Yuanmingyuan, or the Old Summer Palace, also known as "Garden of Gardens". is 5 times the size of the Forbiden City.

It is renowned for extensive collection of garden and building architecture. The initial construction began in 1707, druing reign of Emperor Kangxi, and the expansion continued for next 150 years. Druing the Second Opium War in 1860, it was destroyed by British and French troops. The blaze burnt for three days, and only 13 royal buildings survived. More than 1 million pieces of treasure were looted.

In 1900, it was destroyed for the second time by the Eight-Power Allied Forces, nothing remained this time. Many relics ended up in foreign museums and private collections.

Restitute picture of Yuanmingyuan