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 imperial gardens - Yuanmingyuan
Being the cream of Chinese imperial gardens,
Yuanmingyuan was world renowned as "Leader of Gardens". Its
construction began in the 48th year of Emperor Kangxi's Reign (1709).
It comprised three gardens centered on Fuhai (Lake of Fortune):
Changchungyuan (Garden of Everlasting Spring) lying in the east, Yuanmingyuan (Garden of Perfection and Brightness) in the west, and
Wangchungyuan (Garden of Ten-thousand Springs) in the south.
Yuanmingyuan was a resort used by the feudal rulers for rest and
pleasure as well as for holding audiences and attending to state
affairs. Its unique architectures and accompanying scenery embodied
the finest styles found in scenic spots and places of interests both
in China and abroad. Most of the buildings were in the best
traditional Chinese palace architectural styles, while occidental
styles of arts in palace construction were also absorbed to produce a
harmonious combination. One of the examples was the group of the
"Western Buildings" i n Changchungyuan, of which the main body was
modeled on Barolk style but topped with traditional Chinese
glazed-tile roofs. As a creation, the perfect combination of Chinese
and western architectures added fresh contents to Chinese garden
construction.
One-third of the ground of Yuanmingyuan was taken up by
over 200 small hills in the scenic area where precipitous cliffs,
secluded valleys, steep rock walls and stone caves zigzagged their way
about.
Half of it was covered by waters of the vast lake and
the serpentine streams and ponds. In Yuanmingyuan there were towers,
terraces, pavilions, halls, corridors, pagodas, bridges etc. of
different sizes, with a total construction area of 150,000 square
meters, corresponding to that of the Imperial Palace. The multifarious
architectures standing encircled by hills and rivulets and
amidstbeautiful flowers and exquisite waters, presented a picturesque
view. Of the total 160 scenic attractions in Yuanmingyuan, many were
imitations of scenic mountains and rivers and famous gardens in China.
Unfortunately, theis header of
 Gardens was reduced to
ruins by the fire the invading Anglo-French Joint Forces set to it in
1860, which lasted three days and nights. The remaining columns of the
Western Buildings and other ruins serve as a reminder of the barbarity
as well as the fierce resistance then.
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