This article will take you on a deep dive into the history, cultural significance, and architectural wonders of China's old-world Summer Palace (aka Yuan Ming Yuan 圆明园). We will explore the spiritual and cultural importance of the palace, the mysterious lore surrounding dragons and other mythical creatures, and the architectural marvels and garden design that make this palace a true gem. We will also delve into the tragic history of the Opium Wars and the destruction of Yuanmingyuan, the international quest to repatriate lost treasures, and the palace's representation in literature and popular culture.The Summer Palace in Beijing, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the grandeur and beauty of old-world Chinese landscape garden design[1]. Covering an area of about 297 hectares, with a buffer zone of 5,595 hectares, the palace integrates numerous traditional halls and pavilions into the Imperial Garden, combining political, administrative, residential, spiritual, and recreational functions within a landscape of lakes and mountains[1][2]. The main features of this architectural marvel include the Garden of Clear Ripples, Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity[1][2].