Yiheyuan—New Summer Palace, 3
ARTIST RESIDENCY CHINA — BEIJING, no. 8
The view from the top of Longevity Hill of the roof peak of the Guanyin Buddha Temple would seem to be the natural end of a tour of Yiheyan — New Summer Palace — in Haidian, Beijing. But wait, there’s more. Much more. A series of Indian-style temples stack up and over the ridge descending to the North Gate. At the bottom is Suzhou Market Street, originally built for the entertainment of concubines in the 18th century to represent a typical water town along the Yangtze River. Bordering a slow river, it is remarkably railing-free in the least appropriate place. More than 200 tiny shops with shop keepers wearing traditional clothing make this a living museum slash charming tourist trap. Beyond Suzhou Market Street is the North Gate entrance and return to the 21st century.
east
west
imperial roof guardians
a steep descent
North Gate Temple looking south
Suzhou Market Street
railing-free sidewalks
waiting for customers
musician teaching people to play flutes
using chance to choose what to write
the artist signing his name to his calligraphy with a seal chop
Haidian’s own Hameau de la Reine
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