The architecture and all its paintings is impressive. I spent a whole day there. Very crowded. Worth a visit but wouldn't go back. Similar to other Temples around China but wayyy bigger.

This is the place where 3 of the Emperors lived and worked during summer seasons. A must see and experienced the way those emperors spent their time in a very relaxed and country like environment. Strongly advised that you board the boat (around $10) then...More

As the royal garden, this place has, for me, more beauty and story than the summer palace. The ruined stones, the wilder lake, trees dance in the spring wind and the long lane shadowed by the ginkgo trees, all these appear natural and calm. The...More

The park was beautiful when I was there, full of flowers and blossoms. The areas closest to the entrance are busiest but if you're prepared to walk a bit there are lots of quiet areas. The maze is worth a visit, to enter this and...More

We have now implemented a new yearly field trip to Yuanmingyuan as it is such a nice stroll through historic ruins and nature. If you try and go on a weekend, you will think this is an awful place because of the massive amounts of...More

This imperial garden was plundered and destroyed in the 1800's by barbaric anglo-french forces. The ruins have been left in place to remind us of the barbaric violence that took place here. Very large garden with lots to see. And as each tour group arrives,...More

For some reason, I never had the opportunity to visit this famous park. Its historic role plays an important part in present-day's feelings of nationalism. But when going there, it's just fun and wonderful scenery.

Said to be China's No 1 Fengshui place, the Old Summer Palace is a great place to spend the day, its ponds and pavilions make one feel the glory of the Emperor.

Yuanmingyuan covers a large area and was razed and plundered by British and French forces. Buy the package ticket so you can enter the Western style garden. The stone portions of the garden are what remains. The 12 zodiac animal heads are stolen from the...More

Also known as ruins of Yuanmingyuan, this was formally an Imperial Garden, now mostly in ruins. It was destroyed by the Anglo-French Allied Forces in 1860. Treasures were plundered and displayed in their country's museums. A park is now on the ruined gardens, so visitors...More