Calvin’s Hub

Ack! It’s another year already and I’m not yet done with my Beijing posts. Oh well, this is going to be the second to the last of the series.

After touring the Great Wall at Mutianyu, we went out for lunch before heading to the Old Summer Palace which is located east of the New Summer Palace.

Old Summer Palace

Also known as Yuanmingyuan, the Old Summer Palace was the emperor’s private pleasure garden during the Qing Dynasty. It features the essence of Chinese landscaping with its pavilions, lakes, ponds, rock hills and magnificent gardens.

In 1860, this Imperial Garden was destroyed by the Anglo-French Allied Forces rendering the Gardens of Perfect Brightness in ruins which can be seen today.

GOING THERE:
Head to Yuanmingyuan station on Line 4 and get out from Exit B. [Beijing Subway Map]

The preserved gardens of the old Summer Palace is a gorgeous place all year round even in winter. You don’t have to tour the whole place, just the ruins and everything you see going there is already worth the trip.

Our only destination was the Yuanmingyuan ruins but making our way there, we saw a lot of beautiful sceneries with the help of the warm afternoon sun. Too bad there are railings now so you can’t just climb into the ruins to have your photos taken.

Here are more photos of the place.

TOTAL COST:
Subway to Yuanmingyuan Station – 2 RMB
Entrance Fee – 25 RMB

Shopping places in Beijing and tips up next.

Part 13: Shopping!

• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 10: New Summer Palace
• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 1: The Plan
• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 3: The Olympic Green
• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 11: Great Wall of China

Filed under: Travel