Yuanmingyuan Park Review

The Old Summer Palace, also known as Yuanmingyuan or Yuanmingyuan Park, originally called the Imperial Gardens, and sometimes called the Winter Palace, was a complex of palaces and gardens in present-day Haidian District, Beijing, China.

After the eight-nation alliance arms robbery, the warlords, institutions, and nationals carried out wooden robbery, earth robbery, the house, trees, and foundations were all gone, the ruins of the site park are worthy of the name, and the relics of 80% of the area are mounds + water (there are quite a lot of plants), as a general park, Suitable for walking and exercising. A better part of the retention is developed as an office. Must see: the classic Yuanmingyuan photo shoot in the Xiyanglou ruins area (you need to buy tickets separately), and the model exhibition hall (you need to buy tickets separately) can see the original building layout. There was also a display of stone pieces returned by Beijing institutions, which was visible at the time. Zhengjue Temple could only enter from outside the park.

Big park! Lots of historical ruins. Would be great if you have a guide to explain its significance. Not easy to get around with kids as it’s impossible to cover everything in a day. To save your legs, you could take a boat ride. There was quite a queue for the boat ride, however I came on a weekend so that is to be expected.

Beautiful but crazy busy! My sister and I went during the Labour Day holiday. as expected, all tourist attractions were overcrowded but manageable, however this particular place was too crowded. The paths are quite narrow so we felt it more. Nevertheless this place is supper worth it. Lots of water and greenery around, with some old ruins.

Was lucky enough to go on a sunny day that was not crowded! Mid-morning is best, and it’s good to spend at least 2 hours here. Easy by ride share or subway/walk. There’s a lot of history, and the site is massive in terms of ruins and unkept landscape. Perfect April-September.

Exploring the ruins of the Old Summer Palace, Yuanmingyuan, is a haunting yet enlightening experience. Walking amidst the remnants of what was once a majestic imperial retreat, I couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy mixed with awe. The vastness of the gardens, once adorned with exquisite architecture, lavish pavilions, and tranquil lakes, now lay in ruins, a testament to the ravages of time and history. Yet, amidst the rubble, there is a profound beauty in the enduring resilience of natu

Big park! Lots of historical ruins. Would be great if you have a guide to explain its significance. Not easy to get around with kids as it’s impossible to cover everything in a day.