📍 Exploring the Ghosts of Grandeur – The Ruins of Yuanmingyuan (圆明园)

Unlike the tranquil beauty of the Summer Palace, Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) evokes a sense of imperial sorrow and lost splendor. Once the crown jewel of Qing dynasty gardens, it was destroyed by Anglo-French forces in 1860 — yet its ruins still whisper stories of elegance, power, and cultural tragedy.

🏛️ Highlights:
• 🏚️ Ruins of Western-style Palaces – Intricately designed by Jesuit missionaries, this area shows the rare fusion of East and West in Qing architecture.
• 💧 Lotus-Fringed Lakes & Rock Gardens – Though damaged, they retain their poetic charm.
• 🧭 Labyrinth Garden (大水法迷宫) – Explore the stone maze once part of a royal amusement.
• 📜 Exhibition Hall – Dive into the tragic yet fascinating history of the palace’s destruction and the treasures lost.

📸 Tips for Visitors:
• Visit early or during golden hour for peaceful walks and hauntingly beautiful photos.
• Best explored on foot or electric buggy due to its vast size.
• Bring a picnic or snacks — there are shaded spots with beautiful lake views.
• Don’t miss the audio-visual exhibits near the Western ruins for context.

🕰️ Opening Hours:
• 7:00am–7:00pm (summer), 7:00am–5:30pm (winter)
🎟️ Tickets: ~CNY 10 (park entry), extra for ruins area (~CNY 15)

🚇 Getting There:
• Take Subway Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Station, Exit B — the entrance is a 5-minute walk away.

Despite the devastation, Yuanmingyuan is a place of reflection, cultural memory, and architectural remnants that still impress. A must-visit for those interested in the deeper stories of Beijing’s imperial past.

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