Reveal the ghosts of ancient China in the crumbling stonework of Beijing’s once-magnificent palaces.
Discover a tragic chapter in Beijing’s history as you stroll through the gardens of the Old Summer Palace. Razed to the ground by French and British troops during the Opium Wars of the nineteenth century, the ruins of this once-glorious building serve as a poignant reminder of the damage and destruction wrought by the great colonial powers. Many of the priceless artefacts looted from this proud imperial structure are on display in foreign museums and art galleries to this day.The Old Summer Palace was originally constructed in the twelfth century. It acted as a stately park for more than five centuries and served as the summer seat of the Qing Dynasty throughout the 1700s. Many of the best-preserved remains originated in the Qing period, including European-style palace buildings and the elaborate stonework of the Old Fountain Ruins. The park is vast, so be prepared for quite a walk as you make your way around the crumbling walls and structural skeletons dotted across the sprawling 348 hectares of gardens.Whilst the Old Summer Palace acts as a sombre memorial for many locals, its elegant grounds provide the perfect surroundings for a relaxing afternoon of exploring. Find your way through the walled Wanhuazhen labyrinth to reach the octagonal pagoda hidden at its heart, drink in the beauty of the Garden of Blossoming Spring, or simply relax on the lawns of the Garden of Perfection and Light and the Garden of Eternal Spring.For just a few yuan, you can stop by the Yuanmingyuan exhibition hall to marvel at a model reconstruction of the park how it looked in its glory days or make your way round the elegant remains of the ruined European palaces.The Old Summer Palace is just a short ride on the subway or bus from central Beijing. The nearest stop is Yuanmingyuan Park Station, which will bring you out near the south gate. Entry to the park is inexpensive but be sure to head out early to get the most of your day.
