Global Treasures: Yihe Yuan

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1126

UPC: 879061007255

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The former summer palace of the Late Empire Dynasty of Yihe Yuan is located in the northwestern outskirts of the Chinese capital of Beijing. It is also known as "Gardens of Nurtured Harmony."

A number of buildings have managed to survive the ravages of time. In 1860, the Opium Wars reached the summer palace of Yihe Yuan. Western colonial troops devastated the Chinese Garden and destroyed numerous buildings. Reconstruction of the pavilion was due to the Emperor's widow, Empress Dowager Cixi. After the death of her husband Xianfeng in 1861, the empress took control of the empire and subsequently ordered the restoration of the buildings that were destroyed during the Opium Wars.

The dominant "Longevity Hill," known as Wanshou Shan, is crowned by a 41-metre-high pavilion, The Temple of Buddhist Virtue, which was built in 1750.

For many years, a cruise on Kunming Lake has been reserved solely the family of the former emperor, but it is now frequented by tourists from around the world. The widow's favorite haunt was the Marble Boat, from which she enjoyed the magnificent view across the lake. In spite of past military destruction, the natural beauty of the elegant gardens of the Yihe Yuan has been extremely well preserved.