Yuanmingyuan, which literally means "the garden of perfect brightness", was an estate of gardens, temples, palaces and pavilions spreading over 350 hectares－roughly the size of Central Park in New York－in the northwest of Beijing.

Construction of Yuanmingyuan began in 1707 during the reign of Kangxi (1661-1722), and it was expanded and renovated during the reigns of the next five emperors.

Yuanmingyuan continued to function as a major royal residence until 1860, as emperors spent much time living there due to the more comfortable environment than the Forbidden City.

From 1747 to 1760, the European-style Western Mansions area (Xiyang Lou) was constructed in Yuanmingyuan, featuring a combination of Chinese and Western craftsmanship. The fountain, with 12 animal-head statues, from which water poured to mark the passing of every two hours, was a highlight in this area.