Summer Palace, Beijing

If you're the least bit adventurous, skip the tour groups, have a good guide book, and see this place on your own. You'll save lots of money and enjoy it more. It's an easy taxi ride from the city. Plan to spend at least 3 hours, more if you can. Buy the pricier ticket so you can enter all the buildings. Yes, it's a lot of walking, but there is soooo much to see. Just people watching is a pleasure here. If it's a hot summer day, stop for frozen desserts on a stick every hour or so. Be sure to wander around the back side and go into as many sites as you can. Locals come here to picnic and read in a shady spot away from the crowds. The buildings have been painstakingly repainted and are gorgeous!!! The boat ride across the lake (one way or round trip = same price) is relaxing, and if you're feeling more energetic rent a paddle boat. One nice memory was seeing a man and then various locals taking turns using a 3-4 foot long brush dipped in water to make Chinese characters along the sidewalk. It left a beautiful trail of beautiful calligraphy.