Situated west of Jingshan Hill are Beihai, Zhonghai and Nanhai lakes, together known as Sanhai(Three Seas)，and alsocalled Xiyuan (West Garden) during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is one of the existing imperial gardens, which has a long history and is magnificent and exquisitely arranged. Dating back to the Liao Dynasty (916-1 L25), it was a place for royal families to seek amusement in the northern suburbs of the capital. By 1153, during the Jin Dynasty(1115-1234) authorities made large-scale constructions and built a number of resorts and villas. During the Yuan Dynasty(1271一1368)，it was developed into a forbidden garden inside the Imperial City. The Ming Dynasty opened up the Nanyuau (South Garden) and completed the layout of three seas. Beihai(North Sea) is now a park and Zhonghai and Nanhai (Central and South Seas)have become a working place for the Party and Central Government.
Yuanmingyuan in northwestern Beijing was the biggest garden among the five resorts and villas in Beijing's northwestern suburbs during the Qing Dynasty, but was burned down by troops from Britain and France in 1860. After renovation and restoration in recent years, Yuanmingyuan has been opened to visitors. Originally constructed in 1709 and completed in 1744, this garden occupies 347 hectares and has 145 groups of buildings and scenic spots. All the Beijingers who saw this garden with their own eyes have since passed away. The remains of Yuanminguuan helps us to enjoy a part of history.
One after another overpasses, roads and new residential areas keep appearing. Beijing, the ancient capital, has ended its separation from history and is opening to civilization and to progress.
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