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Yiheyuan—New Summer Palace, 3

ARTIST RESIDENCY CHINA — BEIJING, no. 8

Yiheyuan North Gate

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.

Yiheyuan North Gate
Yiheyuan North Gateeast

Yiheyuan North Gate

west

Yiheyuan North Gate

imperial roof guardians

Yiheyuan North Gate

a steep descent

Yiheyuan North Gate

North Gate Temple looking south

Yiheyuan North Gate

Suzhou Market Street

Yiheyuan North Gate

railing-free sidewalks

Yiheyuan North Gate

waiting for customers

Yiheyuan North Gate

Yiheyuan North Gate

musician teaching people to play flutes

Yiheyuan North Gate

using chance to choose what to write

Yiheyuan North Gate
Yiheyuan North Gate

the artist signing his name to his calligraphy with a seal chop

Yiheyuan North Gate
Yiheyuan North Gate

Haidian’s own Hameau de la Reine

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