The Empress Dowager's Canal

The Empress Dowager's Canal is the only imperial waterway in China. It leads to the Summer Palace, a spectacular garden complex in the western suburbs of Beijing. First built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the 18th century,the canal rose to prominence more than a hundred years ago.

It is known for the impressive scenic spots along its length from the center of Beijing to the suburbs. During her reign more than a hundred years ago, the Empress Dowager Cixi would travel by the canal every year to the Summer Palace, where she could retreat from the heat of Beijing's summer.

The canal is an important part of the capital's cultural heritage. It fell into disuse after the imperial house of the Qing Dynasty collapsed. Now, the municipal government of Beijing has dredged it so that tourists from home and abroad can enjoy the facility once again.