Why Was the Old Summer Palace Built: Exploring the Glory and Vicissitudes of Qing Dynasty Imperial Gardens

The Old Summer Palace, also known as Yuanmingyuan, was first built during the Kangxi Emperor's reign in 1707. Its purpose was to serve as a gift for the fourth son of the emperor, Prince Yong (the future Emperor Yongzheng), who would later expand the imperial gardens on a large scale in 1725.

The Old Summer Palace, once a magnificent imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty, is not only a treasure of ancient Chinese garden art but also a place where Qing emperors spent their summers and handled state affairs. So, why was the Old Summer Palace built? Its history, layout, and the calamities it later endured are all worthy of our in-depth exploration.

Reference to the Old Summer Palace

I. Why Was the Old Summer Palace Built

Originally, the Old Summer Palace was a garden bestowed by the Kangxi Emperor to his fourth son, Yongzheng. During the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, the gardens were greatly expanded, introducing waterworks, lakes, streams, and ponds, with 28 famous scenic spots being named. During the Qianlong period, the gardens underwent a second expansion, increasing the number of scenic areas to 50. Court painters of Emperor Qianlong even created a book depicting the Forty Scenes of the Old Summer Palace, showcasing its magnificence and grandeur.

II. Facts about the Old Summer Palace

• Chinese Name: 圆明园 (Yuánmíngyuán)
• Location: Haidian District, Beijing, 15 kilometers northwest of the city center
• Function: Summer resort and state affairs handling location for Qing emperors (1644-1912)
• Completion Time: 1709
• Area: 350 hectares (860 acres)
• Main Components: Comprising the Old Summer Palace, Changchunyuan, and Qi Chunyuan (later renamed Wanchunyuan)
• Layout Features: The Old Summer Palace not only inherited the graceful charm of Jiangnan water towns but also absorbed European garden architecture forms, creating a unique royal garden style
• Famous Attractions: Ruins of the Grand Waterworks, Observation of the Waterworks, etc.
• Loss of Cultural Relics: In 1860, during the Second Opium War, the Old Summer Palace was looted and burned by the Anglo-French Allied Forces, with a large number of precious cultural relics plundered overseas
• Reconstruction and Protection: After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government attached great importance to the protection and restoration of the Old Summer Palace site, striving to restore its historical appearance

III. The Old Summer Palace: A Masterpiece of Qing Dynasty Gardens

The Old Summer Palace is hailed as the "garden of ten thousand gardens" and is an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese garden art. It integrates the graceful charm of Jiangnan water towns with the magnificent scenery of northern gardens, while also absorbing European garden architectural forms, forming a unique royal garden style.

IV. Layout of the Old Summer Palace

Overall Layout of the Old Summer Palace

The Old Summer Palace covers an area of over 3.5 square kilometers, reflecting the essence of ancient Chinese garden art in its overall layout. The entire garden is based on the landscape of mountains and rivers, where natural landscapes such as lakes, streams, and mountains harmonize with artificial buildings, creating a unique style that blends nature and culture. The buildings in the garden are arranged in a staggered manner, with palaces, pavilions, and terraces of various architectural forms, showcasing both the magnificence and grandeur of royal gardens, as well as the delicacy and beauty of Jiangnan gardens.

Main Scenic Areas of the Old Summer Palace

The main scenic areas of the Old Summer Palace include the northwest area, Jiuzhou area, and Fuhai area, each with its unique scenery and architecture. The northwest area is dominated by landscape features, where lakes, streams, and mountains complement each other, creating a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The Jiuzhou area focuses more on the harmonious unity of architecture and scenery, with palaces, pavilions, and terraces arranged in harmony with the surrounding natural environment. The Fuhai area is the core area of the entire garden, where the most exquisite buildings and landscapes of the Old Summer Palace are gathered, such as the Grand Waterworks, Observation of the Waterworks, and other famous attractions, showcasing the magnificence and grandeur of royal gardens.

The Marble Ruins of the Western-style Building in Changchunyuan

The marble ruins of the Western-style building in Changchunyuan are the most famous. These marble buildings, with their exquisite carvings and unique style, attract the attention of countless tourists. The Western-style building not only embodies a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles but also demonstrates the Qing emperors' openness and pursuit of Western culture. These marble ruins are now witnesses to history, allowing people to catch a glimpse of the past splendor of the imperial gardens.

The Residence Area of Concubines in Qichunyuan

Qichunyuan was the residence area of concubines, where the architectural style is more gentle and delicate. Gardens and pavilions are scattered throughout, creating a romantic and warm atmosphere. Here, concubines could enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the imperial garden, experiencing the dignity and glory of the royal family. The buildings and landscapes here are full of feminine tenderness and delicacy, revealing another aspect of the imperial garden's charm.

V. The History of the Old Summer Palace (Who Destroyed It)

In 1860, during the Second Opium War, the Anglo-French Allied Forces invaded Beijing and looted and burned the Old Summer Palace. This fire lasted for three days and nights, almost all buildings were destroyed, leaving only the crumbling marble buildings. This calamity turned the brilliance and magnificence of the Old Summer Palace into history.

Reference: Why did the British destroy the Old Summer Palace?

VI. Reconstruction of the Old Summer Palace

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese government attached great importance to the protection of the Old Summer Palace site. Although most of the buildings no longer exist, the government still strives to protect and restore the site. Today, tourists can imagine the former grandeur through these ruins, understanding and remembering history.

VII. The Twelve Zodiac Bronze Statues and Other Cultural Relics of the Old Summer Palace

Originally, there were twelve zodiac bronze statues in the Old Summer Palace, designed by Giuseppe Castiglione, an Italian court painter of the Qing Dynasty. In 1860, the Anglo-French Allied Forces looted the Old Summer Palace and took these bronze statues overseas. Currently, some of the bronze statues have returned to mainland China, but some are still missing.

VIII. Comparison Between the Old Summer Palace and the Summer Palace

The Old Summer Palace and the Summer Palace are both famous gardens in Beijing, but they differ in location, characteristics, and construction time. While the Old Summer Palace primarily serves as a site of historical ruins, the Summer Palace is relatively well-preserved and serves as a representative of Chinese imperial gardens. Visitors can choose to visit according to their interests and schedule.

IX. How to Get to the Old Summer Palace

Visitors can take subway line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Station Exit B to reach the Old Summer Palace. Additionally, buses or taxis are also available.

Reference: How to get to Yuanmingyuan

X. Opening Hours and Fees of the Old Summer Palace

The Old Summer Palace is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, with an entrance fee of 10 yuan. Visitors can plan their itinerary in advance according to their schedule.

In conclusion, as an outstanding representative of Qing Dynasty royal gardens, the Old Summer Palace not only embodies the highest level of ancient Chinese garden art but also witnesses the humiliations and struggles of modern Chinese history. Its history, artistic value, and practical significance are all worth our in-depth understanding and inheritance.

Q1：Why was the Old Summer Palace built?

A1：The Old Summer Palace was originally a garden given by Emperor Kangxi to his fourth son, Yongzheng. During the Yongzheng reign, Emperor Yongzheng greatly expanded the garden, introducing waterworks, lakes, streams, and ponds, and naming 28 famous scenic spots. During the Qianlong reign, the garden underwent a second expansion, increasing the number of scenic spots to 50. The Qianlong Emperor's court painter even created a pictorial album depicting 40 scenic spots in the Old Summer Palace, fully demonstrating its grandeur and splendor.

Q2：What is the overall layout of the Old Summer Palace?

A2：The Old Summer Palace covers an area of over 3.5 square kilometers and consists of three gardens: the Old Summer Palace, Changchun Garden, and Qichun Garden. Among them, the Old Summer Palace is the largest garden in China, with three scenic areas: the Northwest Area, the Jiuzhou Area, and the Fuhai Area. Changchun Garden is best known for the marble ruins of the Western-style buildings, while Qichun Garden was the residence of imperial concubines.

Q3：What is the historical significance of the 12 Zodiac Bronze Statues in the Old Summer Palace?

A3：The 12 Zodiac Bronze Statues in the Old Summer Palace are not only treasures of ancient Chinese garden art but also witnesses of the exchange between Chinese and Western cultures. These bronze statues were designed by Giuseppe Castiglione, an Italian court painter of the Qing Dynasty, and crafted by Qing imperial craftsmen, integrating the essence of Chinese and Western arts. However, during the Second Opium War in 1860, the Anglo-French Allied Forces invaded Beijing, looted and burned the Old Summer Palace, and these precious 12 Zodiac Bronze Statues were also looted and lost overseas. Until recent years, through various efforts, some of the statues have been returned to China, but some are still missing. The loss and return of these statues not only reflect the humiliation and resistance in modern Chinese history but also embody the influence and cohesion of Chinese culture in the world.