Old Summer Palace

Introducing Old Summer Palace
Old Summer Palace was a imperial garden in Beijing. Old Summer Palace was developed throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries. Serving as a summer retreat and administrative center for the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) emperors, it provided respite from the Forbidden City’s heat.

Considered a masterpiece of Chinese imperial garden design, the Old Summer Palace was famed for its expansive and diverse gardens, breathtaking architecture, and an immense collection of art and artifacts spanning millennia. Contemporary accounts, such as that of Robert McGee, chaplain to the British forces, described it as possibly the greatest repository of historical treasures globally, representing 5,000 years of civilization, earning it the moniker “Garden of Gardens.”

The Old Summer Palace met a tragic end in 1860 when Anglo-French forces looted and largely destroyed it during the Second Opium War. This act, coupled with the separate destruction of the nearby Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), resulted in a significant loss of cultural heritage. Today, the site serves as a reminder of this historical event. Visitors can explore the extensive grounds and view remnants of the former grandeur, including crumbling walls, foundations of buildings, and scattered architectural fragments, as well as some restored structures and replicas of buildings.

Old Summer Palace Fast Facts
• AKA: Yuanmingyuan Park, Winter Palace
• Chinese Name: Yuán Míng Yuán Yí Zhǐ Gōng Yuán 圆明园遗址公园
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, History, Architecture
• Opening Hours: 7:00 – 19:30
• Entrance Fee: CNY10 (Areas Excluding the Western Mansions), CNY25 (All-access Ticket)
• Address: 28 Qinghua West Road Haidian District, Beijing

The History of the Old Summer Palace
The Old Summer Palace began construction in 1707 during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1661-1722). It underwent expansion and embellishment over the following 150 years under subsequent Qing emperors, most notably Qianlong (reigned 1736-1796). Conceived as an earthly paradise, it served as a showcase of the dynasty’s wealth and power, incorporating both Chinese and Western architectural and landscaping styles.

During the Second Opium War, Anglo-French forces captured the palace on October 6, 1860. Over the next few days, they looted its imperial collections. Numerous exquisite artworks—sculptures, porcelain, jade, silk robes, elaborate textiles, gold objects, and more—were looted. According to UNESCO, these looted artifacts are now scattered across 47 museums worldwide.

A partial reconstruction attempt was initiated in 1873 by Emperor Tongzhi (reigned 1861-1875), purportedly for Empress Dowager Cixi’s use. However, due to insufficient funds, the project was abandoned in 1874. Further damage occurred in 1900 when the remaining structures were largely destroyed by the forces of the Eight-Nation Alliance during the Boxer Rebellion.

The ruins of the Old Summer Palace continued to suffer throughout the early 20th century. Officials, warlords, and merchants plundered the site for building materials and valuables, accelerating its deterioration. Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the government prioritized the site’s protection and initiated restoration efforts. In the 1980s, significant portions of the remaining ruins were stabilized and the grounds were opened to the public as a park and historical site.

What to Expect at Old Summer Palace
While the splendor of the original “Garden of Gardens” is gone, the ruins offer a poignant reflection on the impact of conflict and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Walking through these grounds offers a powerful and moving experience, prompting reflection on the complex interplay of history, culture, and the enduring legacy of power.

Garden Areas (East and Central Sections)
The vast majority of the Old Summer Palace consists of traditional Chinese gardens. Though damaged, these areas offer a sense of the scale and beauty of the original landscape design.

The Lakes: Interconnected lakes, streams, and ponds formed the heart of the garden design. These waterways not only provided scenic beauty but also played a crucial role in the overall composition, reflecting the surrounding architecture and creating a sense of tranquility.

Islands and Bridges: Artificial islands dotted the lakes, each with its own unique character and purpose. These islands were connected by an intricate network of bridges, each varying in style and ornamentation, from simple arched bridges to elaborately decorated structures.

Pavilions and Halls: Scattered throughout the gardens were numerous pavilions, halls, and smaller structures, each serving a specific function. Some were designed for rest and relaxation, offering shaded retreats and panoramic views. Others served as venues for entertainment, hosting theatrical performances and banquets. While many were destroyed, the remaining ruins and restored structures provide glimpses into their former elegance.

Western Mansions (European-style Palaces)

The Western Mansions within the Old Summer Palace were a unique blend of 18th-century European Baroque and Rococo architecture adapted to Chinese construction and landscaping. Designed by Jesuit missionaries, these structures showcased a blend of European architectural styles and incorporated fountains, maze gardens, and other Western elements. Though largely destroyed, their ruins remain a testament to this cross-cultural exchange.

Hall of the Calm Sea (Haiyantang):This was the largest and arguably most famous of the European-style palaces within the Western Mansions. Its fame rests largely on the twelve bronze animal heads of the Chinese zodiac that formed a spectacular water clock fountain in front of the palace. Each animal head would spout water at a designated time, marking the two-hour intervals of the traditional Chinese clock. The originals were looted during the destruction of 1860 and remain a source of ongoing efforts for repatriation. The replicas installed on-site offer a sense of the original arrangement and artistry.

The Great Fountain (Dashuifa):This was the centerpiece of the entire Western Mansions fountain system and a testament to the scale and ambition of the project. It consisted of a large central fountain surrounded by numerous smaller fountains and sculptures, all powered by an intricate network of pipes and reservoirs. Today, the ruins of the stonework and the sheer size of the area still convey the impressive scale of the original fountain.

Distant Spring Pavilion (Yuanying Guan): This three-story European-style palace offered panoramic views across the lake and surrounding gardens. It was designed to resemble a European palace, with Baroque architectural elements and elaborate interior decoration. While now in ruins, you can still see the remnants of the building’s structure, including arches, columns, and decorative elements, which provide a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Qing emperors and their appreciation for Western aesthetics.

Harmony Garden (Xieqiqu): This garden area combined European and Chinese landscaping styles. It featured a labyrinth, a maze-like structure popular in European gardens of the time, alongside more traditional Chinese garden elements.

How to Get to Old Summer Palace
• By Bus: Take bus 320 to Yuanmingyuan donglu (Old Summer Palace East Road) Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 4 to Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) Station.