Film Lens
The documentary 'Summer Palace' examines the Imperial Garden of the Qing Dynasty, originally known as the Qingyi Garden, built during Emperor Qianlong's reign. It details the garden's destruction by British and French forces in 1860 during the second Opium War and its renaming to the Summer Palace under Emperor Guangxu. The film provides a historical context for the garden's significance in Chinese culture and its transformation over time.
The documentary also covers the looting by the Eight-Power Allied Forces in 1900 and the occupation by Japanese forces during the Anti-Japanese War. In 1928, the Summer Palace was designated a national park, preserving its cultural relics and archives. The film emphasizes the garden's status as the last royal garden in China and its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998.
Why Watch
- •See the history of the Qingyi Garden's destruction in 1860.
- •Find out about the looting by the Eight-Power Allied Forces in 1900.
- •Meet the last royal garden in China, recognized by UNESCO in 1998.
Did You Know
•The Summer Palace was originally called Qingyi Garden during Emperor Qianlong's reign.
•The garden was destroyed in 1860 by British and French forces during the second Opium War.
•It was designated a national park in 1928 to preserve its cultural relics.
Perfect For
Chinese history enthusiastsUNESCO World Heritage sitesQing Dynasty culture