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Visit the White Pagoda, stroll around the lake, explore the ancient temples, and take a boat ride. The park offers scenic views and is perfect for photography, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Beihai Park is located in the central area of Beijing, on the west side of Jingshan Mountain in the city and to the northwest of the Forbidden City. It is an ancient garden with beautiful mountains and rivers and picturesque scenery. It has a history of nearly a thousand years and is known as "the earliest imperial garden in the world". It is one of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens in my country.
Beihai Park inherits the garden-building tradition of successive dynasties in China, draws on the strengths of garden-building techniques from all over the country, and combines the grandeur of northern gardens with the graceful and varied charm of Jiangnan private gardens, the magnificence of imperial palaces and the solemnity of religious temples. It is a treasure of Chinese garden art with a variety of auras and yet is seamlessly integrated.
Suitable for all seasons
Visit Tuancheng and Qionghua Island for about 2 hours
Tuancheng - South Gate of Beihai - Yong'an Bridge - Yong'an Temple - White Pagoda - Go down the mountain eastward - Qiongdao Chunyin Monument - Long Corridor - Yilan Hall, Daoningzhai - Yuegu Tower - Go back to Yong'an Bridge and exit from the South Gate
Tour the entire park, about 4 hours
Tuancheng - Qionghua Island - Yilan Hall (take a ferry to the north bank) - Five Dragon Pavilion - Paradise - Chanfu Temple - Kuaixue Hall - Nine Dragon Screen - Western Paradise - Jingxinzhai - Zhishan Bridge
Peak season : April 1st - October 31st
Ticket price: Entrance ticket: 10 yuan, combined ticket: 20 yuan
Off-season : November 1st - March 31st
Ticket price: Entrance ticket: 5 yuan, combined ticket: 15 yuan
Peak season : April 1st - October 31st, 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM (last admission at 8:30 PM)
Off-season : November 1st - March 31st, 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM (last admission at 7:30 PM)
Beihai Park, one of the oldest and most well-preserved imperial gardens in China, dates back to the 11th century. It was a royal garden during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and is known for its historical temples, ancient architecture, and the iconic White Pagoda.
Beihai Park is located in the heart of Beijing. The nearest metro station is Beihai North (Line 6). You can also take a taxi or a bus to reach the park, or enjoy a 20-minute walk from the Forbidden City.
The park is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons, especially in spring and autumn, to avoid large crowds and enjoy the pleasant weather.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥10-¥15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through the official Beihai Park website for online bookings.
Booking in advance is not necessary for most visits, but during peak tourist seasons (spring and summer), it's advisable to buy tickets online to avoid long lines.
Allow about 2-3 hours to explore the main attractions, including the White Pagoda, temples, lake, and gardens. If you enjoy leisurely walks, you may spend half a day here.
The must-see highlights include the White Pagoda, the Nine-Dragon Screen, the circular Mianhua Hill, and the lovely Beihai Lake. These landmarks showcase the park's historical and natural beauty.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer tours in English. Audio guides are also available in several languages, including English, for a more personalized experience.
The best viewpoints are from the top of Mianhua Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the park and the White Pagoda. The lakefront is also an ideal spot for photography, especially at sunset.
Start at the northern entrance, explore the lakefront, visit the White Pagoda, then head to Mianhua Hill. Don’t miss the Nine-Dragon Screen and the nearby temples. A leisurely route can take you around the park’s scenic areas.
Beihai Park offers evening visits during summer, where the park’s scenery is illuminated. Night tours are available on weekends, especially for photography enthusiasts, as the park looks stunning after dark.
The park can get crowded, especially on weekends and during national holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays or during the off-season (autumn and winter).
The park has clean public toilets, food stalls, and a few small shops offering snacks and souvenirs. There are also rest areas around the lake for relaxation.
Yes, Beihai Park is generally accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors, with paved paths and ramps. However, some areas like the White Pagoda may involve stairs.
Cash is accepted, but most ticket booths and shops also support mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Credit cards are not commonly accepted for smaller purchases.
There are several cafes and restaurants near the park, especially around the northern and southern entrances. Popular options include traditional Chinese tea houses and international dining spots in the nearby Wangfujing area.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local restaurants near the park. Halal food is also offered in some nearby eateries catering to the Muslim community in Beijing.
There are various hotels in close proximity to Beihai Park, ranging from budget to luxury options, including the Beijing Downtown Backpackers Accommodation and the Grand Hotel Beijing.
Nearby attractions include the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and Tiananmen Square. All are within walking distance from Beihai Park, making them ideal for a combined day trip.
There are souvenir shops near the park entrance selling traditional Chinese items such as jade jewelry, tea sets, fans, and postcards featuring the park’s scenic views.
Beihai Park is centrally located, with easy access to the metro (Line 6), buses, and taxis. If you’re heading to other landmarks like the Forbidden City or Wangfujing, walking is also a convenient option.
