Beihai Park

» Beijing, He Bei

Beihai Park Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

With the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park to its east, Zhong Nan Hai (Central and South Seas) to its south, Beihai (North Sea) Park is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardens in China located in the center of Beijing. This ancient garden, with over 1,000 years' history, is not only a classic combination of the grandiosity of the northern gardens and the refinement of the southern gardens in China, but also a perfect integration of magnificent imperial palaces and solemn religious constructions.

Traditional Chinese legend

Beihai Park is said to be built according to a traditional Chinese legend. The story is that once upon a time there were three magic mountains called "Penglai," "Yingzhou" and "Fangzhang" located to the east of Bohai Bay (to the east of China). Gods in those mountains had a kind of herbal medicine which would help humans gain immortality.

Consequently, many emperors in the feudal age of China constantly sought those mountains. For example, Qin Shihuang, the First Emperor of Qin (221 B.C. - 206 B.C.), wanted to live an eternal life and had sent people to look for the magic mountains but they failed. Then at his palace, he dug a large pool and piled up three earth hills in it to imitate the circumstances described in the legend. Emperor Wudi, the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty (202 B.C. - 8 A.D.) did similar things.

One-pool-with-three-hills' layout

It was believed that different mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architecture led to totally different effects. So from then on, almost every emperor during the succeeding dynasties would build a royal garden with one-pool-with-three-hills' layout as a fairyland near his palace. Beihai Park was surely built after this traditional style: the water of Beihai (North Sea) with Zhong Nan Hai (Central and South Seas) is the Taiye Pool; the Jade Flowery (Qionghua) Islet, the island of the Circular City and the Xishantai Island represent the three magic mountains.

History

Beihai Park was initially built in the Liao Dynasty (916 - 1125) and was repaired and rebuilt in the following dynasties including Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing (1115 - 1911). The large-scale rebuilding in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) generally established the present scale and pattern of Beihai Park. In 1925, the park was first opened to the public, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

Touring here

Beihai Park covers an area of about 0.71 square kilometers (about 0.27 square miles), more than half of which is taken up by the lake. In the middle of the lake and on the central axis of the whole park lies the Jade Flowery Islet, topped by the imposing White Dagoba which is the landmark of Beihai Park. Besides the Jade Flowery Islet, the park has four main scenic areas: the Eastern Shore Area, the Northern Shore Area, the Botanical Garden and the Circular City near the north gate. There are many famous and beautiful places you should not miss when touring Beihai Park.

White Dagoba

The past of the dagoba

On top of the Jade Flowery Islet, the White Dagoba was built in 1651 on the former site of the Palace in the Moon where Kublai Khan received Marco Polo. At the suggestion of a famous Tibetan lama, Emperor Shunzhi, the first emperor of the Qing Dynasty agreed to build such a Tibetan dagoba to show his belief in Buddhism and his desire for the unification among various Chinese ethnic groups. The White Dagoba was destroyed in an earthquake and reconstructed twice.

The present of the dagoba

Now, resting on a huge stone base, it stands 35.9 meters (about 118 feet) high and is capped by two bronze umbrella-like canopies, with 14 bronze bells hanging around them. Inside, the dagoba holds the Buddhist Scriptures, the monk's mantle and alms bowl and two pieces of Sarira. Since the White Dagoba is the highest point in Beihai Park, it served as a vantage point with a beautiful view of the whole park.

White Dagoba Temple

In front of the White Dagoba is the White Dagoba Temple. There are several other buildings and halls you could visit if you have enough time. These include Zhengjue Hall, the Bell and Drum Towers, the Stone Tablets of "Qiongdao Chunyin" (means the beautiful scenery of the Jade Flowery Islet in spring; inscribed by Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty) etc, all scattered on the slope of the Qionghua Islet.

Hao Pu Creek (Haopujian) Garden

After touring the Jade Flowery Islet, you can cross the Zhishan Bridge to the Eastern Shore Scenic Area which has many independent gardens within Beihai Park such as the Painted Boat (Huafang) Studio and the Hao Pu Creek Garden.

The name

Created in 1757, the Hao Pu Creek Garden is one of the best gardens-within-gardens of the existing imperial gardens in China. "Hao" and "Pu" were the ancient names of two rivers in Anhui Province.

The story

There is a story that goes like this: in the Warring States Period (475 B.C. - 221 B.C.), Zhuangzi and Huizi (two famous philosophers of ancient China) argued with each other on the bridge over the Hao River. Zhuangzi said: "How happy are the fish in the river!" Huizi responded: "You are not a fish. Then how can you know whether the fish are happy or not?" Zhuangzi answered: "You are not me. Then how can you know that I don't know the happiness of the fish?" This story inspired Emperor Qianlong to build the Hao Pu Creek Garden to seek happiness and relaxation as free as fish in the river.

The feature

So the garden is designed for tranquility and happiness, featuring a special mountain-water structure to give the impression of a deep valley which gives seclusion from society.

Quiet Heart (Jingxin) Study

After visiting the Eastern Shore Area, stepping westward, you will be at the Northern Shore Area. Lying to the east of this area, the Quiet Heart Study is the most famous independent garden within Beihai Park. It was initially built in Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and enlarged in Qing Dynasty. Inside the study, there are many magnificent palaces, halls, pavilions, towers, corridors and artificial hills, numerous odd-shaped porous rocks and stones, all artistically arranged. During Qing Dynasty, some of the royal members used to rest or study here.

Nine-Dragon Screen

To the northwest lies the well-known Nine-Dragon Screen, which is the only screen having nine huge dragons on both sides among the most famous three Nine-Dragon Screens in China (the other two are respectively in the Forbidden City and Datong, Shanxi Province).

Built in 1756, the Nine-Dragon Screen is about 27 meters (about 88.6 feet) long, 6.65 meters (about 21.8 feet) high and 1.42 meters (4.66 feet) thick. It is composed of 424 seven-color glazed tiles that embossing the screen. There are nine huge coiling dragons on each side of the screen and big or small dragons in different postures decorating the two ends and the eaves, making a surprising total of 635 dragons. Even after 200 years, the Nine-Dragon Screen is still bright in color and complete in appearance, showing the high techniques of Chinese arts and crafts in ancient times.

Five-Dragon Pavilions

To the southwest of the Nine-Dragon Screen lies the Five-Dragon Pavilions - five connected pavilions with spires and pointed upswept eaves. From a distance, they appear together like a huge dragon.

Visit the pavilions

Built first in 1602 and repaired several times in Qing Dynasty, these five pavilions, half over the water, stand on the north bank of the lake opposite the Jade Flowery Islet. There are many exquisite carvings and paintings on the girders and pillars of the pavilions which make the Five-Dragon Pavilions a delightful place for the royal members in ancient China to relax and appreciate the natural beauty.

Attractions around the pavilions

You can stand in the Five-Dragon Pavilions to see the Jade Flowery Islet with the gleaming White Dagoba standing in the exuberance of trees, flowers and various other plants. There are also many other worthwhile places to visit around the Five-Dragon Pavilions including the Heavenly King Hall, Chengguan Hall and the Temple of Little Western Skies, a famous Buddhist architecture.

Circular City

Finally you can visit the Circular City right at the southwestern corner of Beihai Park. The city wall stands about 4.6 meters (about 15 feet) high and has a circumference of 276 meters (about 906 feet). Among the various places to visit in the Circular City including halls, towers and pavilions, the most important construction is the Chengguang Hall which holds the extremely precious white jade statue of Buddha introduced from Burma at the end of Qing Dynasty. In front of the hall is a grand urn made of variegated dark jade. With a diameter of 1.5 meters (about 4.9 feet), a circumference of 5 meters (about 16.4 feet), a height of 0.7 meters (about 2.3 feet) and a weighing 3.5 tons, the urn used to be the vessel of Kublai Khan for storing wine.

Eating here

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 elaborate imperial flavor.

Exhibitions

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.

When to visit

• Opening Hours: 06:30a.m. - 20:00p.m. (January, February, March, November, December) 06:00a.m. - 21:00p.m. (April, May, September, October) 06:00a.m. - 22:00p.m. (June, July, August)

Getting there

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

Attractions around » Beijing, He Bei

Beihai Park Highlights

Beihai Park FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. Is Beijing's weather fine all year round?
2. Which is the best season to visit Beijing?

  Transportation

1. Do taxes cost high in Beijing? Are taxi drivers friendly?
2. Can I take subway in Beijing? Is it fast and easy to find?

  Food

1. How much do you konw about Beijing cuisine? and local food?
2. What taste is a must in Beijing? Why is Peking Duck so popular in Beijing?
3. What should we pay attention to when having lunch or dinner in Beijing?

  Shopping

1. Can I use my credit card when shopping in Beijing?
2. What souvenirs can we buy in Beijing?

  Travel

1. Are toliet facilities clean in Beijing?
2. Where should I go if I love Beijing's nightlife?
3. Do you want to visit Tai Chi and Kung Fu performance in Beijing?

  Customs

1. Are you interested in chinese Facial Makeup?
2. Have you ever heard of "Chineses tea culture"? Do you want to learn drinking custom?
3. Why are "Hutong" so welcomed? May I take it as an symbol of Beijing?
4. Are you familiar with courtyard house (siheyuan)? Where can I visit it in Beijing?
5. What festivals do peking friends celebrate? How do they celebrate Spring Festival?
6. How much do you know about Beijing opera?

  Other Hints

1. What to pack for Beijing tours?
2. What is emergency number in Beijing?
3. What is Beijing time?
4. What do I need to prepare if I want to visit Beijing attractions?

• Is Beijing's weather fine all year round?

  No, The climate in Beijing is of the continental type, with cold and dry winters, due to the Siberian air massses that move southward across the Mongolian Plateau. The summers are hot owing to warm and humid monsoon winds from the southeast bringing Beijing most of its annual precipitation. January is the coldest month and July is the warmest. Winter usually begins towards the end of October. The summer months, June to August, are wet and hot with about 40% of the annual precipitation.

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• Which is the best season to visit Beijing?

  The autumn months between September and November have the best weather and fewer tourists. Summer (June to August) is considered peak season, when hotels typically raise their rates and the Great Wall nearly collapses under the weight of marching tourists. Spring is less pleasant not many tourists but lots of wind and dust. In winter, you'll have Beijing to yourself and many hotels offer substantial discounts, just remember it's an ice box outside. Everything is chock block during the Chinese New Year (usually in January or February).

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• Do taxes cost high in Beijing? Are taxi drivers friendly in Beijing?

  No, the cost is not expensive, around 1.6 yuan per kilometer. During the olym pic games is held in 2008, some tax's drivers are interested in learning English. They are so kind and friend that some may chat to you in English.

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• Can I take subway in Beijing? Is it fast and easy to find?

  Yes, the subway system in Beijing was rebuilt during 2008, until now it opened subway line 1, subway line 2, subway line 5, subway line 13, and line eight-passageway, covering the whole city and the airport. Morover, subway line 10 is plan to open during olym pic games period, which favor special for olym pic village. You may get to subway station easily in avenue. The subway is a great way to beat the growing Beijing traffic chaos.

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• How much do you konw about Beijing cuisine? and local food?

  Just like the capital's culture, Beijing cuisine has absorbed and been influenced by many of the flavours of China's regions. Chinese cuisine in general has the four distinct regional cooking styles of Sichuan (Chuan) to the West, Canton (Cantonese) to the South, Shangdong (Lu) to the East and Jiangsu (Huaiyang) to the North and the cuisine of Beijing brings together these contrasting styles. In Beijing you can find menus from around the world including Spanish, French and Italian restaurants that are well-established, and Japanese, Indian and Thai outlets, that are also very popular with local Beijingers.

  You can have steamed bread with bean filling, flour pancakes cooked with egg, coriander, chilli, and black onion seeds, pancakes stuffed with pork, egg and vegetables. These gems are available from little glass cabinettes on the back of three-wheeled bicycles or from stands on street corners, hidden down leafy hutongs.

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• What taste is a must in Beijing? Why is Peking Duck so popular in Beijing?

  Peking Duck, a delicious, lightly-smoked, rich meal complimented by pancakes, dipping sauce, vegetable filling and irresistible slivers of juicy meat, fat and crispy skin. As the favourit food in local Beijing, Peking duck is world famous nowadays.

  Peking duck has been prepared since the Yuan Dynasty, and is now considered one of China's national foods. Duck has been roasted in China since the Southern and Northern Dynasties. Peking Duck was first prepared for the Emperor of China in the Yuan Dynasty. The dish, originally named "Shaoyazi". In the Ming Dynasty, the Peking Duck was one of the main dishes on imperial court menus. By the Qianlong Period (1736-1796) of the Qing Dynasty, the popularity of the Peking Duck spread to the upper classes, inspiring poetry from poets and scholars who enjoyed the dish.

  Today, the Peking Duck had become a national symbol of China, favoured by tourists and diplomats alike. For example, Henry Kissinger, the Secretary of State of the United States met Premier Zhou Enlai in the Great Hall of the People on July 10, during his first visit to China. After a round of inconclusive talks in the morning, the delegation was served Peking Duck for lunch, which became Kissinger's favourite. The Americans and Chinese issued a joint statement the following day, inviting President Richard Nixon to visit China in 1972. The Peking Duck was hence considered one of the factors behind the rapproachement of the United States to China in the 1970's. Following Zhou's death in 1976, Kissinger paid another visit to Beijing to savour Peking Duck.

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• What should we pay attention to when having lunch or dinner in Beijing?

  • Restaurants in Beijing usually do not require tips or a service charge. Some expensive restaurants will charge 15% service.
  • Opening times usually 11am-2pm and 5pm-10pm
  • Menus written in Chinese, so be warned: bring a friendly translator
  • Do not worry about getting the chopsticks right first time: practice not perfection
  • Do observe some of the taboos associated with eating in Chin.a

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• Can I use my credit card when shopping in Beijing?

  Yes, paying credit card is available in most shopping centre, Beijing. Just like Wangfujing walking street. however, It is easy to find the ATM bank in some downtown districts, and it will not be a problem if you want working staff help you handle routine banking bussiness. The money used in Beijing is the Chinese RenMinBi, or RMB for short. The Chinese call it Yuan or Kuai in Beijing. There are approximately 8 RMB to the US dollar. Most star hotels offer a good service for exchanging your cash into RMB. Anyway, you may not worry about it.

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• What souvenirs can we buy in Beijing?

  Fancywork, mintmark, fogle, tablecloth designed in dragon and phenix, herbal medicine, etc.

• Are toliet facilities clean in Beijing?

  Most toliets are repaired two years ago. Most are some squat toilets to Western ones, as your body won't have to come into contact with anything in there that might be dirty. No need to sit on dirty toilet seats.

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• Where should I go if I love Beijing's nightlife?

  Yuandadu Street is developed on Yuandadu Relics and also belongs to an up-and-coming youngster. Distinctive feature theme is its enchantment. Madami Mosuo flavor bar, gliding umbrella theme bar, Tibet breeding dog bar. There are more than 20 bars here. It is relatively quiet because of lower recognition.

  Hou hai bar area (lotus lane) seems to be taking over from Sanlitun as the major bar area of Beijing. It is situated around a man-made lake at the north of Beihai Park. Boating is available on the lake till 11pm or 12am (in the summer of course). Very pretty area.

• Do you want to visit Tai Chi and Kung Fu performance in Beijing?

  Tai Chi quan(shadow boxing) is a famous Chinese Kung Fu. All the Chinese Kung Fu can be divided into two kinds, the "In - style" and the "Out - style". Tai Chi is the representative kind of the "In-style". This kind of Kung Fu emphasizes on the stuffs inside the fighter's body, which include the calmness of the spirit, the sensitivity of the sense and the speed of the reaction. In contrast, the out - style Kung Fu is to fight before your opponent's move or try to destroy your opponent's attack.

  We will arrange you a nice Tai Chi lesson and Kung Fu performance if you like.

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• Are you interested in chinese Facial Makeup?

  The Chinese Facial Makeup art was developed from the mask painting art which was initiated by Lang-Ling Hwang in the Pei-Gee dynasty and by Wu-Hsiang Dee in the Song dynasty. The painted masks were originally used in the fields of battle to make dreadful figures to frighten the enemy. Later on the masks were employed in the stage to show.

  Social standing and disposition of characters. Owing to difficulty and inconvenience of manufacturing and wearing masks, the colors were directly painted on the faces, afterwards. Generally speaking, the face without painting represents faithful and nice fellows, the multi-colored face represents wicked people, the red face represents loyal and straight characters, the black face represent bravery and preseverance. The buffoons are painted with coloured spots. Up to now, there are many types of face-painting.

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• Have you ever heard of "Chineses tea culture"? Do you want to learn drinking custom?

  Chinese tea culture refers to the methods of preparation of tea, the equipment used to make tea and the occasions in which tea is consumed in China. Tea culture in China differs from that of Europe, Britain or Japan in such things as preparation methods, tasting methods and the occasions for which it is consumed. Even now, in both casual and formal Chinese occasions, tea is consumed regularly. In addition to being a drink, Chinese tea is used in traditional Chinese medicine and in Chinese cuisine.

  There are several special circumstances in which tea is prepared and consumed:

  As a sign of respect
  For a family gathering
  To apologize
  To express thanks to your elders on one's wedding day
  To connect large families on wedding days
  To pass on the tradition

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• Why are "Hutong" so welcomed? May I take it as an symbol of Beijing?

  Hutong is a typical lane or small street in Beijing that originated during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). "Hutong" is a Mongolian word, meaning "water well". During that time, water well is the settlement around which people lived. There are tens of thousands of hutongs surrounding the Forbidden City. In the past, Beijing was composed of countless courtyards. Hutongs were formed when people left a passageway between two courtyards to make entering them more convenient.

  As the symbol of Beijing City, a hutong has its own layout and structure, which makes it a wonder in the world. When taking a bird's eye view of Beijing, you will find the combination of hutongs and courtyards just like an orderly chessboard with delicate gardens, fine rockeries, and ancient ruins. Hutongs have witnessed the development of Beijing. Where there is a hutong, there is a story.

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• Are you familiar with courtyard house(siheyuan)? Where can I visit it in Beijing?

  Traditionally most urban Chinese used to live in quadrangles called siheyuan or "four-side enclosed courtyards." These courts, as the name implies, are formed by inward-facing houses on four sides, closed in by enclosure walls. Such a residence offers space, comfort and quiet privacy. It is also good for security as well as protection against dust and storms. Grown with plants and flowers, the court is also a sort of garden.

  In feudal times, the courtyard dwellings were built according to the traditional concepts of the five elements that were believed to compose the universe, and the eight diagrams of divination. The gate was made at the southeast corner which was the "wind" corner, and house was made to face the south with the main building on the north side which was believed to belong to "water" - an element to prevent fire.

  Today, Beijing still has about 400,000 residential quadrangles, mainly distributed over the East, West, Xuanwu and Chongwen districts of the city. Those in the East and West districts are in the best shape.

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• What festivals do peking friends celebrate? How do they celebrate Spring festival?

  Spring festival, Lantern festival, Qingming festival, Dragon boat festival, Double seven festival, Mid-autum festival, Double ninth festival, Winter solstice festival. These festivals are celebrated by Peking friends.

  The Spring Festival, which falls on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month, often one month later than the Gregorian calendar. It originated in the Shang Dynasty (1600 B.C. - 1100 B.C.) from the people's sacrifice to gods and ancestors at the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one. It is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. All people living away from home go back, becoming the busiest time for transportation systems of about half a month from the Spring Festival.

  On spring festival, people decorate their clean rooms featuring an atmosphere of rejoicing and festivity. All the door panels will be pasted with Spring Festival couplets, highlighting Chinese calligraphy with black characters on red paper. The content varies from house owners' wishes for a bright future to good luck for the New Year. Also, pictures of the god of doors and wealth will be posted on front doors to ward off evil spirits and welcome peace and abundance.

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• How much do you know about Beijing opera?

  Beijing opera is deemed the national opera of China. The accompanying music, singing and costumes are all fascinating and artistic. Full of Chinese cultural facts, the opera presents to the audience an encyclopedia of Chinese culture as well as unfolding stories, beautiful paintings, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and acrobatic fighting. It is generally accepted that Beijing opera gradually came into being after 1790 when the famous four Anhui opera troupes came to Beijing. Beijing opera underwent fast development during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and the notorious Empress Dowager Cixi under the imperial patron, and eventually became more accessible to the people.

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• What to pack for Beijing tours?

  Besides the medicines you usually take at home, you need to bring pain killers, anti-
  inflammatory prescriptions and medicines for colds, fever and diarrhea. These medicines are
  especially helpful if you are going to visit Beijing.

  You' better take apropriate cloth in season. In autumn, jeans and a sweater are usually enough. In the warmer months, T-shirts and light pants or shorts are the best bet. In the colder months, it is wise to dress in layers: long underwear and jeans, shirt, sweater and down jacket. If you want to go local, you can buy a thick cotton army coat (jun da yi) for less than 100 yuan (12 bucks). Rain gear is necessary, especially during the summer months.

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• What is emergency number in Beijing?

  Fire: 119
  Traffic: 122
  Ambulance: 120
  Police: 110

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• What is Beijing time?

  Beijing is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (London) and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (New York), is the standard time used in China.

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• What do I need to prepare if I want to visit Beijing attractions?

  Some attractions need to pay cash, like Tian'an men square, summer palace, and other activities in hutongs. so it is much adivsible to take enough RMB when tour in local residents. A handerchief should be prepared for your Great wall explor. In addition, you'd better take storage battery with camera, because it costs expensive in some senenic spots.

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