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Beijing's Tsinghua and Peking University are not only two of China's most prestigious universities but also good places for visiting. The two places have beautiful scenery, so does the nearby Old Summer Palace. The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Neighbouring Tsinghua University, the Old Summer Palace is located to the east of the Summer Palace. The construction of the imperial garden started in 1709 and was completed after more than 150 years. The spacious park consists of three main sections: Yuanmingyuan, Wanchunyuan and Changchunyuan around the lake called Fuhai (Lake of Happiness). Changchunyuan has the best preserved ruins, those of the Great Fountain in the European garden. In 1860, the British and French armies stormed the garden, burned down most of the buildings and took away the treasures. All that remains today are some of the marble archways and fountain bases. Looted and torched again by the allied force of Eight Powers in 1900, the once wondrous garden was reduced to ruins. Yuanmingyuan is the only imperial park not fully renovated yet, offering a great wild view. The Fuhai lake is almost dry and filled with dead plants of lotus flowers. During warm afternoons, people can be seen fishing by the bank, with their faces reflected in the water. By the lake, reed marshes are in full bloom. Unlike other parks, fewer people make the trip to Yuanmingyuan, making it a peaceful place for a good walk. The park is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entrance fee is 10 yuan (US$1.25). Tsinghua University The garden-like Tsinghua University is located in the northwest corner of Beijing, with the Wanquan River winding through. Established in 1911 originally as "Tsinghua Xuetang," a preparatory school for students who would be sent by the government to study in the United States. The school was financed by the United States with the "Boxer Rebellion Indemnity" paid by China to the United States. The school was renamed "Tsinghua School" in 1912. The university section was instituted in 1925 and undergraduate students were then enrolled. Due to the Japanese invasion in 1937, Tsinghua was forced to move to Kunming and join with Peking University and Nankai University to form the "Southwest Associated University." After the war, the university was moved back to its original location in Beijing. The Tsinghua graduate school has been widely recognized as a top performer in China. The educational doctrine of Tsinghua is "to train the students with integrity." To study at Tsinghua is the dream of many Chinese youngsters. Presently, Tsinghua has over 20,000 students, including from undergraduates to doctoral candidates. As the campus is very large, many Tsinghua students get to class by bike. A school bus is also available at a cost of two yuan (25 US cents). Peking University Established in 1898, Peking University was originally called "Jingshi Daxuetang." It was the first State university of China and the current name was adopted in 1912. It seems Peking University has a place in Chinese history. The Red Building of its former site was the starting place of the May 4th Movement; and lots of revolutionaries like Li Dazhao, Mao Zedong, Lu Xun once worked there. Now the university has over 36,000 enrolled students from graduate to doctoral studies. Compared with Tsinghua's campus, Peking University looks more like a park with the beautiful Weiming Lake and many Qing-style buildings. The West Gate and the Bota stupa are two favourite spots on the campus. How to get there: By bus No 209, 331, 333, 365, 375, 717, 718, 801, 810, 819 and 951 all take you to either of the places.