Summer Palace 2024

Last August - September 2024 my friend and I went on a trip to Guangdong - Macau through a travel package offered by one of the travel agents I know. 

The flight to Macau was very smooth. Once landed, we went straight to the immigration office which separates Macau from Guangdong. We spent the days traveling from city to city. 

One of the few places that we've visited was the Summer Palace. The local tour guide told us that it was the replica of the palace that was built in Beijing. From what I recall from his story, the royal family used to live here since Guangdong had a tropical climate since the climate in Beijing was colder in nature. 

It was an amazing experience for me since I am fond of watching both Korean and Chinese dramas.The ancient architects and builders of this whole compound was totally genius and innovative. They managed to build an architectural structure which stands over hundred of years now. From the towering pillars which bind together the whole building up to the artwork design of the ceiling, these magnificent historical site left me in awestruck. If only the walls could talk it could tell so many past events which textbooks did not printed out.  

 I took this whole video clips from my trip last year from Ninoy Aquino International Airport 

to Macau- Guangzhou. 

These doors were older than me. It was fascinating that somehow I could witness it personally how it feels to be here for the first time. I am a history lover of sort, cannot stop from admiring the wooden doors, the open space between rooms, the smell of old woods and seeing the throne room made me reminiscent the time of antiquity. I was thinking if there were no ghosts here in the palace? 

 
I wonder how many families did live here before. In each bedchamber there were several mannequins held out as display which showcases how the ancient people dress up, eat and held private meetings. I got scared at first because I thought they were people standing by and would move once some people would come near them. Fortunately, those mannequins were inanimate. 

There were so many onlookers who also visited the palace other than us. There were also some who wore traditional clothes while posing like a model while few staffs were taking their photos.  While I was taking some random pictures a couple stopped me and asked me if I could take a photo with them. I gladly took some photos of them for free.  😁

They said the entrance was always guarded by two dragons may also means that they are guardians or could also be the male dragon earns the money while the female dragon spends the money. 

It was raining that day but it did not stop me from feeling the moment of being at the palace. It was raining that day but I enjoy the sight seeing since this sort of opportunity to see this historical site may come once.  

Someday when I have my own house I would love to have this design. This is my personal opinion, even though we are in modern times and most of us are into well-sustained materials but old style abode is like preserving ones familial tradition and it cam also give a unique vibes against from modern -minimal -industrial home designs. 

There were also several souvenir shops to purchase your ideal souvenirs. 

These were the food displays which  vases the caretakers 

presented to all tourists. It was very nice of them to allow us to have a glimpse about the food table set-up during the ancient times.  

These were porcelain vases which the former royal used to have here at the Summer Palace. 

This was how the host met some guests in his or her quarters or so I heard from other tourist guide that day. 

This was the throne room and anyone can take a photo and wear hanfu. 

Picturesque view of the first chamber coming form the entrance. 

This was the lady in the mirror doing her make up, hairstyle and Hanfu. Once you are there you can also rent the Hanfu, just check the rent price. 

The Summer Palace also had this Cherry Tree, it was not a real tree. 

Just cannot help but think that the architectural flow of the chamber was fascinating, all doors were straight up. Once you enter the first door (side A), you may exit at the opposite door (side B). I want to take home the doors but of course I cannot. 

This was one of the mannequin display which the caretakers placed in each chamber. The mannequin was dressed in male style Hanfu. 

For the rest of my Guangdong, China trip you may visit my Instagram link 👇

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_crUGfzOLD/?igsh=Y2Z0dXV6MDE5b3k4