Beihai Park is located in Xicheng District, the center of Beijing. It is an ancient royal garden with a history of more than a thousand years. It was built in the Liao Dynasty and is one of the most complete, oldest and most culturally profound classical gardens in China.
The park covers an area of about 69 hectares, of which the lake accounts for about half. The scenery is picturesque in all seasons. It integrates traditional Chinese beliefs, culture, and garden art. It is a great place to experience the historical charm of Beijing and unwind.
The most famous attractions in the park include the White Pagoda, Qionghua Island, Nine Dragon Wall, Five Dragon Pavilion and Jingxinzhai. The White Pagoda is located on the top of Qionghua Island. It is a landmark building. You can overlook the Beihai Lake from the top. The Nine Dragon Wall is one of the three existing nine dragon walls in China. It is exquisitely carved and is a popular place for taking photos.
Ticket price: There are differences in prices between off-season and peak season
Beihai Park is divided into "big ticket" and "combination ticket":
Peak season (April 1st - October 31st):
- Ticket: $2 (RMB 15)
- Combination ticket (including attractions such as White Pagoda and Nine Dragon Wall): $3.5 (RMB 25)
Off-season (November 1st - March 31st of the following year):
- Ticket: $1.5 (RMB 10)
- Combination ticket: $2.5 (RMB 20)
Children, students, the elderly, and other eligible groups can enjoy half-price or free entry policies—remember to bring valid documents.
Opening hours: slightly different due to season
Opening hours of the park gate:
- Peak season (April-October): 6:30-21:00 (no admission at 20:30)
- Off-season (November-March of the following year): 6:30-20:00 (no admission at 19:30)
Opening hours of scenic spots (such as White Pagoda, Nine Dragon Wall):
- Usually 8:30-17:00, which may be slightly adjusted during holidays or special events.
Transportation: convenient and fast from the city center
Beihai Park has extremely convenient transportation and is not far from the Forbidden City and Shichahai.
Subway:
- Get off at [Beihai North Station] on Metro Line 6, exit from Exit A, and walk about 5 minutes to the North Gate.
- Or take Metro Line 1 to [Tiananmen West] and walk about 15 minutes to enter the park from the South Gate.
Bus:
- North Gate: Take Bus No. 5, 58, or 101 to "Beihai North Gate Station"
- East Gate: Take Bus No. 111 or 124 to "Beihai South Gate Station"
- South Gate: Take Bus No. 13 or 103 to "Beihai Station"
Taxi/Cycling:
- Located in the city center, it is very convenient to take a taxi or ride a shared bicycle. It is recommended to ride slowly along the moat to experience the charm of old Beijing.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the most beautiful, and the early morning is the quietest
Beihai Park is suitable for all seasons, but the best time to visit is from April to May (spring) and September to October (autumn). The weather is suitable during these two periods, with lake light, tower shadows, and lush flowers and trees, which are suitable for sightseeing and taking pictures.
Early morning is the best time to visit the park. Not only are there fewer tourists and the air is fresh, but you can also meet old Beijingers practicing Tai Chi and playing the erhu, which is a unique flavor.
Practical Tips: Make Your Journey Easier
1. Recommended Tour Route:It is recommended to enter from the north gate, first visit the White Pagoda on Qionghua Island, then walk to the Nine Dragon Wall and Jingxinzhai, and finally exit the park from the south gate. The whole walk takes about 2 hours.
2. Avoid the crowds:There are a lot of people on weekends and holidays. It is recommended to go on weekdays or in the morning to avoid the peak.
3. Photo Angle:The best camera position to see the White Pagoda is from Tuancheng Bridge, especially in the evening, when the reflection and golden light complement each other.
4. Food and Rest:There are simple teahouses and canteens in the park, but the choices are limited. It is recommended to bring your own water and light meals. There are many restaurants in Shichahai and Nanluoguxiang nearby, which can be visited after the tour.
5. Notes:The White Pagoda is not open for climbing inside, and can only be viewed from a close distance; pay attention to the opening hours of the attractions and arrange your itinerary reasonably.
A park that can slow us down
Beihai Park is not only a microcosm of the royal garden, but also an ideal place for modern urbanites to slow down. Here we can appreciate the ingenuity of classical architecture and enjoy the tranquility of lakes and mountains. Next time you visit Beijing, why not take half a day to visit Beihai, and you may encounter a different self.
Beijing Expat Travel Guide—Venture into Beihai Park
Video by Visit Beijing
