What if these ruins could talk? They would tell tales of emperors and battles. They would speak of the rise and fall of a magnificent palace. Welcome to the Tuanhe Xinggong Relics Park.
The Tuanhe Xinggong Relics Park is located in Daxing District. This special park is open 24 hours a day and admission is free. However, it currently does not have facilities for disabled access. There is no external parking either.
The Tuanhe Xinggong was once a splendid imperial garden. It blended northern grandeur with the delicate beauty of Jiangnan. This made it a unique treasure. Sadly, it suffered immense destruction over time.
Built in 1772 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, construction took five years. It became the most luxurious of four palaces built for emperors hunting in Nanhai Zi. The Tuanhe Xinggong became a masterpiece integrating southern and northern gardening arts. It showcased both the imposing style of the North. It also displayed the graceful elegance of the South.
Imagine this palace in its prime. The western part featured a West Lake with boat docks along the shore. The eastern section was a palace area. It contained halls like the Birong Hall and Qinghui Hall. There were also palaces like Jingren Palace and Yonghe Palace. Behind the palace area lay a smaller East Lake. This lake had attractions like the Fishing Platform.
But devastation struck in 1900. The Eight-Nation Alliance looted the palace. Later during the “July 7th Incident,” Japanese bombing reduced it to ruins. Few structures survived.
Remarkably, some elements endured. Today, you can see the Yunsui Pavilion and the Shizi Chamber. The Birong Studio has also been restored. A precious stele stands with Emperor Qianlong’s inscriptions. This square stele is a testament to the Tuanhe Xinggong’s history.
In 1922, Feng Yuxiang established an inspection office here. Parts of his army were stationed within the Tuanhe Xinggong. In 1924, he founded Zhaozhong Temple. He also moved the Yude Middle School to Tuanhe. Peng Xuefeng, a communist warrior, studied here.
The Tuanhe Xinggong was completely ruined by Japanese invasion in 1937. In 1942, the Japanese army demolished parts to build an airport. After Japan surrendered, the Tuanhe Xinggong was further dismantled.
In 1957, the site became municipal green space. However, proper protection was lacking. In 1968, construction projects damaged the area. In 1970, more structures were destroyed for a meeting venue.
Before becoming Tuanhe Park in the 1980s, the site still had ancient cypresses. The landscape included hills and lakes. The Qunyushan House and Fishing Platform remained mostly intact.
Since 1985, preservation efforts have been ongoing. In 2004, restoration began based on historical records. The goal was to restore its appearance during the Tongzhi and Guangxu periods. The Imperial Stele Pavilion, Yunsui Pavilion, and Birong Studio were rebuilt.
In 2013, further restoration projects were implemented. Today, the restored Tuanhe Xinggong serves multiple purposes. It is a cultural leisure spot and a research site for Qing Dynasty culture. Most importantly, it stands as a revolutionary monument. It embodies special historical memories and patriotic spirit.
As you leave Tuanhe Xinggong Relics Park, consider its journey. From imperial splendor to wartime ruin, it has risen again. It is a reminder of resilience. It is a place to reflect on history and honor the past.