Kunming Lake

The large artificial lake that fills most of the imperial summer garden in the northwest, its expanse deliberately shaped to evoke celebrated southern Chinese scenery. A long causeway crossed by graceful bridges divides the water and recalls a famous dyke of a lake in Hangzhou. Willow-lined banks, a marble boat, and an arched bridge of seventeen spans line its shores. In summer visitors take dragon-headed pleasure boats across the water, and in winter the frozen surface draws skaters beneath the tiered temple hill above.