The Summer Palace in the mist [Photo by Li Jianhui/cpanet.org.cn]

The Summer Palace, an ancient royal garden, sits in the western suburbs of Beijing. Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake dominate its picturesque landscape, which covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers.

The site features a variety of palaces, gardens and other structures built in an ancient architectural style, as well as a priceless collection of cultural relics. It was among the first group of historical and cultural heritage sites in China placed under special state protection.

Photographer Li Jianhui, a member of the China Photographers Association, has documented the beauty of the Summer Palace using his camera. Let's take a look.