Last day in beijing!

After waking up later I dragged myself out of bed and headed over to the last sight I wanted to see in beijing, the summer palace!

The summer palace is where the emporers would spend their time in the summer and has been home to some very powerful people, although whilst a few small bits are truly old most was (as the signs constantly remind you) burnt down by the anglo-french 100 years ago, and is mostly now 50-30 years old, but still very pretty.

It is a giant complex with a huge lake, a second lake, many buildings and many many boats. The day I chose to go was obviously insanely hot, (38!) and I decided to climb straight up the huge hill and nearly boiled myself alive!

I wandered around the palace for a bit and took some photos, took a boat tour and decided that i was palace and templed out now, and to make my way back.

I had a quick nap and met up with Vivian (the girl from the train) who decided to try to show me the real hu-tong a bit and prove they are not all just slums, turns out they are all slums!

Anyway we walked around them and it was very pretty, near a bit lake, and went for a meal in a restaurant that did western food with chinese flavours, an odd mix but very tasty! then I headed back to pack and get some sleep as I have an early start for the train in the morning!