Old Summer Palace
The Old Summer Palace, or "Gardens of Perfect Brightness" (Yuanmingyuan), was China’s zenith of imperial horticultural and architectural artistry. Built from 1707 under Emperor Kangxi and expanded over 150 years, it sprawled across 3.5 square kilometers—seven times larger than the Forbidden City. Combining Western neoclassical pavilions, Chinese landscape gardens, and mechanical marvels (like the world’s first zoetrope), it symbolized Qing Dynasty cosmopolitanism. Destroyed by Anglo-French troops in 1860 and further looted during the Eight-Nation Alliance (1900), only ruins remain today, serving as a haunting testament to imperial hubris and colonial violence.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1707 as a gift from Kangxi to his son Yongzheng, who expanded it into a 3,000-acre retreat. Qianlong (r. 1735–1796) commissioned European Jesuits to design the Xiyang Lou ("Western Mansions"), blending Baroque arches with Chinese roof tiles. By 1860, it housed 500+ palaces, 100+ bridges, and 10,000+ antiquities. On October 18, 1860, British troops set fire to the complex, burning for three days. In 1900, the Boxer Rebellion sparked a second looting. Post-1949, archaeologists recovered 50,000+ relics; in 2019, a 3D digital restoration project launched to virtually rebuild its glory.
Structural Layout
The gardens followed a "three-garden, one-lake" design, divided into:
Qianhuan Yuan (Front Court Gardens): Administrative and ceremonial zones with the Zhengdaoming Hall (Imperial Audience Hall).
Houhuan Yuan (Rear Court Gardens): Emperor’s private retreat, featuring the Fanglong Pavilion (jade seal storage) and Qianlong’s Study.
Xiyang Lou (Western Mansions): A 20-building European enclave, including the Fountain of the Overflowing Sea (mechanical waterworks) and Huanghuazhen (Marble Boat).
Fuchun Yuan (Wanfu Garden): Buddhist temples and the Great Buddha Hall (16-meter-tall gilded statue).
Major Attractions & Ruins
1. Hall of Great Brilliance (Dazhengming Dian):Once the throne hall, now a grassy foundation. Its marble base bears scorch marks from the 1860 fire. Nearby, the Twelve Zodiac Fountain Heads (looted in 1860; 7 returned to China by 2013) symbolized imperial timekeeping.
2. Fountain of the Overflowing Sea (Dahuochi):A 10-jet hydraulic fountain powered by water clocks and bronze beasts, dubbed "China’s Versailles." Its central bronze ox (looted, replica now stands) was said to predict floods by "weeping" when waters rose.
3. Marble Boat (Shifang):A 36-meter-long pavilion built on stone hulls, commissioned by Cixi to mock Western "materialism." Its interior carvings depict European sailors and Chinese gods sharing wine, symbolizing cultural synthesis.
4. European Palaces (Xiyang Lou):Harmonious Interest Palace (Haiyantang): A Grecian-style ruin with surviving marble columns and peacock-themed frescoes. Viewing Far and Wide Pavilion (Yuanmingyuan Yuanjingge): A rooftop observatory with a 360-degree mural of Beijing’s 18th-century skyline.
5. Fuchun Buddhist Temple (Fuchun Si):The largest Buddhist complex in imperial gardens, with a 20-meter-tall Thousand-Hand Guanyin Statue (destroyed; replica in reconstruction). Its Lotus Sutra Pagoda still bears 1,440 miniature Buddha niches.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2–3 hours):
East Gate → Hall of Great Brilliance (Ruins) → Marble Boat → Fountain of the Overflowing Sea (Replica) → European Palaces Ruins → Western Exit
Highlights: Iconic ruins, fountain acoustics, and Marble Boat symbolism.
Extended Route (4–5 hours):
East Gate → Hall of Great Brilliance → Marble Boat → Fountain Area → Xiyang Lou Ruins → Fuchun Buddhist Temple → Panoramic Viewpoint (Western Hills) → South Gate
Highlights: Buddhist art, hilltop vistas, and in-depth European mansion exploration.
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
East Gate → Hall of Great Brilliance → Marble Boat → Fountain Area → Xiyang Lou → Fuchun Temple → Archaeological Site Museum → Bamboo Grove Trail → Digital Restoration Center (4D Show) → North Gate
Highlights: Museum artifacts, virtual reconstruction, and nature trails.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the "Yuanmingyuan Official" WeChat account or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Purchase at East, South, or West Gate ticket offices (cash/mobile payment accepted).
Prices:
Main Park (April–October): ¥25 (adults), ¥12.5 (students/seniors).
Main Park (November–March): ¥15 (adults), ¥7.5 (students/seniors).
Panoramic Viewpoint (Western Hills): ¥10 (all seasons).
Archaeological Site Museum: Free with park ticket.
4D Digital Restoration Show: ¥30 (optional).
Free: Children under 1.3m, disabled visitors, and active military.
Transportation
By Subway:Line 4: Yuanmingyuan Station (Exit C), walk 5 minutes to East Gate. Line 16: Xiyuan Station (Exit B), walk 10 minutes to West Gate.
By Bus: Routes 331, 432, 498, or 508 to Yuanmingyuan East Gate Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to East Gate (for main ruins) or West Gate (for Buddhist temples).
Departure: Exit via North Gate for subways (Line 4) or South Gate for buses.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–12 PM; visit early (7 AM opening) or late (after 3 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and Chinese holidays (e.g., National Day, Oct 1–7) are busiest; weekdays (especially winter) are serene.
Weather: Spring (April–May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (October) for maple foliage.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (uneven ruins and hilly trails).
Bring sunscreen/umbrella (80% of park is open-air).
Photography allowed (no drones).
Prohibited items: Outside food, metal detectors, and climbing on ruins.
