[Photo from visitbeijing.com.cn]

[Photo from visitbeijing.com.cn]

The Garden originally had a great lake in the middle of it, and surrounded by Nine Islets. Various temples and pavilions are scattered around. Artisans have borrowed various sights from all over the country, including garden architecture from Suzhou, mountain scenery from Huangshan and the temple and monastery buildings as well. Be prepared to walk and feast your eyes on its distinctive architecture.

The islets can be divided into three gardens: the western section - Yuanmingyuan (Garden of Perfection and Brightness), southern Changchunyuan (Garden of Eternal Spring) and eastern Wanchunyuan (Garden of Eternal Spring). You will find the European Garden with its Great Fountain Ruins in Changchunyuan (Garden of Eternal Spring), which is considered the best-preserved relic in the palace.

Yuanmingyuan Garden is the largest of the three gardens, boasting of 48 scenic spots, which are divided into smaller areas. Construction inside the garden include Zhengda Guangming Hall, where emperors handled political affairs; Jiuzhou Qingyan Hall where the imperial family dined; Anyou Palace where sacrificial ceremonies were held; Wenyuan Pavilion where books were stored; and Broken Bridge, Fallen Snow, a scenic spot imitating the style of West Lake. The garden holds numerous books, calligraphies, paintings, and treasures.

Hundreds of scenic spots in the Garden are made up of exquisitely constructed halls, pavilions, chambers, kiosks, earth and rock hills, rivers and ponds, and exotic flowers and grasses from different parts of the country. It embodies Chinese ancient landscape gardening.

Emperors and empresses of the late Qing lived luxurious lifestyles at the palace, spending money excessively. In the 10th year (1860) of Emperor Xianfeng, the English and French armies invaded Beijing and burned the palace to the ground. The remaining carved stone columns are a reminder of the crimes committed by imperialist powers.