A Miniature Version of Old Beijing Hidden in the Suburbs of Beijing, 26 Years Since Completion, Now Overgrown and Unvisited
In the early 1990s, a trend of miniature landscape theme parks swept across China. At that time, related theme parks were launched across the country, with famous ones such as Beijing's Futian 'World Park', Shenzhen's 'Window of the World', 'Splendid China' etc. With the changes of times, except for a few that are still brilliant, most of them have operated poorly or even closed, some have even become dead projects. The author is going to talk about one 'miniature' park below, which may not be heard by you, that is Old Beijing Miniature Garden.
Image from Weibo @Monster White
Old Beijing Miniature Garden should be considered one of the earliest miniature parks to open, opened in 1994, allegedly invested and built by an American-Chinese businessman. The 70-hectare park is divided into miniature landscape sightseeing area, Jinghua Traditional Appearance Touring Area and Performance Area. The buildings in the miniature garden are made in a scale of 1:15, perfectly recreating the glorious Beijing city's appearance in the Ming and Qing dynasties. From the remaining miniature buildings, it is still possible to see the meticulousness and dedication of the park's builders, the inner city, outer city, Forbidden City, all the city walls, city gates, hutongs, (paileu – flag towers) in Ming and Qing dynasties were all restored, and those buildings' nail, bracket, and painted designs were also meticulously made.
Image from Weibo @Monster White
Image from Weibo @Monster White
In the years after its completion, the park was bustling with activity, selling various old Beijing snacks on Fashion Street, and there were performers in the performance area, such as acrobatics, martial arts, and opera, showcasing Beijing's unique 'Beijing flavor' to tourists. Back then, several well-known TV dramas that everyone is familiar with also shot here, such as 'Jade Warriors', 'The Emperor: Yongzheng', 'Kung Fu Panda' etc.
Image from Weibo @Monster White
Old Beijing Miniature Garden is one of the few domestic parks that perfectly replicated the appearance of Old Beijing. I don't know when, I don't know what reason, this park has become like this. The park is overgrown with weeds and in a dilapidated state. However, even in this state, we can still see Beijing's central axis from the miniature garden, which is spectacular. Today's Old Beijing Miniature Garden has been locked and prohibited from visiting, but some enthusiasts still come here to take photos and find old memories.
Image from Weibo @Monster White
After 26 years, how many people remember this miniature park in Beijing? How many people know that there used to be such a park here. At a time when various types of parks are increasing, the dilapidated feeling inside the miniature garden is surprisingly impressive. So, do you know the Old Beijing Miniature Garden in Changping, Beijing? How do you view the decline of this miniature park? If it can be restored to its former glory, do you want to go and see it? Welcome to leave a comment to discuss.
