Page:Peking the Beautiful.pdf/96

 A Picturesque Bridge Pavilion

MARBLE BOAT on a rock-bound shorel What city other than Peking can boast of such a curiosity? This noteworthy old relic of imperialism — At the oddest, perhaps, of a famous woman's $50,000,000 whim-is patterned somewhat after the royal barges. (See cut on page 81.1 Jutting out into the placid waters of the K'un Ming Hu, it constitutes one of the principal landmarks on the northwestern end of the lake. It is of easy access from the shore, being connected therewith by a pretty stone terrace. This so-called "boat," with its gaudily painted decks, surmounted by an elaborately carved roof, rests solidly on foundations that teach down into the cool sparkling depths of the lake. No, there are no seasick passengers aboard the famous "marble boat," for its snow-white keel has always rested firmly on the bottom of its miniature sea; and to-day, just as in the times when the Empress Dowager served refreshments on the lower decks, it is used merely as a tea house. Just back of the Marble Boat, and bridging the tiny isthmus on the northwestern ead of the lake is another charming pavilion with a beautifully decorated archway or pailou on either end. This little gern of Oriental art is mounted high on a bridge of chiseled stone, and is ascended on the east and on the west by smooth broad steps bounded by glistening marble balustrades. The double roof of gleaming tile, beautifully glazed, surmounts colorful eaves that remind one of the gorgeous hues found only in the peacock's tail. The beauty of line and color are here accentuated by the lovely setting. Nestled at the foot of pine-clad, fir-bedecked hills, with the crystal waters of the lake flowing beneath its sculptured pillars, this bridge pavilion, known as the Hsin Chiao, was one of the Empress Dowager's favorite resting places. Here, overlooking the pretty lake with its changeful moods, Her Majesty, with her Court ladies, enjoyed many a happy, restful hour. On the western shore of the tiny island on the left are located the imperial boat houses. Tucked away out of sight are a number of large royal barges-all of them elegantly carved and richly lacquered Ordinarily the great doors that shut away these historic barges from the public are closed, but now, as it ever has been, "money talks," for we find we can gain admission for a few paltry coppers. And for a while we play a game of make-believe as ve tramp over gilded decks and sit in the yellow-covered throne in the bow. Here we can let fancy run riot, and in our imagination live over again, one of those regal pleasure parties-the empress on her slately throne with her guests all about her in their gorgeous robes, enjoying life to the full while the great barge glides smoothly over the glassy surface of the lake. For further descriptions of the monuments to be found within the grounds of the Summer Palace, see paqes 20, 38, 46, 58, 88, 80, 84, 104, 116, 118, and 130.