A thousand-year-old imperial garden, famous for its White Pagoda, Nine-Dragon Wall, and Five Dragon Pavilions — boating in summer, ice skating in winter, with unique charm in every season.
Beihai Park is in central Beijing, adjacent to the Forbidden City and Jingshan. One of China's oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens with nearly 1,000 years of history. Centered on Taiye Lake, it covers 69 hectares (over half water), comprising Qionghua Island, the East Bank, and North Bank.
Beihai was first built during the Liao Dynasty and was expanded through the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. During the Yuan Dynasty, the Palace of Wide Cold on Qionghua Island was an imperial summer retreat. In the Shunzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, a Tibetan-style White Pagoda was built on the hill, becoming Beihai's iconic landmark. Pavilions, corridors, bridges, and waterside gazebos harmonize with the lake scenery, embodying the traditional Chinese "one pool, three mountains" imperial garden design philosophy.
Today, Beihai Park is both a national heritage site and a popular destination for Beijing locals and tourists. In summer, enjoy boating on Taiye Lake; in winter, the frozen lake becomes a natural ice rink, continuing the Qing Dynasty royal "ice play" tradition. Every season brings unique beauty — an ideal place to experience old Beijing's imperial charm.
Built in 1651, this 35.9m Tibetan-style pagoda is pure white with a gilded crown. Standing atop Qionghua Island against blue sky and water, it's one of Beijing's most recognizable landmarks. Visit Yong'an Temple and Falun Hall on the way up; the summit overlooks the entire park and the Forbidden City corner tower.
Built in 1756 during the Qianlong reign, Beihai's Nine-Dragon Wall is the most exquisite of China's three surviving Nine-Dragon Walls. At 25.86m long and 6.65m high, it is composed of 424 colored glazed bricks. Both sides feature nine dragons playing with pearls amid waves and clouds — brilliant colors and masterful craftsmanship make it the pinnacle of Chinese glazed art.
Five unique pavilions along the North Bank, connected by zigzag bridges. The central Longze Pavilion is the largest, flanked by four others. Their reflections in the blue water create one of Beihai's most classic scenes — also the best spot for White Pagoda panoramas, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Originally named the Studio of Mirror Clarity, located on Beihai's north bank. It is the best-preserved courtyard complex in the park, once serving as the Qing Dynasty crown prince's study. With rockeries, winding corridors, and serene pools, its exquisite and elegant layout earned it the name "Garden within a Garden." Fewer visitors here make it ideal for quietly appreciating imperial garden art.
Located on the north slope of Qionghua Island, Fangshan Restaurant was founded in 1925 and is famous for Qing Dynasty imperial cuisine. Here you can taste classic palace desserts like pea flour cake, kidney bean rolls, and small steamed buns, along with authentic Manchu-Han Imperial Feast dishes. Dining imperial cuisine within an imperial garden is a uniquely Beihai experience.
Enter via South Gate → Yong'an Bridge → Qionghua Island → Yong'an Temple → White Pagoda (summit for park panorama) → Boat to North Bank → Five Dragon Pavilions (photo stop) → Exit via North Gate. Quick tour of the two iconic landmarks — ideal for limited time or as a post-Forbidden City visit.
Enter via South Gate → Yong'an Bridge → Qionghua Island (Yong'an Temple, White Pagoda, Yuegu Tower, Yuexin Hall) → Boat on Taiye Lake → North Bank Five Dragon Pavilions (White Pagoda panorama) → Jingxin Studio (Garden within a Garden) → Nine-Dragon Wall → Hall of Heavenly Kings → Exit via North Gate. Covers all highlights at a relaxed pace.
Summer version: South Gate → Qionghua Island → Fangshan Restaurant lunch (imperial cuisine) → Taiye Lake boating with lotus views → Five Dragon Pavilions tea → Jingxin Studio → Nine-Dragon Wall → North Gate. Winter version: South Gate → Qionghua Island → Taiye Lake ice skating → Five Dragon Pavilions → Jingxin Studio → Nine-Dragon Wall → North Gate. Every season offers unique experiences.
Boating on Taiye Lake: In summer, drift on Taiye Lake in a painted barge or pedal boat, enjoying White Pagoda reflections, Five Dragon Pavilions, and the distant Forbidden City corner tower from the water. Gentle breezes and calm waters make it the perfect summer escape. Boat docks are on Qionghua Island's north side and the North Bank east section.
Winter Ice Skating：Every December to February, the frozen lake opens as a natural ice rink where visitors can rent ice sleds or skates. This tradition originates from the Qing Dynasty royal "Ice Play Ceremony" and has become one of Beijing locals' favorite winter outdoor activities.
Imperial Dining Experience: Dining on authentic imperial cuisine at Fangshan Restaurant on Qionghua Island is a unique Beihai experience. Signature items include pea flour cake, kidney bean rolls, and minced meat pancakes — classic palace snacks alongside famous Manchu-Han Imperial Feast dishes. Reserve in advance; queues are long in peak season.
White Pagoda Sunset: Watch the White Pagoda frame the sunset from Taiye Lake's west bank or Qionghua Island. Golden light on the pagoda and lake creates one of Beijing's most romantic sunset views. Photographers: bring a tripod for the best light transitions.
Dining: Extremely rich dining options nearby. Jingshan Front Street and Xishiku Street (south gate) have heritage restaurants; Shichahai area (15-min walk) offers Beijing cuisine, cafes, and bars; Forbidden City Corner Tower Cafe is also popular.
Accommodation: In central Beijing with abundant hotel options — from 5-star to budget chains. Stay near Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang for authentic hutong culture experiences.
Nearby Attractions: In Beijing's imperial core with dense nearby attractions: Forbidden City (10-min walk), Jingshan Park (5 min, summit panorama), Shichahai & Nanluoguxiang (15-20 min), Prince Gong's Mansion (20 min). Easy to plan a full imperial city day.
Shopping: The Shichahai area has many creative boutiques and handicraft shops. Nanluoguxiang is great for unique Beijing souvenirs. For major shopping malls, head to Xidan commercial district (one subway stop away) with full brand selection and dining options.
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