The miniature Grand Fountain, which is 1/38 of the original in size, is composed of three buildings and constitutes the focal part of Yuanmingyuan's 13 scenic spots. The magnificent recreation is made of gold, diamond, jade, sapphire, pearl, which took dozens of skilled craftsmen over five years to complete it at a cost of over 23 million yuan.

Zhao Fengshan, Grand Fountain expert, said: "What is characteristic of this masterpiece is that it combines the essence of eastern and western architecture. Besides adopting traditional Chinese techniques, such as engraving and filigree, we also draw inspiration from the baroque style."

The Grand Fountain was built in 1759 during the heyday of the Qing Dynasty, and destroyed in 1860 when the Anglo-French alliance invaded Beijing and set the imperial garden on fire.

Although what has been lost can never be entirely restored, the historical, cultural and artistic value of the recreation cannot be underestimated. It ensures people from all over the world still have a chance to admire one of many architectural miracles of ancient China.

(CCTV.com August 15, 2003)