Yuan Ming Yuan, translated, "Garden of Gardens," is located in Dunhuang, China. It was built in 1707 by the Kangxi emperor, and at one time was considered China's largest and most luxurious imperial garden. 
Today most of it lies in ruins. Much of it was destroyed by French and British troops in the Second Opium War of 1860. Still, it's an interesting place to visit. On its 865 acres, visitors will see ruins of ancient imperial buildings, along with hills, lakes, ponds, woods, and flowers.
Some restorations have begun on the garden. Wanhua (10,000 Flower Maze), a maze of winding paths between low walls, was recently reconstructed in the Changchun Yuan (Garden of Eternal Spring) section.
The garden is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission is 10 yuan.
saved the best for almost last---gorgeous
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is a pretty place!
DeleteA labyrinth in a garden, I don't know if there is anything more magical. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the labyrinth, too!
DeleteA labyrinth in a garden, I don't know if there is anything more magical. :)
ReplyDeleteLook at the stonework in the first picture. Even though it sits in ruin, you can tell it was once a most magnificent site. Thank you for sharing about the "Garden of Gardens."
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to have seen this when it was all standing! I bet it was magnificent!
DeleteLabyrinths are definitely cool.
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteWow....1707 and still maintained so well.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely old! Too bad so much was destroyed in the war!
DeleteThis is absolutely stunning. The most beautiful bridge of all. I hate to see it end. I am so happy I met you my friend.
ReplyDeleteI like oriental bridges like that. It looks like something from a painting.
DeleteI so glad to have met you, too!
What a beautiful place despite much of it lying in ruin. That just makes it all the more poignant. Nice to see some restoration work has started though.
ReplyDeleteThe bridge is incredible.
The ruins give it a mystical/haunted quality. I think the bridge is really neat, too!
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