Beihai Park

Beihai Park, shaped through the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods, is a well-preserved classical imperial garden. Centered on the waters of Taiye Pool and the scenery of Qionghua Island, it brings together an imperial retreat, religious architecture, garden courtyards, and city life. Open lake views coexist with intricately detailed pavilions, covered walkways, bridges, and glazed-tile structures. For visitors seeking to understand Beijing’s imperial gardens, Beihai offers a more compact and walkable experience than the large suburban retreats.

The White Dagoba on Qionghua Island, built in 1651, is Beihai’s most recognizable landmark. Taiye Pool, the Round City, Jingxinzhai, and the Nine-Dragon Screen demonstrate different landscape techniques and craft traditions. The Round City preserves historic buildings and old trees within a relatively independent space; Jingxinzhai uses rocks, pools, and courtyards to create the layered effect of a garden within a garden; and the Nine-Dragon Screen draws the eye with its colored glaze and intricate dragon designs. Observing nearby buildings, the dagoba on the island, and the more distant lake together reveals how the garden composes varied scenes within a limited area.

Depending on your interests, explore Beihai by circling the lake, climbing onto the island, or visiting its gardens within the garden; there is no need to rush through every sight. Photographers can focus on reflections of buildings in the water, but should remain safe on paths and never climb railings or rocks for a shot. The park is also a leisure space for local residents, so respect others when taking photographs or resting. Combining Beihai with Jingshan Park, the Forbidden City, or Shichahai creates a route from imperial gardens and central-axis views to hutong waterfronts, revealing how urban spaces from different periods overlap in neighboring parts of Beijing.