old summer palace

We went for a short day trip in Beijing today to make the most of the beautiful weather. A few missed exits and wrong turnings later, and this is where we ended up!

The Old Summer Palace is not often visited- the main Summer Palace, to its west, is the main attraction. The Old Palace, built in- hang on, quick Wikipedia check- in 1707, is now just ruins. Once a huge complex of lakes, canals, palaces and houses, it was looted and then destroyed by the British in 1860 during the Second Opium War as punishment. Another proud moment of British history. Well done us.

An odd choice of photo maybe, but this is what happens when you attempt to pose for a photo in Beijing. Bad timing on our part. I'm the one in the background in the rather fine hat- you can just about see me.