Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Chengde Imperial Resort - Day 1



Back in September Margot and I took a trip to Chengde to see the Imperial Mountain Resort and other sites. Chengde is located about a 3 hour drive northeast of Beijing. The resort was build in 18th century starting in 1703 and finishing in about 1790.




The resort covers over 2 square miles and includes palaces, temples, lakes, fields, and mountains.

The royal court would come here to escape the summer heat. I understand they would also come here to escape the smallpox epidemics that would ravage Beijing from time to time.




This is the room in the Hall of Simplicity and Sincerity where the emperor would hold court, receive guests, etc.

This hall was built from nanmu which is a southern Asia evergreen that is very resistant to decay and is a natural insect repellant.




This room is also in the Hall of Simplicity and Sincerity. He would have discussions with his advisers here.




This is the bedroom.




The boat is delivering tourists from one side of the lake to the other.




I think this guys job is to pick up trash out of the lake.




There were just a few lotus blooms at this time of year.




That's a lotus seed pod in the center.




This is Margot.




This pagoda was built in 1751. At 230 ft tall it is one of the largest in China.




After dinner we took a walk along the river. Click on the picture to enlarge. The face is projected onto the mountain from some distance away.




That is a pedestrian bridge on the left side of the screen. It changes colors every few minutes.


No comments:

Post a Comment