Travel in China
Beihai rewards a slow, circular walk - enter from the south gate nearest the Forbidden City, cross to the island, climb to the dagoba, then follow the western shore north.
Suggested Itinerary
- South gate and island
Enter through the south gate, cross the Zhishan Bridge to Jade Flower Island, and climb through Yong'an Temple to the White Dagoba. - The western shore
Walk the western promenade north past the Nine-Dragon Wall and Five-Dragon Pavilions. - Northern shore and exit
Continue past the Xiaoxitian to the north gate, or retrace to the south gate.
What to See
White Dagoba (Baita)
The Tibetan stupa crowning Jade Flower Island - the park's spiritual and visual anchor.
Yong'an Temple
The tiered temple complex climbing the island's slope to the dagoba.
Nine-Dragon Wall
The glazed-tile wall with nine dragons in high relief, each with a distinct pose.
Five-Dragon Pavilions
Five linked pavilions extending into the lake - originally the emperor's fishing platform.
Xiaoxitian
Qianlong's grand square hall surrounded by moats and miniature marble bridges.
The Round City (Tuancheng)
A walled garden at the south entrance holding a jade Buddha and an ancient pine.
Photo Gallery
Tips from Real Travelers
Food & Drink
Fangshan Restaurant
Imperial-court cuisine in a former palace pavilion - the pea-flour cakes are legendary.
Houhai Bar Street
The lakes just north are lined with restaurants and bars.
Yinding Bridge snacks
Street-food vendors between Beihai and the Houhai lakes.
Nanluoguxiang
The hutong cafe-and-snack street, 20 minutes east.
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