I was fortunate to make friends with some Chinese students who took me here one afternoon. They were obviously proud to show it off to a Westerner, and I could understand why. The palace complex is right on the lake, and the lush vegetation rejuvenates you after all the pollution of the city. Take a long walk underneath the pillories and admire handpainted workmanship. Admire the marble ship and wonder out loud if its construction really did bankrupt the Empire. Watch hopeful suitors row their lovers across the lake, and jump in a paddleboat when you literally feel like getting your feet wet.