Old Summer Palace

Yuanmingyuan

Nearby are the ruins of the Old Summer Palace. It was once called the “Versailles of the East” with marbled palaces, stately temples, towers, an extensive collection of gardens, pools, and fountains plus swarms of swans, ibis, and peacocks.

The Great Fountain Ruins are considered the best-preserved relics. Built in 1759, the main building was fronted by a lion-head fountain. Standing opposite is the Guanshuifa, five large stone screens embellished with European carvings of military flags, armour, swords.

During the Second Opium War in 1860, it was burnt down by the Anglo-French forces. The palace was so large covering more than 800 acres – that it took 4,000 men 3 days of burning to destroy it. Many exquisite artworks – including golden fountain heads – were looted and are now found in 47 museums around the world.