[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for Lion Grove, Old Summer Palace (Updated Jun)

Lion Grove Garden was first built in 1342 during the Yuan Dynasty by the eminent monk Tianru Zen Master in memory of his teacher Zhongfeng Zen Master. Initially named "Lion Grove Temple," it earned its title both from the Taihu rock formations resembling lion prides and the Buddhist scripture reference to the "lion's roar" (symbolizing the majesty of Buddhist teachings). Originally a Zen monastery, its layout incorporated the Buddhist concept of Mount Sumeru, with its rockeries symbolizing a "maze" for practitioners to navigate through spiritual obstacles. During the Ming Xuande era, the temple fell into disrepair and was converted into a private garden. Through renovations by painter Ni Zan and the Bei family, it gradually adopted the refined aesthetics of Jiangnan literati culture. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited six times during his southern tours, composing over ten poems and personally inscribing the plaque "True Delight" (still displayed in the True Delight Pavilion). He also commissioned artists to replicate the garden's scenery in Beijing's Old Summer Palace and Chengde Mountain Resort. In the late Qing and early Republic era, the garden became the private retreat of Bei Runsheng (the "Dye King"), who spent seven years restoring the rockeries and adding features like the Stone Boat and Yan Yu Hall, shaping its current layout. In 1954, the Bei family donated Lion Grove Garden to the state, opening it to the public. Today, it preserves the Yuan-era rockery core, Ming-Qing architectural elements, and historical relics like Emperor Qianlong's stele and Ni Zan's "Lion Grove" stone carvings, standing as a living testament to Jiangnan garden evolution.

3-Hour Best Route to Explore 15 Scenic Spots in Yuanmingyuan Park‼️ 💃Visiting the imperial garden again, I was still deeply impressed. It's hard to imagine how beautiful the "Garden of Ten Thousand Gardens" was😀 The peach blossom forest🌸 throughout the garden is breathtakingly beautiful, thriving among the historical ruins. If you come to Beijing in spring, you must see the spring scenery of Yuanmingyuan Park‼️ 📸Basic Information: 📍Location: Yuanmingyuan Park, Haidian District, Beijing 🚇Transportation: Subway Line 4, Yuanmingyuan Station, Exit B 🎫Tickets: Main gate ticket 10/person, recommended to buy a through ticket 25/person ⏰Opening Hours: Nov 1–Mar 31, 06:30–19:30, last entry at 17:30❗️ Apr 1–Oct 31, 06:00–21:00, last entry at 19:00❗️ 🚃Park Route: 🚇Yuanmingyuan Station Exit B➡️Yuanmingyuan Museum➡️Intersection of Three Gardens➡️Stone Boat Ruins➡️Fuhai Lake➡️Xieqiqu➡️Huang Hua Zhen (The Garden of Yellow Flowers)➡️Haiyantang➡️Yuanmingyuan Exhibition Hall➡️The Grand Fountain➡️Panoramic Model of Yuanmingyuan➡️Lion Forest➡️East Gate Exit🚌 ☀️Detailed Introduction of Scenic Spots: 🎈Yuanmingyuan Museum: Learn about the history of Yuanmingyuan Park. 🎈Zhengjue Temple: Visit the Horse Head and learn about its return. The heads of the Dragon, Snake, Goat, Rooster, and Dog are still missing. We look forward to their return soon. 🎈Fenglinzhou Island: 🎈Stone Boat Ruins: Located in the Bieyoudongtian scenic area of Qichunyuan, originally called "Huohua Fang" (Animated Painting Boat). 🎈Intersection of Three Gardens: The intersection of Yuanmingyuan, Changchunyuan, and Qichunyuan. 🎈Fuhai Lake: Fuhai Lake🌊 is vast, modeled after the West Lake, where you can enjoy boat rides. Mountains⛰️ are visible in the distance. 🎈Changchunyuan: You can see the blooming peach blossom forest🌸 when passing by. 🎈Xieqiqu: Where Emperor Qianlong tasted Western food and enjoyed Western music. 🎈Huang Hua Zhen Maze: During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the emperor would sit in the central pavilion, and the court ladies and concubines would hold flower lanterns and compete to see who could get out of the maze first to win a reward. 🎈Haiyantang: The twelve animal heads would take turns spouting water⛲️ every two hours, and all spouted together at noon, commonly known as the "Water Clock," which could be used to tell the time. 🎈Yuanmingyuan Exhibition Hall: Showcases the construction, prosperity, destruction, and restoration of Yuanmingyuan Park. 🎈The Grand Fountain: The landmark building of Yuanmingyuan Park. 🎈Guanshuifa (Water Viewing Pavilion): A throne facing south, where the emperor watched the rainbow created by the Grand Fountain. 🎈Panoramic Model of Yuanmingyuan: A 1:150 scale model of Yuanmingyuan Park, providing a clear view of the distribution of the three gardens and related buildings. 🎈Lion Forest: A replica of the Lion Forest in Suzhou, built after Emperor Qianlong visited Suzhou. 🌸Flower Viewing Route: Qichunyuan (South Gate)➡️Fenglinzhou Island➡️Hanyuelou➡️Biyoudongtian➡️Stone Boat Ruins➡️Jiuzhou Qingyan Scenic Area➡️Bitong Shuyuan➡️Wuling Chunse➡️Taohuawu➡️Yuediyunjue➡️Zaoyuan Gate

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.

As I strolled through the majestic gates of the Old Summer Palace Garden in Beijing, I felt transported to a world of tranquility and beauty. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The garden's breathtaking landscapes, intricately designed temples, and serene water features create a sense of harmony and balance. I wandered along winding paths, taking in the vibrant colors and delicate scents of the meticulously manicured gardens. As I explored, I uncovered the rich history and cultural significance of this imperial retreat, once a summer residence for Chinese emperors. The garden's blend of traditional Chinese architecture and European influences is a testament to its fascinating past. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking a relaxing retreat, the Old Summer Palace Garden is a true gem. So come and immerse yourself in its beauty, serenity, and timeless charm. #OldSummerPalaceGarden #Beijing #ChineseHeritage"

Gorgeous Chinese garden. Monks that visited long ago said that the numerous unique rock sculptures and formations appeared as though there were lions prowling through the garden forest - hence the name. Truly beautiful. It's incredibly beautiful here. The stones are like a rocky maze and there is so much to see since it is a really big garden. There are lots of people here since it's a popular tourist attraction and only cost 40¥ to come in. #shanghaitrip