Beihai Park

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Beihai Park is situated in the Xicheng District and has a history of more than 1,000 years. The park was built up through five dynasties, the Liao (916-1125), the Jin (1115-1234), the Yuan (1271-1368), the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911). Always a royal garden, it remains grand with a hint of exquisite elegance. It covers an area of 69 hectares (171 acres), over a half covered by water. The whole park can be divided into four scenic areas: Qionghua Islet (Jade Flower Islet), Circular City, the eastern bank area and the northern bank area.

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Qionghua Islet, densely distributed with halls, rockeries and pavilions, stands at the centre of the park. The Yong'an Temple (Temple of Everlasting Peace) is the largest building complex. It is composed of several halls, a bell tower and a drum tower. The temple used to be a place of worship for the emperors and their empresses. A white Lamaist pagoda standing on the top of the islet is the symbol of the park. The pagoda, 35.9 meters (117.8 feet) high, was built in 1651 and is where Buddhist lections, alms bowl and sarira remains of the Buddha's body are laid. West of the temple are the halls and pavilions where emperors of the Qing Dynasty rested, discussed official business or amused themselves. In the north of the islet, there is a two-storey corridor that offers an extensive view.

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In the southeast of the park, Circular City, an exquisite garden, is surrounded by a wall. The Chengguang Hall with yellow glazed tiles and green glazed eaves is quite dignified. Emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) watched firework displays on it. After the Qing Dynasty, it was converted into a Buddhist chapel. A statue of Buddha carved from a single piece of white jade is enshrined in the main hall. In front of the Chengguang Hall, there is a pavilion with a huge wine vessel laid out. The urn is engraved with a dragon in cloud and a sea horse on waves and was once used for wine storage by Kublai Khan, the first and bravest emperor of the Yuan Dynasty. Both the pine and cypress tree are around 700~800 years old, well worth a closer look.

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As to the bank areas, the eastern bank enjoys its tranquility while the northern bank is very crowded with artificial structures. What is most conspicuous on the eastern bank is a lovely courtyard hidden in the trees. The courtyard was as added to the residence of emperors in the Qing Dynasty. The traditional buildings are elaborately designed, and surround a clear pool in the center.

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On the northern bank area, the Five-Dragon Pavilions and the Nine-Dragon Wall are must-sees for visitors. The Five-Dragon Pavilions are said to be the place where the emperors went fishing and enjoyed the bright moon. The five pavilions are connected by a sigmate bridge, which resembles a swimming dragon when seen from a distance. The Colored Glazed Pavilion is a religious building and quite a dazzling attraction. It has a bright yellow roof and 1,376 small statues of Buddha made of colored glaze engraved on its outside wall. The Nine-Dragon Wall, built in 1756, is the most delicate of China's three surviving nine-dragon walls. About 27 meters (89 feet) long, it is inlaid with colored glaze depicting nine vivid dragons playing with pearls on either side.