Beihai Park, Beijing (must see)

Beihai Park is situated in the center of Beijing and is a popular tourist attraction for various reasons. This park is an imperial garden preserved till today with great care. This largest and oldest park lies to the east of Jingshan Park and Forbidden City.

The 1000-year-old park was created in keeping with a traditional Chinese legend. More than fifty percent of its total 0.71 square kilometer is covered by a lake. The Northern Shore Area, Eastern Shore Area, the Circular City located near the north gate and the Botanical Garden are the four major scenic areas to check out.

You can find the Jade Flowery Islet at the center of the lake. The imposing White Dagoba, focal point of Beihai Park can be found at this islet. White Dagoba Temple is situated right opposite the White Dagoba. As you tour Beihai Park, do not miss any of the beautiful and famous places here such as the Bell and Drum Towers, Zhengjue Hall and the Stone Tablets of Qiongdao Chunyin scattered across the Qionghua Islet slope.

Qionghua Islet stands at the center of the park densely populated with pavilions, rockeries and halls. Do not miss out the exquisite garden at the Circular City located to the Southeast of the park.

Why You Should Visit:
Huge park with a good mix of locals and foreign visitors and lots of small hidden spots to check out.

Tip:
Make sure you climb up the stairs to the white pagoda – very pretty views from up there!
This place is also home to the one and only double-sided Nine-Dragon screen, i.e. the only screen having nine huge dragons on both sides among the most famous three Nine-Dragon screens in China.