Beihai Park is one of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens in China. Its history goes back more than a thousand years, and more than half of its territory is occupied by a lake that gave the park its name — "Northern Sea." Unlike many other attractions in Beijing, Beihai remains a place where you can stroll leisurely, ride a boat, and admire views that once opened only to emperors.
History of the Creation of Beihai Park
The history of the park begins in the 10th century, during the Liao Dynasty. At that time, on the site of the future Beihai there was a pond with a palace for hunting and recreation. Under the Jurchen Jin Dynasty in 1179, the Tai Ning Palace appeared here, a lake was dug, and Qionghua Island was created — thus the foundation of the famous composition "one pond, three mountains," symbolizing the islands of the immortals in Chinese mythology, was laid.
Under the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, Kublai Khan made this area the center of his capital — the city of Dadu. The lake was then called Taiye Chi ("Pond of Great Liquid"), and the island — Mount Wanshou ("Mountain of Longevity"). It was here that the core of the imperial city was located.
The greatest contribution to the modern appearance of Beihai Park was made by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. He built many pavilions in the style of southern China, including the Jingxinzhai Garden, which is called a "garden within a garden," and the Ilantang Pavilion, from which the emperor admired the landscapes.
In 1925, the park was officially opened to the public and became a national treasure. Today it is one of the most beloved places of recreation for residents and guests of Beijing.
Qionghua Island and the White Pagoda
The center of Beihai Park is Qionghua Island, rising 32 meters above the water. At its summit stands the main symbol of Beihai — the White Pagoda (Baita).
This is a Tibetan stupa about 36 meters high, built in 1651 by order of Emperor Shunzhi in honor of the visit of the Fifth Dalai Lama. The pagoda has the shape of an inverted bowl and is crowned with a "golden top." Inside are kept Buddhist relics, sutras, and sacred objects.
The pagoda survived several earthquakes, including the destructive earthquake of 1679, after which it was restored. The last time it was restored was after the Tangshan earthquake of 1976.
From the top of the island, a panoramic view opens up of the lake, the pavilions, and, in clear weather, the Forbidden City. The ascent to the pagoda goes through the Yongansi Temple, built under Qianlong — red walls and traditional architecture create a sense of imperial grandeur.
The Embankments of Beihai
The shoreline of Beihai is not just paths around the water, but a well-thought-out route from which the best views of the entire park open up. The paths along the lake are level, without steep ascents, so walking here is comfortable at any age. If you are tired, you can shorten the route and cross the lake by ferry: from the northern shore to Qionghua Island — 20 yuan per person, and short crossings cost only 5 yuan.
The embankments are especially good at sunset and early in the morning. In the summer months, the park is open until 21:00, and an evening walk along the water is one of the most pleasant activities in Beihai. From the opposite shore, the pagoda is reflected in the water, willows bend down to the very surface, and boats glide slowly across the lake. The southern shore is a classic spot for photographs: from here the White Pagoda is visible framed by lotus leaves, and old trees provide shade even at midday.
Lotuses Near the Island
Lotuses are the main summer decoration of Beihai, and the best place for them is precisely the southern side of Qionghua Island. The blooming season begins in mid-June and lasts until mid-August, with the peak falling at the end of June — beginning of July. At this time, the ponds by the southern shore are covered with a dense green carpet of leaves, among which large pink buds rise.
The view from the south of the island is especially beautiful: ancient buildings serve as a backdrop, and lotuses grow right by the water, creating the classic picture of "pagoda and lotuses." At the southern entrance there is a large lotus pond — right at the gates, with the reflection of the White Pagoda in the water. If you want to see the flowers in full bloom, come before noon: after lunch the lotuses often close. The best light for photographs is early morning or after 17:00.
The Nine-Dragon Wall
On the northern shore of the lake is the Nine-Dragon Wall — a unique monument built in 1756. This is the only two-sided wall of its kind in China: on both sides it is faced with colored glazed tiles depicting 635 dragons.
The wall is considered a masterpiece of glazed painting of the Ming era. The southeastern corner is the best place for photographs: light and shadows emphasize the relief and brightness of the colors.
The Round City (Tuancheng)
At the southern entrance to the park is the Round City — a small fortified platform surrounded by a wall. Here is kept a huge jade wine bowl from the Yuan Dynasty, about 1.5 meters in volume, as well as a statue of Buddha made of white jade.
The Five Dragon Pavilions
On the northern shore of the lake stands a group of five connected pavilions — the Five Dragon Pavilions. From the water they resemble a writhing dragon. This is an excellent place for photographing the reflection of the White Pagoda in the water. At sunset, the silhouettes of the pavilions create especially atmospheric shots.
Jingxinzhai Garden
Jingxinzhai Garden, known as the "Garden of the Quiet Heart," is a "garden within a garden" with an area of about 4,000 square meters. A secluded place with traditional bridges, galleries, and ponds, where emperors loved to rest. It is considered an example of garden art in the Jiangnan style.
Boating
Beihai Lake is an ideal place for boating. From the water, the best views open up of the White Pagoda, the pavilions, and the bridges. Boat stations operate from 8:30 to 17:00, ticket sales stop at 16:00. Catamarans and electric boats are available, costing about 30–50 yuan per person per hour.
Practical Information about Beihai Park
Opening hours:
• April–October: 6:00–21:00 (last entry at 20:30)
• November–March: 6:30–20:00 (last entry at 19:30)
Tickets:
• Park entry: 10 yuan in high season (April–October), 5 yuan in low season
• Combined ticket (including the White Pagoda and the Round City): 20–30 yuan
• The combined ticket is more advantageous if you plan to visit the main attractions
Tips:
• Come at opening (before 8:00) to avoid crowds and take the best photographs
• Comfortable shoes are essential — the park is large, and you will have to walk a lot
• Foreign tourists are advised to carry their passport
• Some closed zones (for example, Jingxinzhai) are closed on Mondays
Beihai Park is a rare opportunity to see an imperial garden that has not been turned into a museum, but remains a living place of recreation. Here you can spend several hours strolling along the shores, climbing to the pagoda, and simply watching the water, as emperors once did.
