The Old Summer Palace, known as Yuanming Yuan, once served as a summer retreat for Chinese emperors from the 15th to the mid-19th centuries. Located in Beijing, this expansive site, comparable in size to New York’s Central Park, now stands as a poignant reminder of its former grandeur. Today, visitors can walk among the remnants of what was once a magnificent imperial complex, including marble chunks, crumbling statues, and broken columns. These ruins offer a glimpse into the rich history and the architectural splendor that once defined this imperial haven.
Travel Themes & Experiences
Julian Sterling
June 15, 2026
