The Old Summer Palace After the Fire

1. Transportation 🚇 Subway: Take Line 4 and get off at Yuanmingyuan Station, exit from Gate B and walk to reach the destination. 🚌 Bus: Take multiple bus routes to the South Gate or East Gate of Yuanmingyuan. 2. Opening Hours The Old Summer Palace is open year-round. Free admission is offered on three special dates: Cultural Heritage Day (the second Saturday of June), Yuanmingyuan Memorial Day (October 18), and National Defense Day (the third Saturday of September). 3. Tickets Ticket prices for the Old Summer Palace vary depending on the season and promotional policies. It is recommended to check the official website or consult staff for the latest ticket information before your visit 🎫. 4. Attractions 1. **Zhengjue Temple**: Located on the west side of Qichun Garden, this is a typical Lama temple and the only surviving ancient structure of the Old Summer Palace 😃. 2. **Pengdao Yaotai (Fairyland on Penglai Island)**: Situated in the largest water area, Fuhai Lake, it was one of the "Forty Scenes of Yuanmingyuan," embodying the classic Chinese "one pond with three hills" landscape design 🤩. 3. **Quyuan Fenghe (Lotus Garden)**: Composed of a group of garden buildings, a nine-arch bridge, and vast lotus ponds, it is an ideal spot for lotus viewing 😍. 4. **Western-Style Buildings**: The first European-style garden complex in China, featuring over ten structures and courtyards such as Xieqiqu, Huanghuazhen (Maze), Yangquelong (Aviary), Fangwaiguan, Haiyantang, Yuanyingguan, Dashuifa (Grand Fountain), Guanshuifa, Xianfashan, and Xianfahua. Built mainly with white marble and intricately carved, only ruins remain today 🤯. 5. **Hanqiu Hall**: A south-facing grand hall with seven bays, inscribed with Emperor Jiaqing’s calligraphy "Hanqiu Guan." The courtyard features a rock fountain and abundant greenery, showcasing the autumn scenery of Qichun Garden 🤗. 6. **Ginkgo Avenue**: Located in the western ruins where the three gardens of Yuanmingyuan converge, this famous 1,000-meter-long avenue is a prime spot for ginkgo tree views. In autumn, the golden ginkgo avenue becomes a paradise for photographers 🤩. 5. Recommended Routes 1. **Enter from the South Gate**: South Gate → Jianbi Pavilion (cultural products) → Hanqiu Hall → Xianren Chenglu → Three-Arch Bridge (cultural products) → Ginkgo Avenue → Western Ruins Entrance → Western-Style Ruins → Eastern Ruins Entrance → Panoramic Model → Lion Grove → Exit via East Gate. 2. **Enter from the East Gate**: East Gate → Panoramic Model → Lion Grove → Eastern Ruins Entrance → Western-Style Ruins → Western Ruins Entrance → Ginkgo Avenue → Three-Arch Bridge (cultural products) → Xianren Chenglu → Hanqiu Hall → Jianbi Pavilion (cultural products) → Exit via South Gate. 6. Tips 1. The Old Summer Palace is vast; plan for at least half a day to explore. 2. Protect cultural relics and the environment—avoid touching or damaging them. 3. Autumn is the most beautiful season, especially for the Ginkgo Avenue. 4. Learning about the history and culture beforehand will enhance your appreciation of the gardens. Hope this guide helps you enjoy your visit to the Old Summer Palace! 😉