Explore the Old Summer Palace – The Magnificent Ruins of the Qing Dynasty

China — a vast country with thousands of years of history — has always been a fascinating destination for those who love ancient culture and architecture. Among its many historical landmarks, the Qing Dynasty stands out with its opulent architectural complexes, most notably the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and especially the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) — once hailed as the “Eastern Versailles.” Although now in ruins, the Old Summer Palace still holds immense cultural and historical value, continuing to draw countless visitors.

So, where is the Old Summer Palace, what makes it special, and why has it become a must-visit destination? Let Vietjet guide you through it in this article!

1. Where is the Old Summer Palace?

The name “Yuanmingyuan” literally translates to “Garden of Perfect Brightness.” It was once the imperial retreat for Qing emperors. That’s why, in addition to visiting the Forbidden City, many travelers are also drawn to the Old Summer Palace to gain deeper insight into the cultural identity of China’s imperial past.

To answer the common question “How far is the Old Summer Palace from the Forbidden City?” — Yuanmingyuan is located on the outskirts of Beijing, about 20 kilometers (approx. 12 miles) northwest of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s city center.

Address: No. 28 Yuanmingyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China.

Discovering the Old Summer Palace – The Glorious Ruins of the Qing Dynasty

How far is the Old Summer Palace from the Forbidden City? The answer: approximately 20 kilometers northwest.

2. History of the Old Summer Palace – From Architectural Masterpiece to Historic Ruin

Construction Period:

Yuanmingyuan (the Old Summer Palace) traces its origins back to 1707, when Prince Yinzhen the fourth son of Emperor Kangxi was granted a parcel of land near the Garden of Joyful Spring. He named it Mingyuan (Bright Garden), and by 1709, construction of the first structures had begun.
When Yinzhen ascended the throne as Emperor Yongzheng in 1722, he significantly expanded the site into a grand royal garden. He entrusted the Imperial Household Department with the task of constructing palaces and landscaping the grounds. This development continued even after his passing in 1735.
Under Emperor Qianlong, the Old Summer Palace flourished and was fully developed into the most extravagant summer retreat of the Qing imperial family. Over 40 magnificent structures were completed, including iconic buildings like the Zhengda Guangming Hall and Qinzheng Shenhian Hall, as well as elegant gardens such as Jiuzhou Qingyan and Changchun Xianguan. These structures formed a stunning architectural ensemble that seamlessly blended artistic design with natural beauty.
However, after Qianlong’s reign, the palace gradually lost its prominence. Later emperors Jiaqing, Daoguang, and Xianfeng refrained from initiating major new construction projects within the complex.
Devastated by War: In 1860, during the Second Opium War, the Anglo-French allied forces looted and burned the entire Old Summer Palace to the ground. Once described as a "paradise on earth," it was reduced to ashes, leaving only haunting remnants of its past glory. These ruins now serve as a powerful reminder of the historical traumas endured by China.
Today: Yuanmingyuan is a nationally protected heritage site in China. Every year, millions of visitors come not only to view the remaining ruins but also to immerse themselves in the rich and tragic layers of Chinese history it represents.

Exploring Yuanmingyuan – The Magnificent Ruins of the Qing Dynasty

Yuanmingyuan was once the imperial retreat of Qing emperors.

3. Introduction to Yuanmingyuan

3.1 Unique Architecture – A Fusion of East and West

Yuanmingyuan (the Old Summer Palace) captivates not only with its vast area of over 350 hectares, but also with its spatial design that reflects Eastern artistic philosophy and harmony with nature. The complex is composed of three main sections: Yuanmingyuan, Changchunyuan, and Qichunyuan—each with distinct characteristics that combine planned natural landscapes and refined palace architecture.

Scattered throughout the grounds were hundreds of traditional pavilions, scenic towers, stone bridges, and ancient temples, seamlessly set among lakes, artificial hills, and old-growth forests. This created a vivid and poetic landscape, both intimate with nature and expressive of the refined aesthetics of Qing court life.

One of the most remarkable features is the Western Mansions (Dàshuǐfǎ), which incorporated rare Western architectural elements into the imperial complex. Stone fountains, European-style sculptures, and symmetrical constructions introduced a striking yet harmonious blend of styles—reflecting the Qing dynasty’s openness to adaptation and innovation. There were even structures influenced by Tibetan and Mongolian styles, adding further diversity to the site.

Though much of the palace was destroyed by foreign invasion, the surviving ruins lend a melancholic beauty to the grounds. These remnants continue to draw visitors who appreciate historical architecture and classical Chinese culture, making Yuanmingyuan an unforgettable destination.

Though only remnants remain, the former grandeur and craftsmanship of Yuanmingyuan can still be felt.

3.2 Intricate Waterway System

Beyond its grand imperial architecture, Yuanmingyuan also stands out for its intricately designed water system—both symbolically rich and aesthetically stunning. Out of its vast 350-hectare expanse, approximately 140 hectares were dedicated to water features, including lakes, canals, and man-made streams.

What made the garden truly special was how these waterways mimicked the natural flow of major Chinese rivers, such as the Yangtze and the Yellow River. These winding streams gracefully flowed between ancient pavilions, pagodas, and lush groves, enhancing the harmony between architecture and nature.

Visitors today can enjoy a serene boat ride on the lake, passing under arched stone bridges and watching the reflection of ancient watchtowers shimmer on the water's surface. The entire experience evokes a rare sense of tranquility and Zen-like peace—right in the heart of modern Beijing.

Thanks to this masterful aquatic design, Yuanmingyuan is more than just an architectural relic—it is a living landscape masterpiece that captures the essence of traditional Chinese garden artistry.

Of the more than 350 hectares of Yuanmingyuan, approximately 140 hectares are water surfaces, including lakes, canals, and man-made streams.

3.3 Home to Priceless Cultural Relics

Among Yuanmingyuan’s most iconic treasures was the set of 12 bronze zodiac animal heads, which once adorned the fountain in front of the Haiyan Hall. These sculptures represented the 12 traditional Chinese zodiac signs: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

However, in 1860, during the Second Opium War, Yuanmingyuan suffered extensive looting and destruction at the hands of Anglo-French forces. Many invaluable artifacts—including the zodiac statues—were plundered and scattered across the world.

Over a century later, several of these bronze heads have been recovered and returned to China. Notably, the horse statue is now on display at Wenshu Pavilion (文殊亭), within the very grounds of Yuanmingyuan itself.

4. Tips for Visiting Yuanmingyuan

4.1 How to Get to Yuanmingyuan

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2. Getting from Central Beijing to Yuanmingyuan

How far is Yuanmingyuan from the Forbidden City? Yuanmingyuan is about 15 km northwest of the Forbidden City. Thanks to modern transport systems, visitors can conveniently travel between the two in 30–40 minutes via multiple options:

Subway: Take Line 4, get off at Yuanmingyuan Station, exit Gate B, then walk a short distance to the south gate of the park.

Public Bus:

South Gate (Nanmen): Bus 331, 432, 438, 498, 508, 579, 594, 601, 664, Yuntong 124, Special Line 18/19, or Sightseeing Line 3.
East Gate (Dongmen): Bus 365, 429, 432, 562, 614, 664, 681, 699, 717, 982, Yuntong 105/124/126, Special Line 4.
West Gate (Saoziying): Bus 333 (Inner & Outer), 393, 437, 438, 476, 498, 509, 534, 636, Special Line 6, Yuntong 106/108/114/118.
Taxi or ride-hailing services: Best for groups or travelers with luggage, offering a direct and faster route.

4.2 Admission Fees

In addition to the general park entrance fee, visitors who wish to explore the full site—including the European Palace Ruins and exhibition rooms—will need to pay extra:

Main Entrance Ticket: ¥10 CNY (~35,000 VND)
European Palace Area: ¥15 CNY (~52,000 VND)
Exhibition Halls: ¥10 CNY (~35,000 VND)

4.3 Opening Hours

Yuanmingyuan's opening hours vary by season:

January–March & November–December: 07:00 – 19:30
April, September, October: 07:00 – 20:30
May–August: 07:00 – 21:00

4.4 Best Time to Visit

Yuanmingyuan Park is suitable for year-round tourism, however, spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November) are the best times to visit. In spring, the air is cool, flowers bloom along the paths. Autumn attracts visitors with the romantic scene of falling yellow leaves, pleasant weather.

Summer (June - August) can be hot and rainy, but this is a great time to take a boat to see the lake, enjoy the green space. Winter (December - February) is cold but brings a very unique beauty - when snow covers the stone bridges, ancient towers and pavilions, creating a peaceful, poetic scene.

To fully experience the vast space and admire the outstanding works, you should spend at least 3 - 4 hours here. If you have time, combining a visit to both Yuanmingyuan and the Forbidden City in the same day is also a very reasonable choice.

Yuanmingyuan Park is suitable for visiting year-round, though spring and autumn offer the most pleasant experiences.

5. Nearby Attractions Around Yuanmingyuan, Beijing

After soaking in the classical beauty of Yuanmingyuan, travelers can easily extend their trip to other iconic destinations in Beijing. Here are some great nearby places to explore:

Beijing Olympic Park – ~10 km (~25 minutes by car): Home to the famous Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube, symbols of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The Forbidden City – ~21 km (~45 minutes by car): Former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, one of China’s most important cultural and historical landmarks.
Tiananmen Square – ~23 km (~50 minutes by car): China’s political and cultural center, often visited alongside the Forbidden City.
Temple of Heaven – ~26 km (~1 hour by car): Where emperors prayed for good harvests. The temple is renowned for its unique architecture and expansive green grounds.
The Great Wall (Mutianyu Section) – ~70 km (~2 hours by car): One of the most scenic and accessible sections of the Great Wall, especially popular with international tourists.

We hope this guide helps you better prepare for your Beijing adventure!

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