Old Summer Palace functioned as an imperial workplace in summer, where four Qing Emperors managed military and political affairs and avoided summer heat since 1722. Its total area is 7.5 times larger than the Forbidden City and the water area was as big as the entire Summer Palace. Apart from its vast geographical scale, it used to be known as the biggest museum in the world by the gorgeous structure complex with various classic architectural styles at home and abroad, numerous cultural collections, and precious historic relics.

Replicas of 12 Bronze Animal Heads

Ruins of Old Summer Palace

Unfortunately, it was robbed and burnt in the year of 1860 by British and French Army, and now it has become the deepest scar of ancient China.

In 1983, the Chinese government approved to restore the Old Summer Palace and it was open to the public in 1988.

Here you can witness the falling of flourishing Qing dynasty. It is also an ideal place for leisure in summer and spring, where you can ride a sightseeing bike, see lovely blossoms blooming, hear birds chirping and water gurgling, enjoy the most spectacular sunset on the bank of a clear river and be free from hustle and bustle of city life.

 By subway:
Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Yuanmingyuan Station, Exit B and you can see the south gate of the park.

 By bus:
a. South Gate: Take bus 331, 424, 432, 438, 498, 508, 579, 594, 601, 664, or Special Line 19, get off at Yuanmingyuan Nanmen Station;
b. East Gate: Take bus 305, 320, 365, 375, 424, 432, 614, 626, 664, 681, 982, or Special Line 4 and get off at Yuanmingyuan Dongmen Station.