Old Summer Palace Collection

The emperor's eldest son smoking a tobacco pipe with his wife playing the pipa
FLO4590172 The emperor's eldest son smoking a tobacco pipe with his wife playing the pipa and her attendant in the gardens of the Old Summer Palace, Yuanming Yuan

Old Summer Palace of Yuen Ming Yuen (Yuanming Yuan), Haidian, Peking, Qing Dynasty
FLO4590125 Old Summer Palace of Yuen Ming Yuen (Yuanming Yuan), Haidian, Peking, Qing Dynasty. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Andrea Freschi after Antoine Cardon

Fountain Gate, Yuan Ming Yuan, c. 1870 (b / w photo)
498374 Fountain Gate, Yuan Ming Yuan, c.1870 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Old Summer Palace, known in China as the Yuan Ming Yuan Palace)

New Years Festival at the Pavilion of Pure Brightness. Detail: winter sports games. Found in the Collection of Palace Museum, Beijing

Ornate Golden Dragon Lamp Post Yuanming Yuan Old Summer Palace Willows Beijing China
Ornate Golden Dragon Lamp Post, Old Summer Palace, Beijing, China

Ancient Gate Ruins Pillars Old Summer Palace Yuanming Yuan Beijing China Old Summer
Ancient Gate Ruins of the Old Summer Palace, Yuanming Yuan, Beijing, China

Palace of Yuan Ming Yuan, Beijing, China. in 1786 : The South Facade of Hai Yen Tang. 16 July 1927

Old Summer Palace of Iman Yahya, Dar Al Hayjar, Yemen, Middle East

An arched bridge at Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), Beijing, China, Asia

Water liliy at Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), Beijing, China, Asia

A pavilion among lily pads on a lake at Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), Beijing, China, Asia

A walkway among lily pads at Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), Beijing, China, Asia

A pavilion in the maze area of Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), Beijing, China, Asia

European Palace ruins at Yuanmingyuan (The Old Summer Palace), Beijing, China, Asia

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The Old Summer Palace, also known as Yuanming Yuan, is a majestic testament to the grandeur of Beijing, China. As you wander through its ornate golden dragon lamp posts and admire the breathtaking view of the Imperial Winter Palace with its artificial hill on a crisp October day, you can't help but be transported back in time. One cannot miss the Fountain Gate at Yuan Ming Yuan captured in a timeless black and white photograph from around 1870. It stands as a reminder of the opulence that once graced this magnificent palace complex. Sadly, another image shows us the aftermath of destruction - the burning of the Imperial Summer Palace after it fell victim to flames. Amidst these ruins lies The Belvedere of the God of Literature, an architectural gem frozen in time by another monochrome photo from 1860. This structure exudes elegance and intellectuality even today. Art objects from these palaces were carefully preserved and displayed in Empress Eugenie's Musee Chinois at Fontainebleau. These albumen prints from 1861-63 transport us across continents to witness their beauty firsthand. However, not all treasures were respectfully relocated. French spoils taken during this period are also documented through albumen prints capturing their journey back home. But it wasn't just art that made this place special; it was alive with vibrant festivities too. The New Year's Festival at Pavilion of Pure Brightness saw winter sports games taking center stage - a celebration that brought joy to both locals and visitors alike. As we explore further into this historical site, ancient gate ruins stand tall amidst willow trees - remnants that remind us of what once stood here: pillars symbolizing strength and resilience against time's relentless march forward. And finally, Canqiao Ruined Bridge serves as a poignant reminder that nothing lasts forever. Yet despite its dilapidated state, surrounded by nature's beauty like old summer palace willows, it still holds a certain charm that captivates all who visit.