The Reopening of Yimu Garden Park

Address: Southwest Corner of the Old Summer Palace, Haidian District, Beijing Admission: Free Yimu Garden Park in Beijing is located at the southwest corner of the Old Summer Palace. In 1860, during the reign of Emperor Xianfeng, the Anglo-French forces burned down the Five Gardens, leaving the lakes ruined and lotus flowers withered. Starting in 2015, the Haidian District government undertook extensive efforts to clear and restore the area, removing illegal structures and debris. The park was completed in 2024, restoring its former splendor. Fan-shaped Lake, originally named "Front Lake," was expanded in 1763 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong to address waterlogging issues in front of the main gate of the Old Summer Palace. Emperor Qianlong composed a poem titled "Front Lake" detailing its history, which was inscribed on a stone tablet erected on the western shore of the lake. The Kunlun Stone seen today is a replica, with the original preserved at the Beijing Dayuan Hotel. To the west of Fan-shaped Lake lies Yimu Terrace, offering close-up views of the lake and distant vistas of the three hills—Fragrant Hills Pagoda, Jade Spring Pagoda, and Incense Burner Peak—clearly visible on the horizon. The park also features a section of the Imperial Road, with the Empress Temple located to its north. The temple is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit on a Sunday. The well at the temple entrance, lined with white jade, exudes a deep and tranquil aura. The winding canal meanders through the trees like a silver ribbon encircling the park. With blooming lotus flowers, elegant black swans gliding across the water, dancing tree shadows, and murmuring streams, the park offers an exceptionally beautiful and serene environment—perfect for leisurely walks or jogging.