Beijing, an ancient and vibrant city, carries the profound history and splendid culture of Chinese civilization. Here, there are two world-famous royal gardens, the Old Summer Palace and the Summer Palace, each of which interprets the essence of ancient Chinese garden art in a unique way.
The Old Summer Palace, known as the "Garden of Ten Thousand Gardens", was once a treasure of the Qing Dynasty. Its water system design cleverly integrates the characteristics of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River and the gardens in the north, showing a different kind of beauty. The architecture, sculptures and landscaping of the garden are a testament to the skill and creativity of ancient craftsmen. Attractions such as Da Shui Fa and Haiyan Hall are even more forgettable. However, the vicissitudes of history have left a deep imprint on this garden. In the middle of the 19th century, the looting and burning of the Old Summer Palace by the British and French forces made the Old Summer Palace lose its former glory. Nowadays, we can only trace those lost moments in the heritage park and feel the thick historical atmosphere.
Unlike the beauty of the Old Summer Palace, the Summer Palace is known for its grandeur and magnificence. As one of the largest surviving imperial gardens, the Summer Palace was once the summer residence of the Empress Dowager Cixi and the place where the Qing Dynasty emperor handled government affairs. Walking in the Summer Palace, it is like passing through the tunnel of time and space, returning to that glorious era. Wanshou Mountain and Kunming Lake constitute the main landscape in the park, and the mountains and rivers depend on each other, and the beauty is breathtaking. The promenade, the seventeen-hole bridge, the Buddha incense pavilion and other buildings are even more breathtaking. Here, we can not only enjoy the majestic momentum and exquisite architecture of the royal gardens, but also feel the tranquility and harmony of nature on the shore of Kunming Lake.
Although the Old Summer Palace and the Summer Palace have different historical backgrounds and landscape characteristics, they are both treasures of ancient Chinese garden art and the pride of the Chinese nation. A visit to these two gardens not only allows us to appreciate the wisdom and talent of ancient craftsmen, but also allows us to find a haven of tranquility in the busy modern life. Whether you're interested in history and culture or have a soft spot for nature and culture, these two gardens will satisfy your needs and make your visit unforgettable.