Beihai Park Travel Guide

Beihai Park is one of the most popular parks in the center of Beijing. It covers a total area of over 68 hectares, more than half of it is taken up by the lake.

It has a history of 800 years with the longest history in China. It consists of Beihai Lake and Jade Flowery Islet and is built to represent the wonderland of ancient Chinese fairy tales. The construction of Beihai Park began in the 11th century. The Ming Dynasty saw more construction and renovation: the Five Dragon Pavilions and the Nine-Dragon Screen on the north bank of the lake and many pavilions and galleries were erected during that period.

The typical sights at Beihai Park are White Dagoba,Hao Pu Creek (Haopujian) Garden,Quiet Heart (Jingxin) Studio,Nine-Dragon Screen,Five-Dragon Pavilions,Circular City

The layout of the park is based on an ancient Chinese legend. According to the legend, there were supposed to be three islands to the east of Bohai Bay where the gods lived. The traditional style of gardening was followed during the succeeding dynasties and Beihai Park was built after this traditional style.

Features
While visiting these famous and interesting places in Beihai Park, you could have a meal and rest in Fangshan Restaurant located at the northern shore of the lake. This restaurant was started in 1925 by a cook who formerly worked in the Qing court, so the food there is said to be of delicious imperial flavor.

Besides these places of interest in Beihai Park, there are plenty of exhibitions to see. These include the yearly exhibition of water lilies and other water plants in the Botanical Garden, the exhibition of peonies, and varied picture shows, making Beihai Park not only the center of history and culture in Beijing, but also the center of ecological and natural beauty. Now, an ancient but modern Beihai Park welcomes you from all over the world.

Why it is must-see sight?
Beihai Park is one of the most popular parks in the center of Beijing.And it is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardens in China.

Traffic:

From the South Gate: 101,103,109,812,814,846 From the North Gate: 107,111,118,701,823 From the East Gate: 5

DCT Tips:

The best time to visit is from the middle July to the end of August,at this time the water lilies are all blossom out. So you can appreciate the beautiful sights.