Old Summer Palace

Overview

The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) was once considered the greatest imperial garden in the world — the 'Garden of Gardens.' Today its hauntingly beautiful ruins stand as a powerful reminder of 19th-century colonial destruction.

Highlights

• Western Palaces Ruins: The remains of European-style marble palaces and fountains designed by Jesuit missionaries, the most photographed section of the park.
• Labyrinth: A reconstructed hedge maze based on the original European design, popular with families.
• Fuhai Lake: A vast artificial lake with islands reproducing famous scenic spots from across China, once the centerpiece of the gardens.

History

Built over 150 years by successive Qing emperors starting in 1707, it contained over 200 acres of gardens, palaces, and art collections. Anglo-French forces looted and burned it over three days in October 1860 during the Second Opium War.

Visitor Tips

• Patriotic Site: The ruins carry deep emotional significance in China as a symbol of national humiliation and resilience.
• Scale: The park is immense — rent a bicycle or take the electric shuttle to cover the grounds.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.