Lost in time, the Old Summer Palace, now known as Yuanmingyuan Park, stands as a poignant reminder of China’s past. It whispers tales of imperial splendor and tragic destruction. Once hailed as the “Garden of Gardens,” Yuanmingyuan was more than just a royal residence. It was a masterpiece of art, architecture, and landscape design.
Imagine Yuanmingyuan in its prime. Emperors strolled through its expansive gardens. They conducted affairs of state within its opulent halls. Covering over 350 hectares, it dwarfed even the Forbidden City. The palace comprised three main gardens: Yuanmingyuan, Changchunyuan, and Qichunyuan. Each garden possessed unique scenic areas and attractions.
Yuanmingyuan’s construction began in 1709 under the Kangxi Emperor. It was a gift for his son, the future Yongzheng Emperor. Yongzheng expanded the gardens significantly. He introduced waterworks, lakes, and streams. The famous 28 scenic spots were named during his reign. Later, the Qianlong Emperor added to the garden. The number of scenic spots increased to 50.
But this idyllic existence was not to last. The Second Opium War brought devastation. In 1860, British and French troops invaded Beijing. They ransacked Yuanmingyuan. Treasures were looted. Then, the troops set the palace ablaze. The fire raged for three days and nights. Almost all the buildings were destroyed. Only crumbling marble remained.
Why did they burn Yuanmingyuan? It was an act of revenge. The British High Commissioner ordered the destruction. This was retaliation for the torture and death of British and French captives. These captives had been taken prisoner during negotiations.
The destruction did not end there. In 1900, the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded Beijing. Yuanmingyuan was devastated again. Remaining treasures were looted. Buildings were destroyed. The Old Summer Palace was completely ruined.
Today, Yuanmingyuan stands as a park. It allows visitors to reflect on its history. Ruins offer glimpses of its former grandeur. Visitors can see building sites and rockery stones. The exhibition hall displays the Old Summer Palace in its heyday.
One of the most famous areas is the Western Mansions or Xiyang Lou. Here, you can see the marbled ruins. The Great Fountain Ruins are the best-preserved relics. Once, these were part of an elaborate fountain. Emperors appreciated the fountains from the Guanshuifa.
Another significant feature was the twelve bronze statues. These statues had Chinese zodiac heads. They were originally on the fountain in front of the Hall of National Peace. Designed by Giuseppe Castiglione, each statue took turns spraying water. They marked the hours of the day. The British and French troops looted these statues. Seven have been recovered and are in Chinese museums. The others are still missing.
Wander through Yuanmingyuan. Imagine its former beauty. Remember its tragic past. The Old Summer Palace is a reminder of China’s resilience. It symbolizes the nation’s determination to preserve its history.