We started at the zoo to see the pandas. I have very mixed feelings about zoos, but I understand they have a role to play in conservation and China certainly has been actively researching and conserving their panda population since 1996. The pandas from the wildlife reserve in the earthquake zone have come to Beijing zoo to relax and recover although they are not on display of course.
We then took a dragon boat up ancient canals to the summer palace. We crossed the palace lake in this stunning ferry. Beautiful buildings, an ancient decorated long walk, bridges with 17 arches, and willows weeping into the water. It was like stepping into a scroll.