Brief History of Yuan Ming Yuan
Yuan Ming Yuan, originally called the Imperial Gardens, was a complex of palaces and gardens located 8 km northwest of the walls of Beijing, built in the 18th and early 19th centuries, where the emperor of the Qing Dynasty resided and handled government affairs. Known for its extensive collection of garden and building architectures and other works of art, the Imperial Gardens were entirely destroyed by troops from Britain and France in 1860.
Yuan Ming Yuan in traditional Chinese painting
The Initial construction of Yuan Ming Yuan began in 1707, during the reign of Emperor Kangxi and was originally on quite a small scale. It was intended as a gift for the emperor's fourth son, later Emperor Yongzheng. In 1725, under Emperor Yongzheng, the Imperial Gardens were greatly expanded. Yongzheng introduced the waterworks of the gardens which created some of the lakes, streams and ponds which greatly complemented the rolling hills and grounds. Yongzheng also named 28 scenic spots within the garden.
By Emperor Qianlong's reign, the second expansion was well underway. Qianlong personally took interest and directed the expansion works. Qianlong also increased the number of scenic spots in the gardens to 40. By the middle of the 19th century, the Imperial Gardens had undergone expansion in one form or another for over 150 years.