Once known as the "Garden of Gardens," a vast imperial garden complex with historical significance
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A comprehensive guide to Yuanmingyuan, also known as the Old Summer Palace, a historical site with a rich and tragic history.
Yuanmingyuan, also known as the Old Summer Palace, was once known as the "Garden of Gardens." It was a vast imperial garden complex built during the Qing Dynasty, featuring a mix of Chinese and Western architectural styles.
Although largely destroyed by British and French forces in 1860 during the Second Opium War, its ruins remain a poignant reminder of China's history. The site covers an area of 350 hectares and includes the ruins of palaces, pavilions, and gardens.
Today, Yuanmingyuan is a popular historical site where visitors can explore the ruins and learn about its rich history. The site also features a replica of the original garden layout and exhibits about the garden's history and destruction.
Yuanmingyuan is best explored by following a route that covers the main ruins and historical sites. Start at the Eastern Gate and proceed through the site.
Key attractions include the Western Mansions, the most well-preserved ruins of Western-style buildings, the Sea of Blessing (Fuhai), a large lake in the center of the garden, and the Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park, where you can see the remains of the imperial palaces.
Don't miss the Yuanmingyuan History Museum, which features exhibits about the garden's history, construction, and destruction, and the Replica of the Garden Layout, which shows what the garden looked like before its destruction.
The images on the right show the official recommended spring, summer, autumn, and winter routes. Please refer to them.
Spring Route
Yuanmingyuan,HaidianNo.28, Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
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