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Old Summer Palace Ruins

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Old Summer Palace Ruins (China)

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The ruins of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) in Beijing stand as a poignant monument to the destructive nature of war and the loss of irreplaceable cultural treasures. Originally constructed during the 18th and early 19th centuries, the palace was known as the 'Garden of Gardens,' a masterpiece blending traditional Chinese architecture with European Baroque styles. Spanning over 350 hectares, the complex served as the primary residence for Qing emperors and housed vast collections of art, antiquities, and imperial libraries. In 1860, during the Second Opium War, the palace was looted and burned by British and French forces, an event that remains a significant symbol of national humiliation in Chinese history. Today, visitors can see the skeletal stone remains of the Western-style buildings (Xiyang Lou), which stand amidst lush gardens and peaceful lakes. The site now functions as a public park and educational site, encouraging reflection on cultural heritage preservation and historical awareness. Ongoing efforts to repatriate looted artifacts, such as the famous bronze zodiac heads, keep the memory of the palace's former glory alive in global discourse.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

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Avg °C-5-25132125272520123-4
Rain mm2692438841511096430142

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The vast ruins of this imperial complex are fully open to the public, offering extensive outdoor areas to explore. Visitors can wander through the remnants of palaces and the beautifully reconstructed classical gardens at their own pace.
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Typical hours
The grounds are generally open from early morning until late afternoon, though entry times vary slightly by season. It is best to start your visit early in the day to avoid the largest crowds and the midday heat.
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Photography
Photography is highly recommended, as the juxtaposition of shattered stone pillars against the natural landscape is incredibly striking. Late afternoon light creates dramatic shadows across the iconic ruins of the European-style palaces.
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Time needed
Given the immense scale of the former imperial gardens, you should set aside at least three to four hours for a comprehensive visit. Exploring specific sections in detail can easily turn this into a half-day or full-day excursion.
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Combine with
A visit here pairs perfectly with the nearby Summer Palace, which features a more complete picture of Qing dynasty architecture. You can also explore the campus of Peking University, which is located just a short distance away.
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Getting there
The site is easily accessible via the Beijing Subway, with a dedicated station dropping you right near the main entrance. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also convenient, though traffic in the area can be heavy during peak hours.
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Insider tip
Renting an audio guide or hiring a local guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical context of the 1860 destruction. Wear very comfortable walking shoes, as the pathways are extensive and sometimes uneven.

Geography

Coordinates
40.00700, 116.29900

Facts

  • Construction of the palace began in 1707 under the Kangxi Emperor.
  • The complex covered approximately 3.5 square kilometers of land.
  • The site was looted and destroyed by British and French troops in 1860.
  • It was famously referred to as the 'Versailles of the East' by Europeans.
  • The palace fire in 1860 lasted for three consecutive days.
  • Many looted artifacts are still held in over 200 museums worldwide.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Summer PalaceSummer Palace<1 km · EExplore →
Beijing ZooBeijing Zoo5 km · NEExplore →
Beihai ParkBeihai Park10 km · NExplore →
Forbidden CityForbidden City12 km · NExplore →
Marco Polo BridgeMarco Polo Bridge13 km · SEExplore →
Temple of HeavenTemple of Heaven13 km · NEExplore →
Ming TombsMing Tombs15 km · SWExplore →
Happy Valley BeijingHappy Valley Beijing23 km · NExplore →

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Sights in the town Old Summer Palace Ruins (17)

Stone Boat🏺 historical

The stone foundations of this boat-shaped structure are a testament to imperial extravagance in the now-ruined Old Summer Palace.

Tantan Dang📍 landmark

Known as the 'Goldfish Pond', this garden area was once famous for its thousands of ornamental fish viewed by the emperor from surrounding pavilions.

Scenaric Viewpoint📍 landmark

This viewpoint gives a broad vista over the melancholy remains of what was once the most splendid garden in the world.

Library of Green Tree📍 landmark

Surrounded by paulownia trees, this imperial library served as a quiet retreat for Qing emperors to read, write poetry, and paint.

KTV🎭 culture

Located near the historical ruins, this modern entertainment venue gives a contemporary diversion for visitors to the park area.

Waterfall🌿 nature

An artificial waterfall cascades over rocks here, recalling the elaborate landscaping of the former imperial retreat.

Ancient Bell🏺 historical

This monument commemorates the bronze bells that once rang in the imperial temples before the 19th-century destruction.

Rock from Taishan🏺 historical

This massive 63-ton rock from Mount Tai serves as a spiritual guardian, symbolizing stability and peace in the park.

Red Leaves Goddess🌿 nature

At the summit of Baiwang Mountain stands the white statue of the matriarch She Taijun, who legend says stood here watching for her son.

Green Our Homeland Tablet🌿 nature

This tablet in Baiwang Mountain Forest Park advocates for environmental protection and commemorates the region's reforestation efforts.

Olympic Park🌳 park

This expansive park houses the futuristic landmarks of the 2008 Olympic Games, including the Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube.

Auditorium🎭 culture

A neoclassical auditorium at Tsinghua University featuring a distinctive dome inspired by the Roman Pantheon.

National Zoological Museum of China🏛 museum

China's largest zoological museum, housing a vast collection of animal skeletons and rare specimens.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-16:00

China National Arts & Crafts Museum🏛 museum

This gallery showcases an exquisite collection of traditional Chinese crafts, such as ivory carvings and jade works.

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Beijing Olympic Park Tower🗼 tower

A 246-meter-high observation tower featuring five interconnected pillars with circular platforms.

China Science and Technology Museum🏛 museum

A modern science museum featuring interactive exhibits and a distinctive sphere-shaped cinema hall.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:30-17:00💶

Olympic Forest Park🌳 park

A massive urban park with the man-made Yangshan Mountain and Aohai Lake, created for the 2008 Olympics.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why are the buildings in ruins?
The palace was looted and destroyed by British and French troops in 1860.
Where is the park located?
In the Haidian district of Beijing, very close to the (new) Summer Palace.
What is the most famous part of the ruins?
The 'Dashuifa' (Great Water Fountains) in the European section of the park.
How large is the site?
The Yuanmingyuan Park is vast and features plenty of space for walking by lakes.
Does entry to the ruins cost extra?
Park entry is cheap; access to the European ruins requires a small additional fee.
Old Summer Palace Ruins: where is it located?
Old Summer Palace Ruins is located in China.
Old Summer Palace Ruins: what is there to see?
Highlights include Stone Boat, Tantan Dang, Scenaric Viewpoint.
Old Summer Palace Ruins: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Old Summer Palace Ruins: why is it worth visiting?
The ruins of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) in Beijing stand as a poignant monument to the destructive nature of war and the loss of irreplaceable cultural treasures.
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History & landmarks

Summer Palace — Old Summer Palace Ruins (China)
Summer Palace
A vast ensemble of palaces, lakes, and gardens in Beijing, considered a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.
Temple of Heaven — Old Summer Palace Ruins (China)
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