BEIJING  -- Beijing, China's capital for more than 700 years, boasts some of the finest parks and gardens in the world. Dating from imperial times, the best of these sites include:

In the capital's western outskirts, the Summer Palace is the country's largest imperial park and among the most noted classical gardens in the world. It features archetypal Chinese landscapes and imperial buildings. In 1998, it was listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Started in the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), it had been extended continuously ever since. By the time of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it had become a place of rest and entertainment for the ruling classes.

The Summer Palace comprises more than 3,000 structures, including pavilions, towers, bridges, and corridors. Covering 294 hectares, three quarters of the area is water. Its most distinctive features are Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake.

The garden was razed to the ground by the Anglo-French Allied Forces in 1860. In 1888, Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled navy funds to reconstruct it. She spent most of her later years there, dealing with state affairs and entertaining.

Cost: 20 yuan ($2.9) (November 1 to March 31) / 30 yuan (April 1 to October 31)

Opening Hours:  7 a.m. - 5 p.m. (November 1 to March 31) / 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (April 1 to October 31)

Transport: The garden is about 15 km from the city center. Although many buses travel to the garden, taxis can be quicker.

Website: http://en.summerpalace-china.com/