Summer Palace in Winter

Tuesday afternoon we made a trip to the Summer Palace. We have been several times to the Summer Palace in different seasons, but we wanted to see what it was like in the winter. Since we have had such freezing cold temperatures for a sustained length of time, Mark thought this would be a good time to experience an adventure on the ice. Due to a mix-up on understanding which bus stop to get off at, we actually entered the park from a new direction and got to see a different area of the park. The park is so huge we could explore a different section each time we go.

This buildings' painting was in especially beautiful condition. Much of the detailed artwork on the ancient buildings shows its age by having lost detail and vibrancy.

 

Overlooking one part of the Haidian District where we live.

Notice the sign and the activity. Typical!

 

The higher we climber, the colder we felt.

Walking on water - frozen water. The staff indicated the ice measured about 20cm thick.

Our ice adventure.
This proved harder than it looked as the wheels never had a really good grip on the ice. 

 

I wanted a picture of the bridge from this perspective so we walked from one side of the lake to here then turned left to walk back to shore. Notice the white streak to Mark's left. A guard (not pictured) forbade us to venture further. I think that white streak meant the ice was weaker in that area.