The Garden of Gardens: A Sigh Remains

【In-depth Guide to the Old Summer Palace | An Epic of Civilization on Ruins and Spring's Exclusive Romance】 🏛️ Historical Context First built in 1707, the Old Summer Palace was cultivated by six emperors over 150 years. Based on the model of Jiangnan gardens and incorporating the essence of Western architecture, it was known as the "Garden of Gardens." In 1860, the Anglo-French Allied Forces set fire to this treasure trove of Eastern art, leaving only the Western-style ruins as a testament to its former glory. Today, the Old Summer Palace Ruins Park serves as both a history textbook and a year-round urban oasis. 📸 Must-See Landmarks 1. Western-style Ruins - The Grand Fountain: The iconic ruins and stone screens were originally where Emperor Qianlong watched the fountain. The carvings subtly incorporate elements of guns and cannons, alluding to historical scars. - Haiyantang: The original site of the twelve bronze animal heads. Currently, seven returned bronze statues are housed here, and you can admire the original Horse Head inside the museum. - The Garden of Ten Thousand Flowers: A maze blending Chinese and Western styles. On Mid-Autumn Festival nights, court ladies used to carry lanterns through it. Some passages have been restored for visitors to experience. 2. Eight Scenic Spots of Qichunyuan - Jianbi Pavilion: A waterside viewing platform rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Jiaqing. In summer, lotus leaves abound, and in winter, the ice surface is like a mirror. - Fuchun Study: Originally the emperor's bedroom, now a cultural and creative store where you can collect 16 Horse Head-themed stamps. 3. Fuhai Scenic Area - The largest lake in the Old Summer Palace. In summer, you can take a painted boat to admire the lotus flowers, and in winter, it transforms into an ice and snow park with distant views of the Western Hills. 🚶 Efficient Tour Route (3 hours) Subway Line 4 Exit B → Zhengjue Temple (Horse Head Bronze Statue) → Qichunyuan Walking Path → Take the sightseeing bus at the intersection of the three gardens → Western-style Ruins → Haiyantang → Grand Fountain → Exit through the East Gate ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: The entire park covers an area of 3.5 square kilometers. It is recommended to take the sightseeing bus (30 CNY/person) or a boat (one-way 20 CNY). Those with good stamina can rent shared bikes (20 CNY/hour). 🎫 Tickets and Discounts - Main Gate Ticket: 10 CNY (peak season, April–October), including the Nine Continents Scenic Area, Fuhai, etc. - Western-style Ruins: 15 CNY (including the Grand Fountain and the maze) - Combined Ticket: 25 CNY (including main gate + ruins + sand table exhibition) - Free Admission: Under 18, over 60, military personnel, and people with disabilities - Half Price: Students and social security recipients 🌿 Seasonal Activities - Spring (March–May): The Apricot Blossom Spring Pavilion is filled with pink clouds. Study tours and photography contests are held during the Spring Outing Festival. - Summer (June–August): The Lotus Festival features blooming lotuses, and boats shuttle between the ruined bridges. - Autumn (September–November): The Ginkgo Avenue is golden, and the reflection of the Grand Fountain is stunning. - Winter (December–February): The ruins are covered in ice and snow, and family-friendly activities like ice slides and snowmobiles are available. 📍 Nearby Attractions - Summer Palace: Directly accessible by Subway Line 4. In spring, the peach blossoms on the West Causeway complement Kunming Lake. - Tsinghua/Peking University: A 15-minute walk or bike ride to experience the cultural atmosphere of these universities. - Zhongguancun Cuisine: On your way back, you can try "Xiaodiao Litang" (pear soup with dry cheese fish) and "Juqi" (honeycomb briquette fried rice). 💡 Practical Tips 1. Clothing Suggestions: Solid or light colors are better for photographing the ruins. Bring a sun hat in summer and wear non-slip shoes in winter. 2. Cultural Etiquette: Do not climb on the ruins, touch cultural relics, or make loud noises. 3. Hidden Gems: - Rent an audio guide in the ruins area (30 CNY) for a more immersive historical experience. - Visit at night (during specific times) to see the ruins illuminated by lights. 4. Souvenir Recommendations: Horse Head fridge magnets, replica animal head figurines, and panoramic silk scarves of the Old Summer Palace. The piles of rubble are not just architectural remains but also a warning and a rebirth of civilization. As the spring breeze blows through the stone pillars of the Western-style buildings, the pain of history and the hope of new life intertwine here. The beauty of the Old Summer Palace lies in its teaching us: only by remembering the past can we better move towards the future.