Located in the heart of Beijing, Beihai Park is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved imperial gardens in China. Opened to the public in 1925, it was among the first important cultural heritage sites protected by the State Council in 1961. With a history of more than 1,000 years, Beihai Park perfectly combines magnificent imperial architecture, traditional Chinese garden design, beautiful landscapes, and religious structures.
Covering an area of about 69 hectares, including a lake area of approximately 39 hectares, the park features peaceful lakes, hills, ancient trees, elegant pavilions, temples, and historic buildings. It is regarded as a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design, blending the grandeur of northern royal gardens with the delicate beauty of southern Chinese landscape gardens.
Together with the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park to the east, and Zhongnanhai to the south, Beihai Park forms one of the most important historical areas in central Beijing. The park was once part of the imperial gardens used by Chinese emperors and remains a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience Beijing’s history and traditional culture.
Qionghua Island and White Dagoba
The most iconic landmark of Beihai Park is the White Dagoba, standing on the top of Qionghua Island in the center of the park. Built in 1651 during the Qing Dynasty, the dagoba was constructed at the request of a Tibetan Buddhist lama and commissioned by Emperor Shunzhi, the first emperor of the Qing Dynasty. It represented the emperor’s respect for Tibetan Buddhism and his wish to strengthen unity among different ethnic groups in China.
The original White Dagoba was damaged by earthquakes and rebuilt several times. Today, the structure stands about 35.9 meters high, featuring a stone foundation, bronze umbrella-shaped decorations, and hanging bronze bells. Inside the dagoba are Buddhist scriptures, ritual objects, and other religious treasures.
As the highest point in Beihai Park, the White Dagoba offers excellent panoramic views of the surrounding gardens, lake, and historic buildings. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions on Qionghua Island, including Zhengjue Hall, the Bell and Drum Towers, and the famous stone tablet engraved with “Chunyin Qiongdao,” a phrase describing the beautiful spring scenery of the island written by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty.
Taiye Lake and Scenic Areas
More than half of Beihai Park is occupied by Taiye Lake, creating a beautiful water landscape surrounded by traditional architecture and greenery. The lake has played an important role in Beijing’s history and is one of the defining features of the park.
Besides Qionghua Island, Beihai Park is divided into several scenic areas:
* East Shore Scenic Area – Featuring historic buildings, gardens, and peaceful walking paths.
* North Shore Scenic Area – Home to famous attractions including the Nine-Dragon Wall and Five-Dragon Pavilions.
* Botanical Garden Area – A relaxing area filled with plants and natural scenery.
* Circular City (Tuancheng) – A historic area near the north gate with important cultural relics.
Nine-Dragon Wall
One of the most famous attractions in Beihai Park is the Nine-Dragon Wall, located near the Five-Dragon Pavilions on the northern side of the park. Built in 1756 during the Qing Dynasty, it is one of the three most famous Nine-Dragon Walls in China.
The colorful glazed-brick wall features nine complete dragons playing among clouds and waves. Made with seven different colors of glazed bricks, the wall demonstrates the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic achievements of traditional Chinese architecture.
A Must-Visit Historical Garden in Beijing
With its tranquil lake scenery, ancient temples, imperial architecture, and cultural treasures, Beihai Park Beijing offers visitors a perfect combination of nature and history. Whether taking a boat ride on Taiye Lake, climbing Qionghua Island for views of the city, or exploring centuries-old buildings, visitors can experience the elegance of traditional Chinese imperial gardens.