Old Summer Palace in Beijing: visiting guide

Visiting the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) in Beijing, also known as the Garden of Perfect Brightness, is a different experience from visiting the New Summer Palace.

Yuanmingyuan is mostly in ruins, but it offers a reflective and historical experience.

Make your own plan for visiting Beijing:

• Must-see – Gugong Palace or Forbidden city
• National museum of China in Beijing
• Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing: Lama temple

History of the Old Summer Palace

Built in the early 18th century under Emperor Kangxi and expanded by Emperor Qianlong, Yuanmingyuan was a massive complex covering around 350 hectares, far larger than the Summer Palace.

It consisted of a series of palaces, gardens, temples, and libraries, and was famed for its architectural beauty and artistic treasures.

The Old Summer Palace blended traditional Chinese garden aesthetics with Western architectural influences, particularly in its Western-style palaces designed by European Jesuits in the Qing court.

Destruction of Old Summer Palace

Yuanmingyuan was destroyed during the Second Opium War in 1860 by British and French troops. The palace was looted and set on fire in retaliation after the Qing government imprisoned envoys.

The site was left in ruins and never fully restored. The destruction of the Old Summer Palace is often cited as a symbol of national humiliation and remains a sensitive topic in China.

Current Condition

Today, the Old Summer Palace is a park with ruins of its former grandeur, including fragments of marble columns and Western-style structures. The ruins serve as a historical and cultural reminder.

Visitors can explore the remaining gardens, ruins, and ponds, and there is also a museum on-site displaying artifacts recovered from the site.

What to see in Old Summer palace

Western Mansions

These are the most famous ruins of the Old Summer Palace, featuring European-style architecture designed by Jesuit priests at the Qing court.

The shattered columns, arches, and fountains remain a haunting reminder of the palace’s former splendor.

Ruins of Dashuifa (Great Fountain)

Once part of a grand Western-style fountain complex, these ruins are the most iconic part of Yuanmingyuan and a popular photography spot.

Labyrinth

There is a reconstructed stone maze, originally part of the European-style section, where emperors used to play and entertain themselves.

Scenic lakes and gardens

Yuanmingyuan was famous for its exquisite gardens and artificial lakes. Though much was destroyed, the natural beauty of the ponds, bridges, and flora still provides a peaceful atmosphere.

Exhibition Hall

Inside the park, you can visit a small museum that provides historical context for the palace, including artifacts recovered from the site and displays about the destruction of the palace in 1860.

How to visit the Old Summer palace

The Old Summer Palace is located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest of central Beijing, close to the New Summer Palace and some major universities like Peking University and Tsinghua University.

Main entrances

• South Gate (Nanmen):

This is the main gate for visitors, close to the Yuanmingyuan Subway Station and a good starting point for exploring the park.

• East Gate (Dongmen):

This gate is less crowded and provides easy access to the Western-style ruins area.

• West Gate (Ximen):

Located near the western side of the park, this gate is more secluded and less frequented by tourists.

How to get to the Old Summer palace

• By Subway:

Take Line 4 of the Beijing Subway to Yuanmingyuan Park Station (圆明园), Exit B. The entrance to the Old Summer Palace is a short walk from the station.

If you are also visiting the New Summer Palace, you can take the subway from Beigongmen Station (北宫门) on Line 4 and transfer to Yuanmingyuan Park Station, as they are on the same line.

• By Bus:

You can take several buses to the Old Summer Palace. Common routes include buses 331, 332, 563, and 365, which stop at the Yuanmingyuan South Gate.

• By Taxi:

A taxi from central Beijing takes about 30 minutes, costing around 50-70 CNY (~$7-10 USD), depending on traffic.

Opening Hours

• April to October (Peak Season):

7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)

• November to March (Off Season):

7:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)

Ticket prices

• General Admission:

April to October (Peak Season): 10 CNY (~$1.50 USD)

November to March (Off Season): 5 CNY (~$0.75 USD)

• Combo Ticket (includes access to key ruins and scenic spots):

Peak Season: 25 CNY (~$4 USD)

Off Season: 20 CNY (~$3 USD)

• Note: The general admission ticket allows access to the grounds, but the combo ticket gives you access to specific exhibitions and ruins, such as the famous Western-style ruins of the palace.