圆明园

Synopsis

Overview

The Old Summer Palace, located in Haidian District, Beijing, China, is a large-scale imperial garden from the Qing Dynasty. It consists of the Yuanmingyuan, Changchunyuan, and Qichunyuan (later renamed Wanchunyuan) gardens, hence it is also known as the "Three Gardens of Yuanming". Its construction began in the 46th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1707) and continued through the reigns of the Yongzheng, Qianlong, Jiaqing, Daoguang, and Xianfeng Emperors...

Overview

The Old Summer Palace, located in Haidian District, Beijing, China, is a large-scale imperial garden from the Qing Dynasty. It consists of the Yuanmingyuan, Changchunyuan, and Qichunyuan (later renamed Wanchunyuan) gardens, hence it is also known as the "Three Gardens of Yuanmingyuan." Its construction began in the 46th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1707) and continued for over 150 years through the reigns of the Yongzheng, Qianlong, Jiaqing, Daoguang, and Xianfeng emperors. Covering an area of more than 350 hectares with a floor space of 200,000 square meters, it was hailed as the "Garden of Gardens." It was not only the pinnacle of Chinese classical garden art but also once served as an imperial museum housing countless treasures, ancient books, and artworks. However, this magnificent garden was tragically looted and burned down by the British and French forces during the Second Opium War in 1860. Its ruins stand as a witness to the humiliating history of modern China. Today, the Old Summer Palace Ruins Park serves both as an important site for commemorating history and patriotic education, and as a city park where citizens can relax and appreciate the beauty of the garden's remains.

History

The history of the Old Summer Palace is an epic interwoven with splendor and tragedy. Its predecessor was a garden bestowed by the Kangxi Emperor upon his fourth son, Yinzhen (who later became the Yongzheng Emperor). After ascending the throne, the Yongzheng Emperor expanded it into a long-term residence and imperial retreat. During the Qianlong period, at the peak of national power, the expansion of the Old Summer Palace reached its climax. The emperor mobilized resources from across the country to replicate numerous famous gardens and scenic spots from southern China and introduced Western architectural elements (such as the Western-style buildings scenic area in the northern part of Changchunyuan), ultimately forming a vast complex of gardens. Additions and constructions continued during the reigns of the Jiaqing, Daoguang, and Xianfeng emperors.

In the 10th year of the Xianfeng Emperor's reign (1860), Anglo-French forces captured Beijing and occupied the Old Summer Palace on October 6. After frenzied looting, and to cover their crimes and force the Qing government to submit, the Allied commander, Lord Elgin, ordered the palace to be set ablaze on October 18. The fire raged for three days, reducing most of the buildings and collections to ashes. Subsequently, the Old Summer Palace suffered further damage from warfare, banditry, and long-term neglect, gradually falling into ruins. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government took measures to protect the site. In 1988, the Old Summer Palace Ruins Park was officially opened to the public and listed as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

Main Attractions

Today, the main landscapes of the Old Summer Palace Ruins Park can be divided into the ruins exhibition area, the landscape garden area, and the reconstructed functional area.

1. Western-style Buildings Ruins Area: This area contains the most and most concentrated remnants of stone structures in the park and is where visitors can most directly sense the scale of the past devastation. It mainly includes:

   • Grand Waterworks (Dashuifa): Once the most spectacular fountain complex in the Western-style buildings area. The remaining stone niche-style archway and the base of the fountain pool in front are its iconic features today.
   • Throne for Viewing the Fountains (Guanshuifa): The throne from which the Qianlong Emperor watched the fountains and the exquisitely carved stone screen behind it.
   • Hall of Peaceful Sea (Haiyantang): Famous for its water clock featuring the twelve Chinese zodiac animal heads. Today, only the massive platform base and some stone carvings remain.
   • Labyrinth (Huanghuazhen/Wanhuazhen): Built in imitation of a European hedge maze, with a Western-style pavilion at its center. It has been reconstructed according to the original design, and visitors can enter to experience it.

2. Sea of Blessing (Fuhai) Scenic Area: The largest lake in the Old Summer Palace, symbolizing the East Sea. Its shores were once lined with many scenic spots. Today, the expansive water surface is ideal for boating and appreciating the landscape layout. The ruins of Pengdao Yaotai (Jade Terrace on Penglai Isle) are located in the center of the lake.

3. Qichunyuan Palace Gate Area: Now one of the park's main entrances. Structures like the palace gate and Yinghui Hall have been restored on their original sites, showcasing part of the imperial garden's palace gate grandeur.

4. Changchunyuan Landscape Gardens: Retains a relatively complete system of hills and waterways. The black swan viewing area is also located here. In spring, mountain peach blossoms, and in autumn, ginkgo leaves contrast with broken bridges and pillars, creating a uniquely poignant atmosphere.

5. Panoramic Model Exhibition of the Old Summer Palace in its Heyday: Located northeast of the Hanjing Hall ruins in Changchunyuan, this exhibition uses a large-scale model and light displays to recreate the magnificent appearance of the Old Summer Palace at its peak, helping visitors understand its original scale and layout.

Practical Information

The following information is based on official releases from the Old Summer Palace Ruins Park. It is recommended to verify before your visit.

References

1. Old Summer Palace Ruins Park Official Website. http://www.yuanmingyuanpark.cn/ (For the most authoritative park announcements, historical introductions, and practical guides)
2. National Cultural Heritage Administration of the People's Republic of China - Old Summer Palace Ruins. http://www.ncha.gov.cn/art/2019/10/16/art_2318_39700.html (Official cultural relics archives and protection information)
3. National Museum of China - Historical Materials from the "Road to Rejuvenation" Exhibition. (Includes historical background and artifact introductions related to the Old Summer Palace disaster. Can be accessed via its official website or visited in person) https://www.chnmuseum.cn/