Summer Place on a Holiday

Bird’s-Eye View of Cultural Celebrations at the Imperial Summer Palace

This mid-century Chinese propaganda print displays a sweeping panoramic, bird’s-eye view of Beijing’s historic imperial retreat during a major national holiday. The vast canvas depicts thousands of cheerful citizens gathered along the stone embankments, architectural pavilions, and the iconic seventeen-arch bridge, all decorated with vibrant red flags and lanterns to mark the festive event.

Vibrant Dragon Boats on Kunming Lake in Vintage Folk Lithograph

The blue waters of Kunming Lake are filled with multiple ornate dragon boats, rowing vessels, and decorative floating stages designed for public entertainment. At the bottom left, the stylized pink and red typography titles the piece “Festival at the Summer Palace,” creating an intricate visual chronicle that blends classic landscape painting with socialist leisure culture.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges

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