The Old Summer Palace, known in Chinese as Yuanming Yuan (‘Gardens of Perfect Brightness’), was a world-famous complex of palaces and gardens in Beijing. The Old Summer Palace was known for its extensive collection of gardens, its architecture and historical treasures, and was once known as “The Garden of Ten Thousand Gardens”. Built in the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Old Summer Palace was the main imperial residence of Qianlong Emperor of the Qing dynasty. The Palace was completely destroyed in 1860 during the Second Opium War.

Piececool’s metal model kit of the Old Summer Palace contains 358 pieces, and details a small part of the original 860 acre site, using our beautiful overprinting technique to add colour. The detail is phenomenal, down to “The Hounds Chasing the Deer” scene in the fountain pool where thirteen-steps lead down to the fountains which would have sparkled amongst the magnificent scenery.