Beihai Park

Beihai Park is an historic imperial garden and public park in central Beijing, located to the northwest of the Forbidden City. It is one of China’s oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens and comprises a large lake with islands, pavilions, and landscaped grounds.

The park’s most visible feature is the white stupa known as the White Dagoba on an island in the northern lake. The grounds include classical garden pavilions, bridges, and decorated walls that reflect imperial landscaping and architectural styles.

The site developed over many dynasties as part of the imperial grounds and was opened more widely to the public in modern times. It is managed as both a historic site and an urban park, popular for walking, boating, and cultural visits.

Beihai Park sits within central Beijing amid other historic complexes; its lake and islands provide a green space in the dense urban centre.

• Best time to visit: The park covers a large imperial garden area north-west of the Forbidden City and combines lake, island, and landscaped gardens; mornings are a good time for quieter visits and boating on the lake.

What to See #

• White Dagoba: The White Dagoba sits on Qionghua Island in the middle of the northern lake and is a prominent white stupa visible from many points in the park; it dates to the 17th century in its original form and was restored later.
• Garden pavilions and decorative walls: The park contains decorative features such as a Nine-Dragon Wall and classical imperial garden pavilions distributed around the lake shores and islands.