Beijing, Old Summer Palace, July 2015
The Old Summer Palace, Yuanmingyuan, was a complex of palaces, temples, and gardens built just outside of Beijing starting in the 18th century by the Qing dynasty. It was looted and destroyed by French and British troops in 1860, during the Second Opium War.
Little remains of the original structures, though the network of lakes and waterways remains. Apart from a few stone platforms, most of the remains are from the "Western Mansions", European-style stone buildings. A few temples and bridges have been re-constructed.
I was there during the annual Lotus Festival, July-August, when the lakes are full of blooms.
Read MoreLittle remains of the original structures, though the network of lakes and waterways remains. Apart from a few stone platforms, most of the remains are from the "Western Mansions", European-style stone buildings. A few temples and bridges have been re-constructed.
I was there during the annual Lotus Festival, July-August, when the lakes are full of blooms.
