Beihai Park in the center of Beijing also known as Northern Sea Park, is one of the oldest and most authentically preserved ancient imperial gardens in China. It has an area of more than 70 hectares with a water surface of 39 hectares.It is used to be the former palace of the emperors in successive dynasties, called the Winter Palace by Westerners.
Beihai Park boasts a history dating back more than a millenium and existed throughout the dynasties of Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing.It was built in what is known as a "one pool and three hills" design. The design comes from a Taoist legend that says that somewhere in the East Sea there are three islands which were home to the immortals. The emperors wanted to be immortal so they built gardens in this fashion in the hopes of becoming immortals.Most of the buildings now standing were constructed during Emperor Qianlong's regin in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.). It was first opened to the public as a park in 1925.
Beihai Park is considered an ancient Chinese art form, with different features, such as artificial hills, bridges, pavilions, halls, temples and lakes.Indeed, it is like a mini Summer Palace in the heart of Beijing.
【Qiongdao Islet】
The Qiongdao Islet which is densely distributed with halls, rockeries and pavilions stands at the centre of the park. The Yong'an Temple (Temple of Everlasting Peace) is the largest building complex which is composed of several halls, a bell tower and a drum tower. The temple used to be a place of worship for the emperors and their empresses. A white pagoda which stands out on the top of the islet is the symbol of the park. This Lamaist pagoda, 35.9 meters (117.8 feet ) high was built in 1651 where Buddhist lections, alms bowl and sarira remains of the Buddha's body are laid. West of the temple are the halls and pavilions where emperors of the Qing Dynasty had a rest, discussed official business or amused themselves. In the north of the islet, there is a two-storey corridor that offers an extensive view.
【Circular City】
【Five Dragon Pavilions】
【Nine Dragon Screen】
Nine Dragon Screen which was bulit in 1756 is the most delicate of China's three surviving nine-dragon walls.. The wall is 6.65 meters high, 1.42 meters thick and 25.78 meters long. The whole wall is built with glazed titles. On either side of it there are nine vivid dragons, also made of glazed tiles. Each dragon plays with a pearl amidst waves of clouds.
Travel Tip:
How to Get to Beihai Park?
Chinese name and Pinyin: 北海公园 (Beihai Park)
Tel: Tel:86-010-64033225
Entrance fee:
- Admission fee to the park: CNY5 / person (Nov. 1 to Mar. 31)
CNY10 / person (Apr.1 to Oct. 31)
- Ticket of Qiongdao Island: 10 CNY / person;
- Ticket of Circular City: 1 CNY / person.
Opening time: 06:30-20:00 (Nov.1 to Mar.31) -ticket sale stop at 19:30;
06:00-21:00 (April, May, September, October) -ticket sale stop at 20:30;
06:00-22:00 (Jun.1 to Aug.31)-ticket sale stop at 21:30.
Add: No.1,Wenjin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing,China
By Bus: No.5, 101, 103, 109, 124 or 685 to get off at Beihai Station. No.3, 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 612 or 701 to Beihai Beimen Station.
》》》Recommended Beihai Park Tours
Beijing Special 3-Day Small Group Tour Package
Beijing Fantastic 3-Day Small Group Tour Package
Beijing Classic 3-Day Small Group Tour Package
Beijing In-depth 5-Day Private Tour Package
Beijing Fantastic 4-Day Private Tour Package
Beijing Hutong, Lama Temple, Panda house, Jingshan Park and Olympic stadiums Group Tour