Particularly beautiful during wintertime to me. It’s cold, but less crowds and everywhere can be picture background.

Although most of the structures have been destroyed, but this is a place that everyone should visit. Looking at the ruins, you can only imagine how glorious this place was and see the brilliance of the architect, engineer and the workmanship. There's nothing we can do about it being destroyed by the war, we can only hope the stolen artifices will be returned to where it belongs. Hopefully one day, we don't have to see those items in another country's museum. For those who are planning to visit this amazing park, please be prepared to walk for long hours. If you can, spend some fun time in the maze. My kids really enjoyed it. There is no restaurant in the park, but you can get some snacks and instant noodles in the souvenior shop. The park operates until quite late at night, but I won't advise to stay on unless you are familiar with the places, equipped with GPS or have a torch light with you. The last time I visited this park was in 2015. Lucky me, I saw black swans back then. This time I was not so lucky; perhaps there were too many motor boats operating on the lake. Nevertheless, Yuan Ming Yuan will always had a place in my memories due to its imperfection. Maybe we all need to lose sometime before we know how to appreciate it.

Compared to the hustle and grandure of the nearby Summer Palace, Yuanmingyuan is a serene and quiet alternative. Stroll through vast gardens and cool off next to calm ponds. Gaze at the swans occupying these once meticulous man-made lakes and look upon the destruction wrought by Western imperialism. There's lots to be seen here if your imagination works well and sections of non reconstructed original buildings which bring history to life. Very cheap tickets compared to just about any other tourist spot. Schedule at least 2 and a half hours for a laid back walk and make sure to bring your GPS enabled map.

This place is truly beautiful and a wonder of the world and attracts many tourists to visit.

Went for the ruins and I was not disappointed. Don't forget to pay for the whole entrance experience, totally worth it. Be prepared to put in the miles, especially if you are also visiting the Summer Palace the same day.

Impressive relic site of previous summer palace of Qing dynasty. Destroyed by British and French army during second opium war in 1860.

This park is especially beautiful in autumn. It’s very close to the subway. But normally in autumn when is the leaves turn yellow it will be full of people. So if you want to go here and take beautiful pictures you should go before 8 o’clock in the morning. Normally in high season, they would ask you to book ticket one day before you go. It’s always check this problem before you decide to visit how this park.

It is the most beautiful park i have ever seen. You can get all the basic information about the three gardens in old summer palace on various websites. It is easy to reach here by subway (line 4). Take the subway going to Anheqiao north and get down at Yuanmingyuan park station. Take the exit B, and you can see south gate of the park within few meters. The ticket was just 10 ¥ and it was super surprising. Once you enter and walk about 800meters there is a junction of 3 gardens. It is very difficult to locate the ruins as there are no actual signs leading to ruins. There are various sign boards along the way though that take you to various areas of the park. There is internal shuttle available as also, bikes. Personally I found fuhai area to be the most serene and beautiful area of the park. It's covered in dense trees and opening leads to the lake. One can walk along side the lake or sit at a bench and enjoy the view. Changchun garden is beautiful. There is a lotus viewing area although to be frank, there were only handful of lotuses when I visited. Nevertheless its beautiful. There is an exhibit of bronze statues which is some kind of testament to the origin of chinese zodiacs. One can take a quick look. All in all beautiful place.

Yuanmingyuan or old summer palace is a historical attraction originally called imperial garden, the complex of palace and garden build in 1750 but largely destroyed in the war of 1860. We can see the ruins of yuanmingyuan that is still well maintained. This location is very large but you will enjoy walking and sightseeing because there are many spots to enjoy. Make sure you are using sport shoes/any comfortable flat shoes. For me this is not the best park in beijing to enjoy the garden but it worth a visit..

Yuanmingyuan Park is a mesmerizing testament to China's rich history and the splendor of its imperial past. This park is an absolute treasure trove of cultural significance, offering a blend of scenic beauty and historical remnants that left me utterly captivated. Walking through the vast grounds, I was enchanted by the remnants of ancient buildings, serene lakes, and carefully landscaped gardens. The park's layout beautifully combines elements of Chinese and Western architectural influences, creating a unique and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Exploring the ruins, particularly the intricate European-style buildings and the majestic waterways, offered a glimpse into the opulence of the Qing Dynasty. The juxtaposition of Eastern and Western design elements within the same space was truly intriguing and added depth to the historical narrative. The park's ambiance is serene and contemplative, providing a perfect setting for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It's a place where one can appreciate the fusion of art, architecture, and nature while reflecting on the significance of the artifacts and the stories they hold. While some structures lay in ruin, the remains evoke a sense of wonder and a poignant reminder of the park's rich history. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate, sharing stories that brought the park's past to life. For anyone seeking a profound connection to China's imperial history, Yuanmingyuan Park is an absolute must-visit. It's a place that not only preserves history but also sparks curiosity and imagination about a bygone era.

The Old Summer Palace is beautiful to visit and very spacious. If you have time a walk around the lakes it is very relaxing. Bring drinks and food though as prices inside are very expensive.

Great historical park in Beijng!

Very good preserved historical site. Huge area so be prepared to walk a lot. Went during January winter. Extremely cold with no shelter, so be sure to keep oneself warm (thermal bottle, layers of clothing).

A historic site which worth to be rated as a world heritage which was built in the Qing Dynasty as summer palance for the King, There is a huge fountain near the Western Mansion was planned and designed by the Jesuit Giuseppe Castiglione. It is sad that the structure was destoryed by westerner during Opium War

Amazing huge garden and be prepared to spend about half a day here doing all the walking and finding out the history behind this place. Suggest to take the ferry boat at some point to cut short the walking journey. Enjoy this place very much!

So cool, sadly went a little late so couldn’t see it all. What an amazing piece of history