Bishu Shanzhuang Imperial Palace - Temple of Happiness and Longevity of the Sumeru Mountain

(Local Name: Xumifushou Miao) The Temple of Happiness and Longevity of the Sumeru Mountain (Xumifushou Miao), is one of China's most magnificent historical monuments. It was built by the Qianlong Emperor in 1780 on the lines of the Tashilhunpo monastery in Tibet, to mark the visit of the sixth Panchen Lama. Note particularly the roof of the Great Hall, which is decorated with gilded copper tiles and dragons, each of which is 5m/16.5ft long and weighs one tonne; in all, 1500kg/3300lb of gold were used to make them. At the highest point of the complex stands a pagoda with glazed tiles on the outside.