Millennium Imperial Garden in the Heart of Beijing: Beihai Park

Beihai Park, located in the center of Beijing, is a royal garden with a history spanning over a thousand years. It was first established during the Liao and Jin dynasties and underwent expansions and renovations during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It is one of China's oldest and most well-preserved imperial gardens. The park is built around Beihai Lake, featuring pavilions, towers, the iconic White Pagoda, and stunning reflections on the water. With its picturesque scenery throughout the year, it is a favorite leisure spot for both locals and tourists. 🗺️ Attractions Overview 1. 🌊 Beihai Lake Area (Qionghua Island) • The core area of Beihai Park, with the magnificent White Pagoda (a Tibetan-style stupa) standing on Qionghua Island in the center of the lake, serving as the park's landmark. • Climb the pagoda for panoramic views of the lake and Beijing city, especially enchanting during spring and autumn. • The lakeside features painted boats, arched bridges, and weeping willows, making it a perfect route for photography and leisurely walks. 2. 🍃 East Shore Area (Five-Dragon Pavilions) • Five colorful pavilions with unique designs span the lake, offering vibrant scenery. • A popular spot for photography and sunset viewing, with seating available for rest. 3. 🌸 Round City and Xiaoxitian • Towering ancient trees and a serene garden atmosphere. • Xiaoxitian features Tibetan Buddhist architecture, including statues and murals, offering a distinctive cultural experience. 4. ⛵ Boating on the Lake • During summer, visitors can rent painted boats or pedal boats to explore the lake, making it a popular choice for family outings and romantic dates. 🌸 Best Seasons to Visit • Spring (March–May): Peach blossoms and crabapple flowers bloom, with pleasant weather ideal for photography and outdoor activities. • Summer (June–August): Lotus flowers fill the lake, and boating provides a refreshing escape. • Autumn (September–October): Maple leaves and ginkgo trees create a colorful landscape. • Winter (November–February): The lake freezes, offering ice activities such as skating and sledding. ⏰ Opening Hours and Tickets • Opening Hours: • Peak Season (April–October): 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM (ticket sales end at 8:30 PM) • Off Season (November–March): 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM (ticket sales end at 7:30 PM) • Ticket Prices: • General Admission (park entry only): ¥10 (peak season) / ¥5 (off season) • Combo Ticket (includes White Pagoda, Xiaoxitian, etc.): ¥20 (peak season) / ¥15 (off season) • White Pagoda Ticket: ¥10 (Actual prices may vary; refer to official announcements or WeChat mini-programs for updates.) 🚇 How to Get There • Recommended Subway Routes: • Line 6: Exit at Beihai North Station (Exit A), then walk about 3 minutes to the north gate. • Alternatively, take Line 4 to Ping'anli Station or Xidan Station and transfer to a bus. • Bus Routes: Take buses 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, and others to the "Beihai Park" stop. 🍡 Nearby Food Recommendations • Shichahai Bar Street / Nanluoguxiang: Known for its artistic and retro vibe, with numerous cafes and specialty snacks. • Huguosi Snacks: Authentic Beijing flavors, including mung bean juice, zhajiang noodles, tripe, and aiwowo. • Dashilan / Qianmen Pedestrian Street: Close to Beihai Park, featuring century-old establishments like Quanjude, Tongrentang, and Bianyifang. 💡 Tips 1. Visit in the morning or evening for a more relaxing experience, avoiding crowds and enjoying better lighting. 2. Wear comfortable shoes as the park has many walking paths, perfect for slow exploration and sightseeing. 3. Combine your visit with nearby attractions: Jingshan Park, the north gate of the Forbidden City, and Shichahai are all within walking distance. 4. Photography enthusiasts should bring telephoto and wide-angle lenses to capture stunning reflections and ancient architecture. 5. Use Beijing Transportation Card / WeChat / Alipay for direct park entry via QR code, eliminating the need to queue for tickets.