The Cellar - Urban Impression

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From July 18 to August 20, it is the Lotus Festival this year.

Inner Gate

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Qichunyuan(Garden of Blossoming Spring)

Situated to the south of Yuanmingyuan and Changchunyuan, this was originally a small garden presented to Prince Yunxiang, thirteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. It was expanded during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng. The next emperor, Qianlong, presented the garden to Fu Heng, Grand Academician and Minister of State. In 1770, Qichunyuan took its present name, and was incorporated into Yuanmingyuan. A supervisor was appointed to manage the garden, but large-scale renovation and expansion were not initiated until 1795. In 1805, Emperor Jiaqing composed 30 poems to celebrate the over ten scenic spots. With its new palace gate finished in 1809, the garden reached its prime by 1814.

In 1821, the eastern part of the garden was renovated for the empress dowagers and imperial consorts, while the western part was taken by Emperor Daoguang, then Xianfeng.

In 1860 when the Qing Empire was defeated in the Opium War, the garden suffered severe damage at the hands of the Ango-French Forces. Only a few buildings, such as Zhuangyan Fajie (Realm of the Solemn Dharma), the Huiji (Enlightened Benevolence) Temple, Lumanxuan (Chamber of Overflowing Greenness) and the palace gates, survived the fire. It was renamed Wanchunyuan (Garden of a Thousand Springtimes) when Emperor Tongzhi had some buildings repaired. But the whole garden was once again destroyed in 1900 by the Eight-Power Allied Forces. Today, of this exquisite imperial garden once so highly eulogized, only but a dozen or so ravaged rooms of the Zhengjue (Enlightenment) Temple lie there, in silent testimony.

In 1986, Yuanmingyuan Park staff cleared and revitalized the hills and water system of Qichunyuan. So far, a few sights, such as the new palace gates, the Jianbi Pavilion (Pavilion in a Blue Mirror), the Haoran (Noble Spirit)Pavilion, and Xianren Chenglu (Platform of Immortal Receiving Heavenly Dew) have been restored.

Jianbi Pavilion (Pavilion in a Blue Mirror)

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This pavilion was originally built around 1811. Tall, spacious, and with four sides, it commanded a beautiful view from the center of a lake. The present one was restored in 1993, covering a floor space of 256 square meters.

Remnants of a Stone Bridge

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The remnants lie to the north of the Janbi Pavilion. In its prime, the three gardens of Yuanmingyuan boasted 200 bridges of different styles and materials. But only the remnants of this single-arch stone bridge remain to this day.

Thanks Billy,Those are great.

Hey Beestie, Can you tell me who keeps calling and hanging up without leaving a message? Thx.

The ruin bridge reminds most people about the history.

Xianren Chenglu (Platform of Immortal Receiving Heavenly Dew)

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This vista was located on a hill on the western side of the lake containing the Fenglin Islet. According to legend, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (reigning 140-87 BC) longed for an eternal life. When he heard that swallowing jade powder mixed with heavenly dew could help him attain his desire, he ordered the making of a bronze immortal holding a plate at the Jianzhang Temple in Xi'an. A bronze statue of the same kind was erected at Qichunyuan during Emperor Jiaqing['s reign, which disappeared when the garden was destroyed. Today, standing in its place is a sculpture of black marble carved in 1989, its size and style designed in accordance with a picture preserved by the Qing court.

Haoran (Noble Spirit) Pavilion

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This pavilion is located on a small island to the north of the Fenglin Islet. Built before 1781, the four-sided pavilion had a double-eaved roof. The present one is a hexagonal structure with double eaves, completed in 1992.

Hanjingtang (Tripataka Hall)

The building was very huge.

The force destroyed our building, cluture and history.

The carving skills are wonderful.