Royal summer retreats of Chinese emperors

Updated: 2014-08-06 07:10

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Taking a summer escape away from hot and stuffy air is not a modern idea. At a time when air conditioning and the refrigerator were not even a summer dream, traveling to a place for milder weather and cooler water seemed more important to people, including for the emperors.

Like clockwork, many emperors would stay at a summer resort with their concubines and ministers during the hottest months each year. Here we take a look at some of the summer resorts lived by the royal families, which now can be enjoyed by ordinary people.

Mudu ancient town

A view of a quaint and tranquil classical Suzhou-style garden at Mudu, an ancient town in Suzhou city, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/IC]

Located in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, the ancient water town Mudu is attractive in itself, with its Suzhou-style gardens, quaint pavilions and surrounding water that makes it dynamic. However, Mudu is more famous for Emperor Qianlong's visits. It is recorded that Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) visited Mudu during his six inspections of southern China. Today, various Qianlong-themed activities are held in the town to remind people of the royal touch to the town's history.