1. Why is Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan Park) so Special?
1.1 Historical Background
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan Park) stands in the Haidian District of Beijing, it was initially constructed in the 46th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign in the Qing Dynasty (1707) as a gift from Emperor Kangxi to his fourth son, Yinzhen (later Emperor Yongzheng). Its name, meaning "Gardens of Perfect Brightness and Wisdom", reflects the ideals of harmony and intellectual brilliance. Nestled in the western suburbs of Beijing, the site leveraged the region’s natural beauty and integrated landscapes such as the Jade Spring Mountain and Kunming Lake. Expanded extensively under Emperor Yongzheng and Emperor Qianlong, and refined during the reigns of Jiaqing, Daoguang, and Xianfeng, the complex reached its zenith by the mid-19th century. Over 150 years of development, it evolved into the "Three Gardens of Yuanmingyuan" (Yuanmingyuan, Changchunyuan, and Qichunyuan), spanning 3.5 million square meters.
1.2 Artistic Achievements
Yuanmingyuan Park synthesized the elegance of Jiangnan-style gardens, the grandeur of northern imperial landscapes, and Western architectural elements (notably Baroque-inspired Western-style buildings). Its design encompassed over dozens of architectural forms, including palaces, halls, pavilions, terraces, towers, and galleries, representing the pinnacle of classical Chinese garden artistry. Dubbed the "Garden of Gardens," it became a global exemplar of East-West landscape fusion. At its peak, the complex featured 150 distinct scenic areas, blending palatial structures, lakes, hills, and Western edifices. Functionally, it served as the Qing emperors’ summer retreat and administrative hub, while also housing millions of cultural relics and texts, earning it the title "Oriental Museum".
1.3 Historical Symbolism
In 1860, during the Second Opium War, Anglo-French Allied Forces looted and burned Yuanmingyuan, reducing it to ruins. Further destruction followed during the invasion by the Eight-Nation Alliance in 1900. Today, the site stands as a stark testament to China’s humiliation and a national symbol of resilience. Designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, it embodies patriotic education, where visitors may confront the legacy of historical trauma and the enduring spirit of national rejuvenation.
1.4 Modern Conservation
Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, preservation efforts were launched to safeguard the ruins. Currently, regarded as a protected heritage site, Yuanmingyuan plays the important roles in historical education and cultural heritage research, also it evokes the global awareness about its historical, artistic, and symbolic significance.
2. The Tangible Benefits Bring to Tourists
2.1 Historical and Cultural Education
Historical Witness: Through remnants like the Western-style Building ruins and Haiyantang (Hall of National Peace), visitors can visually feel the history of China’s invasion and devastation in the modern era.
Fusion of Eastern and Western Art: The Baroque-style carvings of the Grand Waterworks ruins juxtaposed with traditional Chinese garden layouts (e.g., Jiuzhou Qingyan, "Nine Continents in Peace and Splendor") highlight the unique artistic achievements of 18th-century cultural exchange.
Heritage Awareness: Exhibitions of returned animal head sculptures (including original Horse and Ox Heads) and unearthed artifacts like glazed tiles and porcelain fragments may help tourists to deepen their understanding about the Qing craftsmanship and the urgency of cultural preservation.
2.2 Harmonious Blend of Nature and Artistic Aesthetics
Seasonal Landscapes
Spring: Peach and apricot blossoms around Jianbi Pavilion create a poignant "blooming ruins" contrast.
Autumn: Ginkgo-lined avenues draped in golden leaves frame the ruins so that it can evoke the poetic atmosphere.
Winter: Snow-clad remnants amplify the solemn beauty of history intertwined with natural serenity.
Garden Design Philosophy: The "one pond with three symbolic mountains" layout of Fuhai Lake revives the imperial pursuit of mythical landscapes, offering visitors an immersive journey into classical Chinese cosmology.
Nature’s Therapeutic Role: Lakeside willows, black swan habitats, and the tranquil ambiance of ruins provide a sanctuary for urban dwellers to reconnect with nature and history.
2.3 Multidimensional Interactive Experiences
Hands-on Cultural Activities: During the Spring Outing Festival, the first-time visitors can craft traditional velvet flowers and mother-of-pearl inlay artworks (intangible cultural heritage practices).
Immersive Performances & Poetry Gatherings: Events like "Spring Quest Through Song" and apricot-blossom-themed poetry recitals at Xinghua Chunguan ("Apricot Flower Palace") recreate the history through contemporary aesthetics, thus enriching the visitors' experience with creativity and emotional resonance.
3. How to Get to Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan Park)
3.1 Traffic Information
By Metro: Take Line 4 to "Yuanmingyuan Station"(圆明园站), exit from Exit B, and walk 5 minutes to the South Gate.
By Bus: Routes 331, 432, and 508 stop directly at "Yuanmingyuan South Gate Station" (圆明园南门站).
3.2 Opening Time & Ticket Information
Opening Hours
Peak Season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 7:00–19:00.
Off-Season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 7:00–17:30.
Ticket Types
Standard Ticket: ¥10 (Access to garden areas only) .
Combo Ticket: ¥25 (Includes Western-style ruins, panoramic model exhibition, and Zhengjue Temple’s Horse Head Sculpture Exhibition) .
Discounts: Half-price for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.
Address: Old Summer Palace, 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China 北京市海淀区清华西路28号
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Best Time: Spring & Autumn
Suited to: History & Culture Enthusiasts, Students & Educational Groups
4. Highlights of Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan Park)
4.1 Core Heritage Zones
Western-style Ruins Complex
Designed by European missionaries during Emperor Qianlong’s reign, there are featured remnants of Baroque architecture like the Grand Waterworks (Dà Shuǐ Fǎ大水法) and Haiyantang Hall (海晏堂), which symbolize the East-West cultural fusion with iconic white marble pillars, fountain ruins, and carved stonework.
Grand Waterworks 大水法
Hailed as the park’s emblematic site, it displays remnants of European-style fountains, Baroque stone carvings, and fountain bases. Additionally, it is frequently featured in history textbooks as a visual representation of imperial grandeur and destruction.
Haiyantang (Hall of Peaceful Seas) 海晏堂
Regarded as the original site of the 12 Zodiac Animal Head Hydraulic Clock, it displays the returned sculptures (e.g., Horse Head and 6 others).
Currently, It is characterized by a bat-shaped fountain ruin and exhibitions explaining the clock’s mechanics.
Huanghuazhen Maze 黄花阵迷宫
A stone labyrinth inspired by Versailles’ gardens, travel lovers can climb the central pavilion ruins for panoramic views.
Zhengda Guangming Hall (Hall of Uprightness and Brightness) 正大光明殿
It is the main palace ruins, where Emperor Yongzheng’s inscribed plaque once hung here.
Daily Qing Dynasty ceremonial reenactments will be shown at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
4.2 Garden Landscapes & Architectural Clusters
Fuhai Lake Scenic Area 福海景区
As the largest artificial lake, it offers the boat rides (¥30–40 one-way) for visitors to experience the wonderful tour of “One Lake, Three Mountains”. It is recommended to visit it at dusk for dramatic lighting.
Pengdao Yaotai (Mythical Isle Pavilion) 蓬岛瑶台
A man-made island mimicking The Classic of Mountains and Seas’s celestial realms(山海经).
Stunning in April with peach blossoms, mountain climbing enthusiasts can climb the central terrace for lake vistas.
Jiuzhou Qingyan (Nine Provinces in Peace) 九州清晏
Among the earliest complexes, it symbolizes the imperial unity and prosperity.
Considered as the prime spot for admiring Rear Lake views, it served as the emperor’s living and administrative quarters.
Changchun Garden (Garden within a Garden) 长春园
It is known for the courtyard-style architecture and wooden bridges together with the all year-round black swan sightings.
April highlights: Peonies and violet are in full bloom.
4.3 Cultural Experiences & Exhibits
12 Zodiac Sculptures Exhibition
Located near the Western-style ruins, it explores the history of looted artifacts and the hydraulic clock’s timekeeping system.
Yuanmingyuan Panoramic Model Exhibition
Near the East Gate’s ginkgo tree avenue, it compares the park’s past glory (“Garden of Gardens”) with its current state.
Remnant Corridor
A 200-meter surviving section with 40% original Qing Dynasty painted beams (floral and figural motifs).
4.4 Seasonal Highlights
Spring (April-May)
Apricot Blossom Hall: Century-old apricot trees are in bloom.
Fuhai Lake: Boat rides amid budding willows.
Summer (June–August)
Qichun Garden Lotus Festival: Taking boat to go through the lotus-covered waters.
Autumn (September-November)
Ginkgo Avenue: Golden foliage paired with zodiac exhibits.
Quyuan Fenghe: Maple leaves reflecting on lakes.
Winter (December-March)
Snow-draped ruins offer hauntingly beautiful views of historical decay.
5. Recommended Itineraries for Exploring the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan Park)
5.1 South Gate Entrance → Jianbi Pavilion (Spring Exclusive Area) 鉴碧亭
To start with the Jianbi Pavilion, visitors can spot the hauntingly beautiful views in the spring (mid-April) when the peach blossoms and apricot flowers are in full bloom, the lake reflects the remnants of an ancient pavilion. During this period, people can capture “Floral Reflections on Ruins” photos with the pavilion’s silhouette mirrored in the water.
Cultural Activity: Joining the “Velvet Flower Crafting” workshop (daily 13:30–15:30), which is an intangible heritage experience blending traditional art with the site’s ambiance.
5.2 Western-style Ruins Complex (Historical Core Area) 西洋楼遗址群
Grand Waterworks Ruins: Admiring the Baroque-style pillars and fountain foundations and then using the AR technology to visualize the site’s former grandeur and contrast the past and present, which are very memorable moments for history buff.
Haiyantang Hall: To explore the Returned Zodiac Heads Exhibition (originals like the Horse and Ox Heads) and learn about the hydraulic clock’s mechanics via interactive displays are very intriguing.
Huanghuazhen Maze: A family-friendly challenge—navigate the stone labyrinth and climb the central pavilion for panoramic views.
5.3 Fuhai Lake → Pengdao Yaotai (Nature-Culture Fusion) 福海景区 → 蓬岛瑶台
To cruise in Fuhai Lake by electric boat (¥30 one-way ticket) so as to experience the classical “One Lake, Three Mountains” design and then to ascend Pengdao Yaotai for sweeping lake and mountain vistas.
Wildlife Highlight: Spot black swans nurturing cygnets along the lakeshore (late April–May).
5.4 Jiuzhou Qingyan → Ginkgo Avenue (Golden Hour Photography) 九州清晏 → 银杏大道
Tourists can explore the imperial administrative ruins at Jiuzhou Qingyan. At dusk, the fading light casts dramatic shadows on weathered stone steps, which may evoke the site’s historical sense.
After that, travel enthusiasts can stroll along Ginkgo Avenue toward the East Gate, pausing at the Panoramic Model Exhibition to compare Yuanmingyuan’s past and present layouts.
5.5 East Gate Exit → Tsinghua/Peking University (Cultural Extension) 东门离园 → 清华大学/北京大学
It takes 15 minutes to walk from the East Gate to Tsinghua University’s West Gate, in which to bridge the historical ruins with modern academic prestige.
5.6 Spring Exclusive Experiences
Apricot Blossom Hall 杏花春馆: You can wander among century-old apricot trees (mid-to-late April) and attend poetry recitals (10:00–11:30 at weekends ) for an immersive classical garden experience.
Wanfang Anhe 万方安和: You can photograph the interplay of dawn/dusk light with budding ash trees and ruins—ideal for capturing natural-artistic compositions.
Blooms Route: Zaoyuan Gate 藻园门→ Shan Gao Shui Chang (lilacs) 山高水长 → Apricot Blossom Hall (apricots) 杏花春馆:→ Louyue Kaiyun (peonies) 镂月开云 → Quyuan Fenghe (Flowering plum) 曲院风荷.
6. What to Do and See in Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan Park)
6.1 Repatriated Artifacts Exhibition
Original Zodiac Animal Heads at Haiyantang Hall 海晏堂兽首原件
Travelers can view repatriated originals like the Horse Head and Ox Head, they are paired with multimedia displays to explain the hydraulic clock’s timekeeping mechanics, which allow the visitors to get a deep understanding of the fusion of Chinese-Western craftsmanship.
6.2 Core Artifacts of the Western-style Ruins
Grand Waterworks’ Stone Pillars & Fish Sculptures 大水法石柱与石鱼
Baroque-style marble pillars and carved fountain fish fragments displayed in the Western-style Ruins Museum unveil the architectural brilliance of the imperial garden’s golden age.
Zhengjue Temple Pillars 正觉寺石柱群
Seven repatriated Baroque stone pillars have brought from Europe recently, they are featured in intricate Western floral motifs, which in turn highlight the historical East-West cultural exchange.
6.3 Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Experiences
Spring Festival (ICH)Workshops (Apr 2–May 5, daily 13:30–15:30)
Craft traditional items like sachets, mother-of-pearl bookmarks, and enamel-gilded foils in immersive workshops would blend seasonal customs with garden aesthetics, so visitors can get involved in that and immerse in the traditional Chinese customs.
“Spring Stroll: A Poetic Journey” Performance 踏歌寻春实景演出
A groundbreaking ICH-themed show combining dance, opera, and garden landscapes together, which offers the first-time tourists a “New Chinese Aesthetics” feast for the amazing visual splendor.
6.4 Spring Exclusive Exhibitions
Apricot Blossom Poetry Salon 杏花春馆诗词雅集
Culture enthusiasts among the travelers would be obsessed by the weekend poetry recitals (10:00–11:30) beneath century-old apricot trees.
Peony & Herbaceous Peony Show (Late Apr–May) 牡丹与芍药花展
Eye-catching displays at Hanjing Hall 含经堂 and Louyue Kaiyun 镂月开云, where the stunning flowers contrast with ancient ruins for dramatic visual impact, countless travelers would soak in the breathtaking natural beauty.
6.5 Signature Activities
Velvet Flower Crafting
Seasonal workshops at Apricot Blossom Hall (daily 13:30–15:30) to create traditional Qing-style floral ornaments.
Documentary Screenings
The Exhibition Hall in Old Summer Palace loops the historical documentary Yuanmingyuan, detailing the garden’s rise and destruction.
In general, Yuanmingyuan Park harmonizes imperial grandeur with poignant historical narratives, offering a cultural pilgrimage into Beijing’s past. Regardless of the artistic mastery or the modern resilience, it remains an essential stop for history and beauty alike.
7. Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the Old Summer Palace is in spring and autumn, especially between April and May. During this period, the Spring Outing Festival at the Old Summer Palace is rich and colorful, tourists can thus enjoy watching various flowers and experience a strong cultural atmosphere.
Spring & Autumn (April–May & September–October)
Mild climate with vibrant foliage: Spring brings peach and apricot blossoms; autumn dazzles with golden ginkgo trees and maple leaves.
Perfect for photography enthusiasts—historic ruins contrast poetically with seasonal colors.
Summer (June–August)
Lotus blooms in the heyday at Qichun Garden’s ponds, Chinese culture buffs can enjoy boat rides (¥15–20 for one-way ticket) through the floral waterways.
Other Tips
Arrive before 9:00 AM to beat crowds and enjoy serene exploration.
Qingming Festival (early April): Springtime activities (e.g., cultural workshops) enhance visits amid blooming gardens.
Winter (November–March): Shorter hours (7:00–18:00); some water-based activities (e.g., boat rides) are suspended.
Holidays/Free Admission Days: Check official announcements in advance and avoid visiting during National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7) due to extreme crowds.
8. Nearby Attractions in the Old Summer Palace
8.1 Cultural & Historical Attractions
Tsinghua University 清华大学
Location: A 5-minute walk from Yuanmingyuan’s South Gate to Tsinghua’s West Gate, you can explore the landmarks like Tsinghua Academy and indulge yourself in the century-old academic atmosphere.
Highlights: It is a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles and popular for spring cherry blossoms and autumn ginkgo foliage.
Peking University 北京大学
Location: One bus stop (or a 10-minute bike ride) from Tsinghua’s West Gate to Peking University's West Gate. It is recommended to visit iconic spots like Weiming Lake 未名湖 and Boya Pagoda 博雅塔.
Highlights: It combines scholarly heritage with remnants of imperial gardens and serene natural landscapes.
8.2 Royal Gardens
Summer Palace 颐和园
Location: 3 km away from the Old Summer Palace, it is reachable by a 15-minute bike ride or Line 4 of the Beijing Subway (Beigongmen Station 北宫门站).
Highlights: Centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, it is characterized by the Qing-dynasty masterpieces like the Long Corridor and Foxiang Pavilion, so you may allocate half a day for exploration.
8.3 Parks & Heritage Sites
Haidian Park 海淀公园
Location: 2 km southwest of Yuanmingyuan (10-minute bike ride).
Highlights: A modern urban park which is ideal for leisurely walks, one may visit in spring for rapeseed flower fields or autumn for vibrant maple foliage.
Time Market Street in Yuanmingyuan 圆明园时光买卖街
Location: At the intersection of Yuanmingyuan’s three gardens, the Qing-dynasty commercial street offers a taste of market culture as well as all sorts of local specialties.
Experience: Pair with the “Time Bus” immersive project (¥80/adult) to soak in the historical scenes.
Travel Tips
Combination Tour Route: Plan a 1–2 day itinerary covering Yuanmingyuan → Tsinghua/Peking University → Summer Palace to avoid tight schedule.
Transport: The subway is the most efficient option, supplemented by Beijing’s extensive shared bike network.
9. The Possible Benefits of Visiting with Yes! CN Tour
Assisting you to enjoy a time-saving and convenient visit in Old Summer Palace, we highly recommend you travel with us Yes! CN Tour.
Guided tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced tour guides who provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and significance of the places you visit. Therefore, joining a guided tour offers a hassle-free, enriching, and socially engaging way to explore the world. It’s an excellent choice for those who value convenience, expert insights, and the camaraderie of group travel. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, a guided tour can provide a memorable and rewarding experience.
What's more, our local experienced drivers will serve you wholeheartedly from the beginning you arrive in the airport of tourism destinations to the last moment you want to leave, we focus on each detail and make tailor-made itineraries based on your group size, physical conditions and budgets. What you need to do is to concentrate on the highlights in the scenic spots.
Most importantly, traveling with a group and a professional guide can provide an added sense of security, especially in unfamiliar or remote locations, our tour guides are well-prepared to handle emergencies, and being part of a group reduces the risks associated with solo travel.
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