Beihai Park Beijing: Imperial Garden, White Dagoba & Scenic Lake Views

Right next to the Forbidden City’s northwest corner lies Beihai Park, one of China’s oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens. With nearly 1,000 years of history and a sparkling 39-hectare lake, this is where ancient grandeur meets modern-day tranquility.

1. Why Choose Beihai Park?

If you’re hunting for a mix of history, culture, and fresh air without leaving central Beijing, Beihai Park is your golden ticket.

• A royal past that spans dynasties: Its history goes back to the Liao Dynasty (over 900 years ago!) and was expanded by the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In 1925, the park opened to the public, so today you can stroll where emperors once wandered.
• Size and scale: Covering 69 hectares, with a lake that makes up more than half the park, Beihai follows the “One Lake, Three Hills” imperial garden design.
• Architectural treasures: From the White Dagoba to the Nine-Dragon Wall and the elegant Five Dragon Pavilions, these aren’t replicas — they’re authentic, centuries-old relics.
• Cultural richness: Beihai blends the majesty of northern imperial gardens with the charm of Jiangnan private gardens, plus a sprinkle of Buddhist serenity. If you’ve ever hummed the tune of Let’s Paddle Our Oars, this is where it was inspired!

2. Itinerary Ideas (From Quick Trips to Full-Day Adventures)

• Classic Half-Day Tour (about 2 hours):
  Enter from the South Gate, explore Tuancheng Island, cross Yongan Bridge to Qionghua Island, admire the White Dagoba, and stroll along the lakeside corridor. A light, easy loop!
• Full-Day Experience (about 4 hours):
  Enter from the North Gate, check out the serene Jingxin Studio, then see the Nine-Dragon Wall and Western Buddhist Temples. After lunch (try the famous Fangshan Restaurant for imperial-style cuisine), hop on a boat ride, then climb Qionghua Island for panoramic views before circling back to see the Five Dragon Pavilions.
• For Photography Lovers:
  • Best spots: Five Dragon Pavilions (lake + White Dagoba view), Yongan Bridge (for reflections), and Qionghua Island (sweeping panoramas).
  • Best time: Sunset (5–7 pm) when the lake glows golden.

3. Practical Info

• Opening Hours:
  • High Season (Apr 1 – Oct 31): 6:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30)
  • Low Season (Nov 1 – Mar 31): 6:30–20:00 (last entry 19:30)
• Tickets:
  • High Season: ¥10 (basic), ¥20 (combo with Qionghua Island & Tuancheng)
  • Low Season: ¥5 (basic), ¥15 (combo)
    Tickets can be booked on the “Changyou Gongyuan” WeChat app.
• Getting There:
  • Subway: Line 6 to Beihai North Station (Exit B).
  • Bus: Many routes stop near different entrances.
  • Car: Limited parking at the South Gate — public transit is easier.
• Food Options:
  • Fangshan Restaurant: Imperial-style dishes (about ¥200–300 per person).
  • Cantan Restaurant: Simpler meals in the northeast corner.
  • Qingfeng Baozi Shop: Fast food near Yongan Temple.
  • Or bring your own picnic by the lake!

4. Travel Tip

• Best Seasons:
  • Spring: Peach blossoms make Qionghua Island picture-perfect.
  • Summer: Lotus flowers cover the lake.
  • Autumn: Golden ginkgo leaves and cool breezes.
  • Winter: Ice-skating on the frozen lake (if open).
• What to Bring:
  Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen (summer), a camera, and maybe a picnic blanket.
• For Everyone:
  While Qionghua Island has some stairs, the park overall is very walkable. Boats are available for those who want to see the lake without the long trek.
• Avoid the Crowds:
  Weekends and holidays get busy. For a more peaceful vibe, visit on weekday mornings.
• Guides & Info:
  • Multilingual audio guides and brochures available.
  • Signs are in Chinese and English (though sometimes the English gets a little “creative”).

5. Why Foreign Visitors Fall in Love with Beihai

Beihai Park is more than just a park — it’s a living slice of Chinese history right in the city center. Here’s why travelers adore it:

• Authenticity: Unlike replicas elsewhere, Beihai’s temples, towers, and bridges are original structures with centuries of stories.
• Versatility: Whether you love history, photography, boating, or just relaxing, the park has it all.
• Accessibility: Steps from the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, it’s easy to fit Beihai into your Beijing itinerary.
• All-year charm: From spring blossoms to autumn gold, Beihai shines in every season.

Beihai Park may not be as world-famous as the Great Wall or Forbidden City, but its quiet charm and authentic beauty make it a true hidden gem. So, grab your camera (or maybe a boat paddle), and discover why emperors once claimed this serene lake as their private retreat!

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