Beihai ("North Sea") is one of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens in China, with parts dating to the 11th century. The park centers on a 39-hectare lake; Jade Flower Island in the middle is crowned by the 35-meter White Dagoba — a Tibetan-Buddhist stupa from 1651 that's one of Beijing's most recognizable silhouettes. It's directly northwest of the Forbidden City (10-minute walk from Jingshan Park's north gate) and pairs naturally with that morning's palace visit. Less famous and less mobbed than the Summer Palace, Beihai is where Beijing locals come to row paddle boats, do tai chi, and walk the willow-lined embankments. The Nine-Dragon Screen (九龙壁) — a 27-meter glazed-tile wall depicting nine dragons among the clouds — is one of only three such Qing-era screens left in China.
Address
1 Wenjin St, Xicheng District, Beijing
西城区文津街1号
Highlights
- White Dagoba (白塔)1651 Tibetan-Buddhist stupa atop Jade Flower Island — climb up for city views
- Nine-Dragon Screen (九龙壁)27m glazed-tile wall, Qing dynasty; one of three left in China
- Paddle Boats on the Lake30 RMB/hour; calm summer afternoons are perfect
- Combo with Jingshan Park10-min walk from Forbidden City's north gate — natural pairing
- Round Fort & Yong'an Temple (团城·永安寺)Small fortified terrace at the south gate, often skipped
For foreign visitors
- English service: partial english
- Cards accepted: cash_only
- Booking / entry: not needed
- Best time: Late afternoon for golden hour at the White Dagoba
- Wi-Fi: none
- Transit access: metro direct
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What travelers say (20 reviews)
Lucy M.·TripAdvisor·5/5
The White Dagoba island in the middle of the lake is so picturesque. Climbed up for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
2026-04-02
Tom W.·Google Maps·4/5
Quieter than Houhai but right next to it. Pair with Jingshan Park to the south — 10 min walk between gates.
2026-03-12
LakesAndLanterns·YouTube·5/5
Paddle boats for 30 RMB/hr — best summer afternoon in Beijing. Locals fishing along the embankment, lotus blooms in July.
2026-02-25
Anna T.·TripAdvisor·5/5
Don't miss the Nine-Dragon Screen — 27 m glazed-tile wall, Qing dynasty original. One of three in China.
2025-11-30
胡同绿洲·Xiaohongshu·5/5
比颐和园近得多,离故宫北门10分钟。白塔登顶看老北京屋顶是隐藏机位。
2026-03-18
Mike L.·Google Maps·4/5
10 RMB ticket. Quiet morning here was a perfect contrast to the Forbidden City circus the day before.
2026-04-15
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