Royal summer retreats of Chinese emperors

Updated: 2014-08-06 07:10

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Huaqing Palace

Royal summer retreats of Chinese emperors

A view of the Lotus Pavilion at Huaqing Palace. [Photo/IC]

The Huaqing Palace, also known as Huaqing Pool, situated at the northern foot of Mountain Lishan in Xi'an, was a major royal summer resort in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). The palace is well known for the love story between emperor Tang Xuanzong and beautiful Yang Yuhuan, frequent visitors to the palace during summer. Talented and versatile Yang had a special love for litchi, a fruit only grown in the south. Each summer, lots of fresh litchis would be transported by fast horses to Huaqing Palace for Yang to enjoy.