The Old Summer Palace, or Yuanmingyuan

Also in northwest Beijing, this park was begun in 1709 and was completed 150 years later. It was extolled as the "garden of gardens", with its exquisite landscapes, Chinese-style palaces and western Baroque buildings, art and cultural relics over 347 hectares.

However, it was obliterated in a few days in 1860 during the Second Opium War (1860-1862), when the British and French forces plundered and burned it to the ground. The garden was looted and burned again after partial restoration in 1900 when the Eight-Power Allied Forces of Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Italy and Austria occupied Beijing.

Of the once magnificent buildings, all that remains are a few ruins, a sorry reminder of past splendors. The sprawling compound still impresses with its aura of faded glory.

Cost: 10 yuan ($1.5)

Opening Hours: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Transport: This site is best served by taxis.

Website: www.yuanmingyuanpark.com