This is the Long Corridor. It is in the grounds of the Summer Palace. The corridor is 728m long and follows the edge of the Kunming Lake. It was built by the Emperor for his mother, Empress Dowager Cixi, to allow her to walk alongside the lake and enjoy it's beauty in all weather. The lake was frozen while we were there and despite the signs warning people not to, some people were walking on it. There are over 14,000 paintings on its beams. The aged Empress Dowager Cixi was so fond of the Summer Palace that she decided to live here from April through October of every year. (We know why she didn't stay there in December - it was too cold!)