Description: Staircase. The "Summer Palace" 15 Km from central Beijing, China. This site was listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1998. First constructed during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234,) wars and fire took its toll. Reconstruction was started in 1888 by Empress Dowager Cixi, who changed its name from "Garden of Clear Ripples" to "Summer Palace." It was opened to the public after the 1911 revolution. September 26, 2006, photography ©2006 Michael Lichter
Copyright: ©2006 Michael Lichter