Taking a summer escape away from hot and stuffy air is not a modern idea. At a time when air conditioning and the refrigerator were not even a summer dream, traveling to a place for milder weather and cooler water seemed more important to people, including for the emperors.

Like clockwork, many emperors would stay at a summer resort with their concubines and ministers during the hottest months each year. Here we take a look at some of the summer resorts lived by the royal families, which now can be enjoyed by ordinary people.

Mudu ancient town

Located in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, the ancient water town Mudu is attractive in itself, with its Suzhou-style gardens, quaint pavilions and surrounding water that makes it dynamic. However, Mudu is more famous for Emperor Qianlong's visits. It is recorded that Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) visited Mudu during his six inspections of southern China. Today, various Qianlong-themed activities are held in the town to remind people of the royal touch to the town's history.

Chengde Imperial Summer Resort

Chengde is a city north of the Great Wall, well known for the imperial summer resort of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). As China's biggest existing ancient imperial gardens and temple complex, the massive construction of the Chengde Imperial Summer Resort began in 1703 and lasted 89 years. The resort is blessed with mild temperatures in both summer and winter, with mountains sitting within the gardens and the gardens circled by mountains.

Wutai Mountain

Wutai Mountain is also called "Cool Mountain" due to its low temperatures. Wutai Mountain has the longest and most prestigious history in the Buddhist mountains, and has drawn emperors from various dynasties on pilgrimage. The Pusading Temple on a mountain top at Wutai Mountain was built as an imperial palace for Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) for short stays away from the capital.

Yuanmingyuan

Yuanmingyuan was one of the two most important summer resorts for imperial families during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Compared with Chengde Imperial Summer Resort, Yuanmingyuan, in the western suburbs of Beijing was more convenient. The resort was built and repeatedly expanded by five emperors of the Qing Dynasty. Different from other Chinese gardens, Yuanmingyuan adopted Western architecture thatch well blended with its typical Chinese scenery.

              （From China Tourism News）