An Authentically Preserved Imperial Garden

Bei Hai Park in Beijing, China is a 1000 year old imperial park with beautifully laid out gardens, waterways and monuments. It is located northwest of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Initially built in the 10th century, it is a typical Chinese garden. Prior to the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1911 this area was part of the Forbidden City, but since 1925 it has been open to the public.

Beihai literally means “Northern Sea”. There are also corresponding “Central” and “Southern Seas” (Zhongnanhai) in the park. The complex of buildings around Zhongnanhai houses China’s paramount leaders. The Bai Ta (White Dagoba) is a 40 m high stupa placed on the highest point on Qiónghuá Island and is the main focal point of the Bei Hai Park. Its body is made of white stone. Sun, moon and flame engravings decorate the surface of the tower. A Reliquary, secreted inside the structure are Buddhist Scriptures, monk’s mantles, alms bowls, and bones of monks (their remains after cremation).

The Bei Hai Park like all things Chinese is of epic proportions. The park has an area of 700.000 square meters, with a man-made lake that covers almost half of the park. At the center of the Park is an island called Qióng-huá Island, at the northern end there is a large pool called the Taiye Pool connecting the two other pools, which are known as the Middle Sea and the South Sea.

Another not to be missed attraction is the Nine-Dragon Wall that lies north of the Five-Dragon Pavilion. The Five-Dragon Pavilion lies on the northern bank of the park and was built in the Ming Dynasty. Even at Bei Hai Park the Chinese fascination with dragons is evident! The nine dragon wall was built in 1756 and is one of only three walls of its kind in China. It is made of glazed bricks consisting of seven-colors. Nine complete dragons playing in the clouds decorate both sides of the wall.

For travelers who wish to experience the splendor of Bei Hai Park accommodation can be found in a number of Beijing hotels located nearby. If you are looking for luxury Beijing hotels quite a few of them can be found inside Beijing City.