Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace)
7.8Locals Score / 10#6 of 12 Parks & Outdoors in Beijing
$
Known forimperial heritageruinsHaidiansummer lotus
The ruins of the imperial garden complex destroyed by Anglo-French forces in 1860 make for one of Beijing's most historically poignant and visually striking park experiences. The famous European-style marble ruins in the northern section are iconic, but the vast lotus lake in summer and the quieter Chinese garden sections to the south are equally rewarding. It's larger and less crowded than the nearby Summer Palace, making it a better choice for reflective exploration. Bring water and comfortable shoes — the grounds are enormous and food options inside are limited.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | — |
| Time needed | — |
| Best time to go | — |
| Last verified | July 14, 2026 |
Locals Score
7.8/10- Value8.0
- Iconic7.5
- Excellence8.5
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility7.5
Nearby in Ask Beijing
- Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)Park2.14 km · 27 min walk
- WudaokouNeighborhood3.77 km · 47 min walk
- Olympic Forest ParkPark8.28 km · 103 min walk
- China Science and Technology MuseumMuseum8.56 km · 107 min walk
- Olympic Park and the Bird's NestAttraction8.57 km · 107 min walk
Where to stay near Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace)
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