Morning.
8:30 AM.
At the main entrance of Summer Palace.
Today's weather was extremely good with the sun reflecting off the water and streaming through the leaves of trees. The signs of spring could be seen even though spring had not yet arrived. There were many visitors outside the park as a lot of local and foreign visitors had gathered at the main entrance area. They were either buying food, waiting for people, or lining up to buy tickets.
"Who needs a tour guide?"
"Mineral water, two dollars for one bottle."
"You need tickets? You can get it for a third cheaper here than the ticketing office."
There were many black market tour guides and ticket scalpers who made the main entrance area even more lively.