Was there several years back on a see-most-of-China in 14 days tour, so only a short time at the Summer Palace but it was very enjoyable. Rather than retrace our route to where the bus dropped us the guide suggested we cross the lake by dragon boat - my wife had been a member of a dragon boat racing team which has become popular in Canada so thought we were going to paddle across! I think she was disappointed when we saw the motorized boats waiting at the quay!