Located in Haidian District, Beijing, the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) was a renowned imperial garden complex consisting of Yuanmingyuan, Changchunyuan and Qichunyuan gardens. Once hailed as the "Garden of Gardens", it was looted and burned by Anglo-French forces in 1860. Now open as an important patriotic education base and ruins park.
Historical Evolution
- Construction: Initially built in 1707 (46th year of Kangxi), expanded over 150 years.
- Historical Status: De facto political center where five Qing emperors governed.
- Destruction: Looted and burned in 1860 by Anglo-French forces, further damaged in 1900.
Garden Art
- Area: Originally covered 350 hectares with 160,000㎡ buildings.
- Design: Pinnacle of Chinese classical gardening, blending Chinese and Western styles.
- Water Features: Water occupied two-thirds of the area, creating "gardens within water".
Ruins Landscape
- Western-style Ruins: Baroque architecture remains including Grand Fountain ruins.
- Jiuzhou Qingyan: Core area ruins, originally the emperor's living quarters.
- Fuhai Lake: Largest water body, now open for boating.
- Yuanmingyuan Museum: Displays original appearance through models and images.
Cultural Value
- Architecture: Represents the zenith of ancient Chinese garden art.
- Historical Education: Physical witness to China's modern humiliations.
- Archaeology: Important site for studying Qing imperial architecture.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours: Peak season (Apr 1-Oct 31) 7:00-19:00; Off-season 7:00-17:30.
- Ticket Price: Full pass 25 yuan, ruins ticket 15 yuan (student discounts).
- Transportation: Subway Line 4 Yuanmingyuan Station; Buses 331/424/508.
Travel Tips
- Recommended Route: South Gate→Jianbi Pavilion→Broken Bridge→Western Ruins→Fuhai→Jiuzhou Area.
- Best Seasons: April for peach blossoms, October for golden ginkgo leaves.
- Notice: Protect ruins (no climbing); audio guides recommended for history.