Beijing is well known for its poluted air, but it was an exceptionally clear day when we went to the Summer Palace. Visibility was great and we could see the western mountains clearly from downtown. What's more, there was hardly half the crowd to be expected on a beautiful Sunday like this. Apparently most people swarmed to Xiangshan instead. We had a lovely time floating around Kunming Lake on a little boat, probably having more fun than the notorious Empress Cixi, who spent the navy budget on Summer Palace.