The Summer Palace is one of the historical destinations everyone should try to visit at least once. Located just outside the 3rd Ring Road, It’s included on most Beijing tour ioutings and is also a popular park for Beijing residents looking for a place to escape concrete and steel. The Summer Palace has survived two separate attacks since it’s creation in 1750, the most recent during the Boxer Rebellion. It was best known as the summer resort of Empress Dowager Cixi. While the architecture and surrounding scenery is always beautiful, catching the Summer Palace on a clear day is truly breath taking. Be sure to take the boat ride across the nearby Kunming Lake for some of the best views.