Royal gardens of the Qing dynasty usually integrate the essence of various gardens from home and abroad, and present changing views and characteristics of famous gardens, such as Xiyuan Sanhai (now Zhongnanhai), the Old Summer Palace, and the Qingyi Yuan (Garden of Clear Ripples). But the Old Summer Palace is especially prominent.

It enjoyed a good reputation all over the world with its large scale, outstanding construction techniques, splendid building complex, and rich cultural collections. The garden inherited the tradition of Chinese royal gardens of more than 3,000 years. It featured elegance and luxury of royal architectures, and the gentleness and gorgeousness of gardens in the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. In the meantime, it also learned from the style of European gardens. The overall layout is harmonious and perfect, symbolizing the high level of construction techniques of Chinese ancient gardens.

The Old Summer Palace was a gift for Emperor Kangxi’s fourth son, Yongzheng. At that time, it was outclassed by Changchun Garden. Later the Emperor Yongzheng ascended the throne, and greatly expanded the imperial garden. Unfortunately, owing to the wars inthe end of the Qing Dynasty, we cannot witness its glory with our eyes, but it can be learned from the literatures.

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