Imperial Summer Palace of Mountain Resort

The Imperial Summer Palace of Mountain Resort is located just north of the city of Chengde and is China's largest imperial garden. The former summer residence of the Qing dynasty’s emperors and royal members, this vast complex took almost a whole century to complete, with constructed taking place between 1703 and 1792. 
The imperial grounds comprise of the emperor's residential buildings, including the reception and entertainment halls, plus the royal gardens, as well a number of striking temples. The various styles of the buildings and landscapes appear to blend in with the surrounding lakes, mountains, and forest, with the complex incorporating classic Chinese architecture, as well as the styles of many other nations, particularly Tibet. 
The site covers a sprawling 5.6 square-kilometers and is surrounded by a ten-kilometer wall. The Imperial Summer Palace of Mountain Resort was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Practical Info

To reach the Imperial Summer Palace of Mountain Resort from Beijing, take the Beijing to Chengde regional bus, which departs from the city center every 10 minutes. Alternatively, take the N211 train to Chengde. From Chengde Railway Station, take a taxi or the number 5 bus to the imperial palace.