Ruined Bridge sits quietly in the southeastern corner of Yuanmingyuan Park, located at No. 28 Tsinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing. To reach this hidden gem, you can take Subway Line 4 and get off at Yiheyuan Station (Exit D). From there, it’s a 15-minute walk northwest through quiet neighborhoods. Alternatively, buses 331, 432, or 686 drop you near the park’s main gate. If you’re visiting nearby Tsinghua University, Ruined Bridge is just a short bike ride away—perfect for combining history with campus vibes!

Natural Scenery: A Silent Witness

Nestled beside a dried-up stream bed, Ruined Bridge feels like a frozen moment in time. In spring and summer, wild lotus flowers bloom around its cracked arches, while autumn paints the reeds golden. The bridge’s moss-covered stones blend with the overgrown grass, creating a stark contrast between nature’s resilience and humanity’s scars. You’ll often spot dragonflies hovering near the water or hear birds chirping—a peaceful escape within Beijing’s busy fifth ring.

Historical Stories: A Reminder of War

Ruined Bridge isn’t just an old bridge. It’s the only surviving relic from Yuanmingyuan’s original 1860 structure, leftover from when the palace was reduced to rubble by fire during the Second Opium War. This stone arch once connected the royal gardens to the Forbidden City, but today only half of its curve remains, pocked with bullet holes from the chaos. Walking here, you’re stepping into a history lesson—Beijing’s wounds etched in stone.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Yuanmingyuan Park opens daily at 7 AM (6 AM in summer) and closes at 7 PM. A ticket costs about ¥25 (cheaper than most Beijing attractions!). Ruined Bridge is in the southeast corner, so avoid the crowds by skipping the main pavilions and heading straight there. The park has clean restrooms and a few snack stands, but bring water—there’s little shade near the bridge. Wear comfy shoes; the park’s gravel paths can be rough on heels.

Emotional Experience: From Splendor to Silence

Standing before Ruined Bridge, it’s hard not to imagine the grand carriages that once rolled over it or the emperors who walked these halls. The bullet marks aren’t explained via signs (prepare a quick Google search if you want context), but they whisper stories louder than words. On foggy mornings, the bridge almost glows like a ghostly monument. Personally, I found it moving—a reminder that even empires crumble, but nature and memory endure.

Nearby Attractions: Pair It With These

After visiting Ruined Bridge, walk 10 minutes west to Tsinghua University’s iconic gate (great for photos!) or cycle to the Summer Palace for lakeside relaxation. For dinner, head to Wudaokou Station for bustling eateries. If you’re into contrasts, pair Yuanmingyuan’s ruins with Beijing’s modern skyline—it’s a journey through China’s soul.

Ruined Bridge isn’t a “must-see” in the traditional sense, but for those who seek quiet corners of history, it’s a poignant stop. Go early, stay slow, and let the stones speak.