Yuanmingyuan Park Beijing: Ruins and Reflections

#chinatravel Located in Beijing’s Haidian District, Yuanmingyuan Park—also known as the Old Summer Palace—offers a striking mix of beauty and melancholy for photographers. Once an imperial masterpiece, its Western-style stone ruins stand quietly among shimmering lakes and willow-lined paths. I love framing the broken columns against soft morning light or capturing their reflections in still water, where history feels almost tangible. Seasonal changes add endless variety—spring blossoms soften the grandeur, while autumn leaves paint the ruins in gold. Yuanmingyuan isn’t just a park; it’s a poetic reminder of faded glory, preserved through light, shadow, and the lens.