Xiyang Lou, European-style palace ruins in Yuanmingyuan, China
Xiyang Lou is a European-style palace complex located within the Old Summer Palace ruins in Beijing. The structures blend Italian Baroque architectural elements with Chinese design on grounds spanning around seven hectares.
Italian Jesuit architect Giuseppe Castiglione designed this complex for Emperor Qianlong between 1747 and 1760. The project demonstrates the diplomatic and artistic connections between Europe and the Qing empire during the 18th century.
The site showcases Western fountain technology with bronze animal-shaped water spouts and a water mechanism featuring twelve human figures that released water. These features reveal how European techniques and artistic ideas were incorporated into the imperial garden.
The site covers extensive grounds with preserved stone structures and is served by guided tours distributed across the property. It helps to wear comfortable shoes since exploration involves walking through several different sections.
The Huanghuazhen section contains a large maze with high stone walls leading to a circular pavilion at its center. This garden feature was meant to provide a playful diversion and showcase refinement in the imperial grounds.
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