Part of Kunming Lake
There is something about China and willow trees. China seems to have an abundance of these trees and they make use of them a lot. I first encountered these trees in the city of Chengdu in Sichuan province. The willow trees lined the roads of Chengdu, giving it a very relaxing kind of atmosphere. The Summer Palace in Beijing being an imperial park and all, also has willow trees lining the lakeshore.
Trees Along the Walkways in the Summer Palace
It is said that the willow trees on the western portion of Kunming lake are the oldest in Beijing with the plants planted in the time of emperor Qianlong. Interestingly, these seemed to have survived the foreign onslaught which destroyed most of the Summer Palace. In this part of the park, there are less tourists, only the hardy ones get here. Which is perfectly fine for me. Here you can see the real park goers having a relaxing time under the willow trees. Somehow, the thought of busloads of tourist seem to be far, far away.
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