Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sacking and destruction by British and French forces during the Second Opi-
um War, the old Summer Palace was originally laid out in the 12th century. Re-
sourceful Jesuits were later employed by Emperor Qianlong to fashion
European-style palaces for the gardens, incorporating elaborate fountains and
baroque statuary.
The subdued marble ruins of the Palace Buildings Scenic Area (Xiyanglou
Jingqu) can be mulled over in the Eternal Spring Garden (Changchun Yuan)
in the northeast of the park, near the east gate.
The Great Fountain Ruins ( Dashuifa Yizhi) themselves are considered the
best-preserved relics. Built in 1759, the main building was fronted by a lion-
head fountain.
Lama Temple arch ( Click here ), Dongcheng
GREG ELMS/GETTY IMAGES ©
The gardens cover a huge area - some 2.5km from east to west - so be
prepared for some walking. Bus 331 goes from the south gate (which is by Exit
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