Yuanmingyuan Lion Grove sits on the eastern side of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) ruins in Haidian District, Beijing. The exact address is No. 28 Tsinghua West Road, making it super easy to reach if you’re near Tsinghua University. To get there, take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station, then switch to Line 13 and hop off at Xizhimen Station. From there, a short taxi or bus ride (like Bus 331⁄365) drops you right at the park’s entrance. If you’re coming from downtown, it’s about a 40-minute ride—perfect for a half-day trip!

Natural Scenery: A Rocky Wonderland

Lion Grove isn’t your typical Chinese garden. It’s all about huge limestone rocks piled into towering peaks, connected by tiny bridges and winding paths. Imagine climbing a mini-mountain made of gray rocks, with little gaps and tunnels to sneak through. There’s even a small lake with koi fish swimming below, which looks super pretty when the sun reflects off the water. The best part? It’s like a natural puzzle—you’ll love exploring the hidden nooks and crannies!

Cultural History: From Tragedy to Art

This place has a wild story! Originally built in the 18th century, Yuanmingyuan (the Old Summer Palace) was once China’s version of Versailles. But in 1860, it was destroyed by foreign troops during a war. Fast forward to 2013, and Lion Grove reopened as part of the restored ruins. The rock formations were inspired by classic Chinese landscape art, blending poetry and nature. Even though the palace is gone, these rocks still whisper stories of imperial times.

Must-See Spots

  • The Rock Maze: Get lost (on purpose!) in the twisty paths. Kids love scrambling up the boulders.
  • Pagoda Bridge: A tiny red-roofed bridge that looks like it’s straight out of a painting. Perfect for Instagram!
  • Lotus Pond: In summer, pink and white lotus flowers cover the lake. Bring your camera!

Practical Tips

  • Tickets: Adults pay around ¥25 (cheap!), but check online for combo tickets with other Yuanmingyuan sites.
  • Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (seasonal changes apply).
  • Tours: Rent an audio guide for ¥50 if you want deeper history—it’s worth it!

Food & Restrooms

Inside the park, you’ll find a few snack stands selling ice cream, bottled water, and Chinese snacks like jianbing (crispy crepes). For meals, head to the nearby Tsinghua University area, which has tons of cafes and restaurants. Clean restrooms are available near the entrance, so no worries there!

What to Expect

Visiting Lion Grove feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The rocks create secret corners where you can hide from crowds, and the quiet lakes make it easy to relax. It’s less crowded than the Forbidden City, so you can take your time without feeling rushed. Just wear comfy shoes—those rocks aren’t smooth!

Pro Tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon. The golden hour light makes the rocks glow, and you’ll beat the tour groups.

Whether you’re into history, nature, or just snapping cool photos, Yuanmingyuan Lion Grove is a hidden gem. Pair it with a walk around the ruins of the Old Summer Palace for a full day of adventure!