Danbo Ningjing used to be honored as one of the 40 most representative scenes in the Old Summer Palace, but the idyllic landscape came to an abrupt end in 1860. The invading Anglo-French alliance forces set the Old Summer Palace on fire and looted the royal resort.

The Old Summer Palace was then abandoned and gradually fell into ruin in the following decades.

"Recent findings also show evidence of the inferno." Zhang said. "Many unearthed stone foundations and nearby roads were found to be red and cracked. We estimate that fire burned down the columns, and after the ceilings collapsed, the fire may have continued smoldering for days.

"We can no longer see the complete structure of Danbo Ningjing. But the fieldwork still offers crucial references for our studies of the royal architecture of the Qing Dynasty. It's also a good chance to promote archaeology among the public."

The ongoing archaeological site is accessible to the public at Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park.