Beihai Park Park
Imperial garden with lake and historic pavilions
Beihai Park in central Beijing centers on a large lake with the White Dagoba; visitors rent boats, stroll pavilions and explore Ming-and-Qing-era gardens near the Forbidden City.
Beihai Park at a Glance#
Address: 1 Wenjin Rd, Xicheng, Beijing, China (near the Forbidden City and Shichahai area)
Hours: Daily 6:30am-7:00pm (seasonal variations possible)
Admission: CNY 10-20 (~$1.50-3) depending on season; larger gardens or special pavilions may charge additional fees
About 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.
How to Get to Beihai Park#
Beihai Park is adjacent to the Forbidden City and within walking distance of the Shichahai area. Metro access is via Beihai North Station (Line 6) or by walking from nearby Tiananmen/Forbidden City stations. Multiple bus routes stop near the park entrances.
Tips for Visiting Beihai Park#
- Enter via the east gate near the Forbidden City to combine Beihai Park with a walk through central Beijing
- Rent a small rowboat on the lake in the late afternoon-the light across the white pagoda is especially photogenic
- Avoid National Day (October 1-7) and May Golden Week for heavy crowds
Best Time to Visit Beihai Park#
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit for mild weather and manageable crowds.
Weather & Climate near Beihai Park#
Beihai Park's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (569 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | -9° - 2° | -7° | 5 mm | some cloud | 51% | 2.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| February | Acceptable | -6° - 5° | -3° | 4 mm | partly cloudy | 49% | 2.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.6h |
| March | Very Good | 0° - 12° | 4° | 10 mm | some cloud | 42% | 2.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 8° - 21° | 14° | 16 mm | partly cloudy | 39% | 3.1 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 14° - 27° | 20° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 39% | 2.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.2h |
| June | Very Good | 19° - 31° | 25° | 74 mm | partly cloudy | 52% | 2.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.7h |
| July | Good | 22° - 31° | 27° | 201 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 2.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.5h |
| August | Very Good | 20° - 30° | 25° | 155 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 1.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.5h |
| September | Excellent | 14° - 26° | 20° | 44 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 1.8 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 17 mm | some cloud | 57% | 2.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Very Good | -1° - 10° | 3° | 7 mm | some cloud | 55% | 2.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.9h |
| December | Good | -6° - 4° | -4° | 5 mm | some cloud | 53% | 2.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
