Spring Arrives at the Summer Palace

Every spring, the peach blossoms on the West Dike of the Summer Palace are captivating. I planned to visit a few days ago, but the weather wasn't ideal or it was the weekend. Today, the weather was perfect, with clear skies and gentle breezes, allowing me to admire the dreamlike century-old imperial garden. Entering through the west gate, I saw middle-aged men with their "cannons"/photographing mandarin ducks in the water, their focused expressions resembling those of professional photographers. Strolling along the shore towards the West Dike, the distant view of the Tower of Buddhist Incense and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge resembled mirages floating on the water. It was a real scene, yet it felt like an illusion. Reaching the West Dike, although the peak peach blossom season had passed, the verdant weeping willows were at their prime, serving as exquisite adornments to the West Dike's small paths and the vast lake. Pausing on the West Dike and gazing towards the Western Hills, Jade Peak came into view. The tower, though outside the garden, appeared to be within it. I truly admire the landscape design masters' skill in "borrowing scenery."