Yuanmingyuan, which embodies the essence of ancient gardening art in China, was the most outstanding large-scale garden at that time. Emperor Qianlong put it well: "There is no better place, a place full of treasures and spirits." But also occupies an important position in the history of world landscape architecture. Its reputation spread to Europe, and it was called "Garden of Ten Thousand Gardens".

Hugo, a great French writer, commented on 186 1: "Just imagine that it is a fascinating building like the castle of the Moon Palace, and the Summer Palace is such a building." It is often said that Greece has the Parthenon, Egypt has the pyramids, Rome has the Colosseum and the East has the Summer Palace. This is an amazing and unparalleled masterpiece.

Extended data

The Yuanmingyuan, which was just built and destroyed, has experienced more than one hundred years. At first, Yuanmingyuan was built under the order of Emperor Kangxi, who personally nominated it. This garden was originally prepared for Yongzheng, and later Yongzheng paid special attention to the construction of the garden.

Later, Yuanmingyuan was in the hands of Emperor Qianlong. After continuous expansion, the Yuanmingyuan covers an area of more than 3,000 mu. During the Qianlong period, Yuanmingyuan was greatly improved, and two gardens were built next to it.

Yuanmingyuan not only has beautiful scenery, but also contains many precious cultural treasures. Unfortunately, at the end of the Qing Dynasty, the Qing government was constantly corrupt and backward, which led the invaders to plunder and occupy Yuanmingyuan. During the Xianfeng period, the British and French allied forces at that time had arrived in the capital, and the Qing Dynasty could not resist at all.

The British army accused the Qing government of a crime that did not exist, insisting that the Qing government held British prisoners of war, and these prisoners of war were likely to be held in Yuanmingyuan. As a result, some brutal acts happened and they began to rob the treasure inside. There are countless things packed away, and some things that cannot be taken away are directly destroyed.

Because of a big fire, the magnificent Yuanmingyuan was burned into ruins. Later, Eight-Nation Alliance attacked and experienced another trauma. It was originally a pearl in the eyes, but it became dim and even lost its fragrance because of its master's cowardice. I'm really sorry.

Reference source; Baidu encyclopedia-Yuanmingyuan