Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure (Jingxin Zhai)

The Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure, known in Chinese as Jingxinzhai, is perhaps the most refined place in all of Beihai Park. It is called a "garden within a garden," "a little Jiangnan in the north," and "Qianlong`s little garden." If you have already seen the White Pagoda and the embankments, this corner will show you Beihai from a completely different side — quiet, refined, and unexpectedly southern.

History of Creation

The garden was founded in 1757 by order of Emperor Qianlong. Initially it was called Jingqingzhai ("Hall of Mirror Purity") and served as the study of the crown prince — a place for study, reading, and reflection. Qianlong himself, known for his love of southern gardens, used it for tea drinking, playing the qin, and relaxation.

In 1887, under Empress Dowager Cixi, the garden was rebuilt and several structures were added, including the Qinquanlang Pavilion and the Diecuilou Tower. At that time, a small railway was also laid here — right to the gates of the garden, so that Cixi could come here by train. In 1900, all of this was destroyed during the invasion of the Eight-Nation Alliance, and the garden itself was used as the headquarters of the Japanese army.

After 1949, government institutions were located here, and only in 1981 was the garden returned to the park. After a large-scale restoration in 2014, it appeared in the form that Qianlong had envisioned — with interiors restored according to Qing-era technologies.

Architectural Layout

The area of the Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure is about 4,700 square meters, but an incredible variety of forms has been accommodated in this small space. The main principle of the layout is "high north, low south; northern mountain, southern pond." The northern part is occupied by artificial mountains of Taihu stones, and the southern part — by an open pond with pavilions.

The Jingxin Zhai garden is built on the model of Jiangnan gardens (Southern China), but with the addition of northern imperial solidity. Liang Sicheng, author of "A History of Chinese Architecture," wrote: "Among the most exquisitely designed and elegant gardens, there is nothing better than Jingxinzhai."

Main Attractions of the Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure

Jingqingzhai Hall (Main Hall) 
This is the central structure of the garden. A five-bayed hall with a gable roof covered with gray tiles — unusual for an imperial building, where yellow was usually used. Inside, the setting of the Qianlong era is recreated: furniture of hardwoods, blue-and-white porcelain, jade ornaments. From the rear windows, a view opens onto the pond and artificial mountains — "a house built by a pond is like a mirror."

Baosu Study (Baosu Shuwu) 
This is the study of the crown prince. In the center — a desk with writing implements, on the sides — bookshelves with copies of ancient books on classics, history, and philosophy. The name "Baosu" refers to the "Book of Han": "the people return to their origins, preserving simplicity and purity" — the ideal of governance that Qianlong strove for.

Yunqin Studio (Yunqin Zhai) 
A pavilion by the pond, whose name means "the sound of the qin resonating with spring." Here a copy of a Qing-era qin is displayed, and on the wall — the painting "Listening to the Qin." The feature of this place is that the murmur of water from an artificial stream is perceived as an accompaniment to music — hence the name.

Diecuilou Tower (Diecui Lou) 
The tallest building of the garden, constructed in 1887. A two-story tower in the northwest of the garden. From the upper floor, a panoramic view opens onto all of Beihai — the lake, the pagoda, the embankments. This is the best viewing point in this corner of the park.

Qinquanlang Pavilion (Qinquan Lang) 
A unique structure — a bridge-gallery thrown across the water. Length — 12.1 meters, width — 2.3 meters. Eight red columns support the roof, and under the bridge three stepped dams are arranged, regulating the flow of water. The water, passing through them, creates a murmuring sound — hence the name "Qinquan" ("Penetrating Source"). In the past, tables for tea drinking stood here.

Yanhua Pavilion (Yanhua Xuan) 
The best place for admiring the garden. The name means "colored painting." From the terrace, a view opens onto the pond, artificial mountains, and bridges. The pavilion itself is decorated with calligraphy and landscape painting.

Yudaiqiao Bridge (Jade Belt) 
A small stone bridge thrown across the stream. Its railings and posts are made in the form of a jade belt. Despite its modest size, it plays an important role in the composition of the garden, connecting its different parts.

Practical Information

• Location: Northern shore of Beihai Park, next to the northern gates 
• Admission: Free, included in the price of the ticket to Beihai Park 
• Opening hours: In high season (April–October) — from 6:00 to 21:00; in low season — from 6:30 to 20:00 
• Restrictions: The garden is closed on Mondays. In high season, a limit on the number of visitors applies — up to 800 people per day, and no more than 100 people may be in the garden at the same time 
• Best time: Spring (blooming of trees) and early morning, when the garden is especially quiet and uncrowded

The Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure is a place where a whole world is hidden behind a small space. Walk along its paths, stand on the bridge, listen to the murmur of water — and you will understand why emperors considered this corner the best place for reflection.