From the bronze ritual vessels of the pre-Qin era to the famous calligraphy and paintings of the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties and various rare treasures, however, the British and French allied forces destroyed everything in the Old Summer Palace. They moved away all kinds of famous calligraphy and paintings. As well as all kinds of strange treasures, they took away everything they could get their hands on, and destroyed anything they couldn't take away at will.
In order to destroy all evidence of crime, from October 18th to October 19th, more than 3,000 invaders were ordered to set fire to the park and destroy evidence. The fire burned for three days in a row. 1860 From October 6, 1860 to October 19, 1860, this act of looting and destruction lasted for 13 days. This artistic treasure of our country and the essence of architectural art were reduced to ashes, so this is very important in the history of world culture. It is an immeasurable loss! Extended information
In the history of the Old Summer Palace, emperors of all dynasties have taken great care of it. Emperors Yongzheng, Qianlong, Jiaqing and other emperors did not hesitate to spend money to expand it. Even if it was in the hands of Daoguang, the Qing government's finances were already very tight. Construction was not stopped despite the situation.
After hundreds of years of development, the Old Summer Palace itself is no longer just an ordinary royal garden. It itself is the crystallization of Chinese art. Its overall structure and collections include Chinese architecture, calligraphy, ceramics, etc. It can be said that Aixinjueluo put all the good things that can be found and can be put into the Old Summer Palace there. Its own value is like the Louvre in Paris and the Museum of London, and it has become a landmark building.