Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan)

The Old Summer Palace, or Yuanming Yuan, was a vast imperial complex in Beijing, built during the Qing Dynasty to serve as a summer residence and political retreat for Emperors. Known for its beautiful gardens, lakes, and palaces, it showcased Chinese artistry and architecture. In 1860, during the Second Opium War, it was forcibly destroyed by invading British and French troops, leading to the loss of countless cultural treasures. Today, the partially restored ruins and remaining landscape symbolize China’s historical resilience and artistic heritage, attracting visitors interested in China's imperial past.