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We are now World History Encyclopedia to better reflect the breadth of our non-profit organization's mission. Learn More
Digital reconstruction of the Yuanming Yuan palace complex, known in the Western World as the Old Summer Palace. This reconstruction depicts Haiyantang ("The Palace of Calm Seas"), a two-story western-style palace with a magnificent water clock. The palaces were largely destroyed by British and French forces during the Second Opium War (1856-1860). The palace sustained further damage during the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) and the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).