology as is the inclusion of the lake’s islands. The planting for beautiful willow trees only adds to the over mood of the lake.
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