Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)
China
Explore Yuanmingyuan Park, also known as the Old Summer Palace, a powerful symbol of China’s imperial grandeur, cultural heritage, and historical resilience. Once known as the “Garden of Gardens,” this vast complex combined traditional Chinese landscaping with Western-style architecture, art, and innovation. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it was home to priceless treasures, elaborate halls, and magnificent fountains before being tragically destroyed by Anglo-French forces in 1860. Today, its evocative ruins, tranquil lakes, and reconstructed relics offer a profound educational experience, telling a story of splendor, loss, and national pride. Visitors can walk through historic remains, learn about cultural achievements and foreign invasions, and reflect on a pivotal moment in China’s modern history. More than a scenic park, Yuanmingyuan is a living classroom of history and cultural memory — a must-visit for those seeking a deeper understanding of China’s past and its enduring spirit.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)
Welcome to Yuanmingyuan, known in English as the Old Summer Palace. As we stand here, approximately twenty kilometers northwest of the Forbidden City, we are entering what was once the 'Garden of Gardens.' This was not merely a…
Listen in the app2Tan Tan Dung Down — Clear Conscience and Broad Mind
We arrive now at one of the most intellectually significant and beloved complexes of the imperial era, known as Tan Tan Dung Down, which translates to 'Clear Conscience and Broad Mind.' This area perfectly encapsulates the…
Listen in the app3Fang Hu Sheng Jing — The Square Pot of Victory
Continuing north, we encounter a complex that stands out for its unique architectural character: Fang Hu Sheng Jing, or the Square Pot of Victory. While many buildings in the Old Summer Palace were noted for their simple…
Listen in the app4Hai Yan Tang — The Hall of Calm Seas
We now move toward the section that most visitors find most evocative: the Western-style mansions, or Xiyang Lou. Specifically, we are standing near the ruins of Hai Yan Tang, the Hall of Calm Seas. …
Listen in the app5The Zodiac Fountain and the Water Clock
Perhaps the most famous feature within the Hai Yan Tang was the Zodiac Fountain, a masterpiece of art and horology. This was a water clock fountain consisting of twelve bronze statues representing the animals of the Chinese…
Listen in the app6The Destruction of 1860 and the Burning
The history of the Old Summer Palace is inextricably linked to the Second Opium War, a conflict that reached its devastating climax right here in October eighteen-sixty. The origins of this war can be traced back to the British…
Listen in the app7Modern Life and the Lotus Blossoms
Despite its violent past, the Old Summer Palace has found a new life as a place of respite for the people of Beijing. During the hot summer months, the park becomes a primary destination for those looking to beat the heat and…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our journey through the Old Summer Palace, we are left with a profound sense of what was lost and what remains. We have walked through the site of what was once the 'Garden of Gardens,' a place where the political…
Listen in the app
What is Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)?
Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) is a place in China with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | China |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 39.9996, 116.3099 |
| Last updated |
