Colorful Autumn in Beijing - Lion Grove, Old Summer Palace.

The Lion Grove in Yuanmingyuan is a garden in the Changchun Garden of Yuanmingyuan. It is located in the northeast of Changchun Garden. It is not far from the east gate of the park. The construction of the Lion Grove began in 1747 (the 12th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign) and was completed in 1772 (the 37th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign). The design of this garden was inspired by the garden of the same name in Suzhou. After visiting Suzhou, Emperor Qianlong was impressed by it and decided to imitate it in the royal garden. The Lion Grove in Changchun Garden was severely damaged during the British and French invasion of China in 1860, and many buildings and cultural relics were damaged or lost. In 1994, the Lion Grove site was partially cleaned and restored, and three stone bridges, Hongqiao, Shuiguan and Shuimen, were excavated, and 32 plaques and poems written by Emperor Qianlong were restored and protected. Every autumn, it is like a colorful painting. 🍁 Best viewing period: late October to early November.