Travel Guide to the Old Summer Palace

👍Recommended Reason: The Old Summer Palace, a former imperial garden, is known as the "Garden of Gardens" for its blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. Strolling through it offers both picturesque scenery and a rich historical atmosphere, a feast for the senses and the mind. 🚥Address: 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing. 🚇Transportation: • Subway: Take Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Park Station. Exits A/B lead to the South Gate. Exit A of Xiyuan Station leads to the West Gate. • Bus: To reach the Qichunyuan Gate, take bus routes 331, 424, 432, 438, 498, 508, 579, 601, 664, or Special 19. To reach the Changchunyuan East Gate, take bus routes 305, 320, 365, 375, 424, 432, 626, 664, 982, or Special 4. • Car: There are parking lots around the park, such as the Qichunyuan Gate parking lot and the Changchunyuan Gate parking lot. However, it is recommended to arrive early during holidays to avoid parking difficulties. 🌲Must-See Attractions: • Ruins of the European Palaces: One of the most iconic attractions in the Old Summer Palace, featuring the famous Fountain of the Twelve Zodiac Animals, the Viewing Platform, and the Garden of the Labyrinth. The Fountain is an impressive feat of engineering, the Viewing Platform was where Emperor Qianlong enjoyed the fountain show, and the Garden of the Labyrinth is a fun and intriguing maze. • Fuhai Lake: A vast expanse of water with beautiful scenery. Take a boat ride to enjoy the views and the gentle breeze. • The Nine Continents: Composed of nine small islands surrounding Houhai Lake, this area served as both the inner chambers and the imperial garden, making it the heart of the Old Summer Palace. It includes attractions such as the Hall of Serenity, the Cloud-Piercing Moon, and the Natural Picture, all steeped in history. • Zhengjue Temple: This temple boasts unique architectural style and historical and cultural value, with a serene environment and ancient buildings. 💰Ticket Information: • How to Purchase: Search for "Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park" on WeChat to purchase tickets. • Ticket Prices: General admission is 10 yuan. A combined ticket is 25 yuan and includes general admission, access to the Ruins of the European Palaces (15 yuan), the panoramic sand table exhibition (10 yuan), and Zhengjue Temple (10 yuan). The combined ticket is recommended for better value and access to more attractions. • Free Admission: Certain groups are eligible for free admission, such as children under 1.3m tall and seniors meeting specific age criteria. Check the official regulations for details. • Discounts: Students, military personnel, and other groups can enjoy discounts. Remember to bring relevant identification when purchasing tickets. 💗Other Tips: • Comfortable Attire: The park is large, requiring a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. • Book in Advance: During peak season, it's best to book tickets in advance through the official WeChat account to avoid delays. • Guided Tours: To delve deeper into the history and culture of the Old Summer Palace, rent an audio guide, listen to the free audio guide on the official WeChat account, or tag along with a tour group. • Food and Drinks: Food and water inside the park are relatively expensive. Bring your own snacks and drinks. • Protect the Environment: Be mindful of the cultural relics and the environment when taking photos. Do not touch or climb on the ruins, and do not litter.