Yuanmingyuan: The Old Summer Palace

Introduction

Yuanmingyuan, also known as the Old Summer Palace, is a historic imperial garden located in the northwest of Beijing. It was the summer retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors and is known for its ruins and beautiful scenery.

History

Yuanmingyuan was originally built during the Qing Dynasty and was expanded over the years. It was destroyed by British and French troops during the Second Opium War in 1860. Today, it is a park with both ruins and restored areas.

Main Attractions

• Ruins Area: The ruins of the Western-style buildings destroyed during the Second Opium War.
• Lakes: Beautiful lakes with islands and bridges.
• Traditional Gardens: Restored traditional Chinese gardens.
• Changchun Garden: A separate garden area with beautiful scenery.
• Qichun Garden: Another garden area with lakes and pavilions.

Practical Information

• Location: Haidian District, Beijing
• Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM (April-October), 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November-March)
• Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 25
• Transportation: Take metro Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Station.

Visitor Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) when flowers are in bloom.
• Combine with Summer Palace: Yuanmingyuan is close to the Summer Palace.
• Allow Time: Plan to spend at least 2 hours exploring the park.

Last Updated: July 2026

Note: Opening hours and ticket prices are subject to change. Please verify current information before visiting.