Covering an area of 1.4-square-kilometer, the New Yuanming Palace is a reproduction of the imperial Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) in Beijing, one of the favorite gardens of the late emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911). Yuanmingyuan was burnt down and completely destroyed by British and French troops in 1860. The New Yuanming Palace was built as a reminder of the glory and the bitter history of ancient China and has been set up as a patriotism education site. Walking around the theme park can take you about 2 hours and English-speaking guide can be hired at the gate.

 

Inside the park there is also 80,000 square metres of lake and along the lakeside there are many opportunities to hire motor boats. The park is enlivened by performers dressed up as soldiers and court ladies. In the evening, there is always a great show at a big outdoor theatre behind the Lama Temple which can hold as many as 5,000 people. The show is made up of several episodes including an Accession to the Throne, Concubine Picking and Burning down of the Palace. There is also a nice restaurant in the park where you can find some imperial food in the style of Qing Dynasty.

 

In this palace, you also have the opportunity to dress in the Emperor's clothes and have your picture taken. You are allowed to take the pictures with your own camera. The photographers charge very expensively for a printed and framed copy of your picture. Don't buy it if you feel it's not worth it.