Beihai Park is a former imperial garden, on the territory of which there are many significant historical attractions. It occupies a large territory and is one of the largest in China. This place has long been closed to the public, and only in 1925 the park became available to the public. Why - we will understand further. We also find out where the garden is located, how to get there and what you can see.
Where is
There are several lakes to the northwest of the Forbidden City in Beijing: Beihai (North Sea), Zhonghai (Central Sea) and Nanhai (South Sea). In the area of the first of them is the garden of the same name.
Beijing Beihai Park: how to get there
Since the former imperial garden is located 150 meters from another no less popular place - Jingshan, tourists often choose the following route: Forbidden City - Jingshan - Beihai. In this case, getting to your destination will be easy. You must exit Jingshan Park through the western gate and walk 150 meters.
Now let's figure out how to get to Beihai Park from the capital of China. It is recommended to use the metro services. You need to get to Beihai Nord subway station.
You can get to the park and by bus. Routes No. 1, 2, 5, 101, 103, 109, 124, 202, 211, 685, 814, 846 lead to Beihai stop. Buses numbered 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 204, 612 will also be delivered to the park. , 701, 810, 823. In this case, you need to get off at the Beihai Beimen stop.
Ancient legend
In China, there is one old story that tells about the same three lakes as Beihai, Zhonghai and Nanhai. In the center of the ponds were islands and three mountains, which bore the following names: Penlai, Yunzhou and Fanzan. Here, according to legend, the immortals lived.
Miraculous fruits were grown on these mountains, which not only healed from all possible diseases, but could also bring the dead person back to life. They were also a source of eternal youth. On the peaks stood palaces built of precious metals and decorated with stones. The plates on the tables were always full of goodies, no matter how many of them ate.
Many believed in this legend and tried to find this paradise on earth. Even emperors have set off on a journey for this purpose more than once. Thanks to such trips, Japan was discovered at one time.
Many emperors have since tried to build a copy of this magical place nearby with their palace. They dug up three lakes and poured islands in their center, building hills on them. Over time, such designs have become a mandatory attribute of imperial gardens.
History
Beihai Park belongs to the most ancient imperial gardens not only of Beijing, but of all of China. He combined the features of solemnity, grandeur and sophistication. A prototype of this garden is the legend of the three magical mountains mentioned above.
Beihai was founded in the tenth century during the reign of Emperor Huytong. Beijing at that time was called Yanjing and served as the second capital of the Khitan state. On the territory of Beihai Park, the Jade Island Palace was erected, which became the second residence of the emperor.
At the beginning of the twelfth century, the Palace of Great Peace was built. At the same time, pavilions appeared here and a lake was dug, the waters of which were replenished from the springs of the Western Mountains.
At the end of the thirteenth century, Beijing acquired the status of the capital of the Yuan Empire, and Beihai Park began to serve as the main residence of the ruler. The Jade Island has been renamed Longevity Hill. The lake is called Tayechi. Palaces were built and a garden was built.
At the beginning of the next century, the residence of the ruler moved to the Forbidden City, and the park became the place of walks of the imperial family and expanded to the dimensions close to modern ones.
In the seventeenth century, the Dalai Lama made his contribution to the transformation of the garden. At his request, the White Dagoba was built here in the traditions of the Tibetan style. It has become a symbol of Buddhism and the multinationality of China.
Most of the buildings that have survived to our time were erected in the eighteenth century. It was at this time that the park acquired an appearance close to today.
In 1900, Beihai Park was significantly damaged by the influence of the Alliance of Eight States. Since it had the status of the imperial garden and belonged to the Forbidden City, entry for outsiders here was strictly prohibited. Only in 1925 the garden was open to the general public.
In 1949, after the formation of the PRC, large-scale restoration work began in the park. Beihai currently has the AAAA category and is the most visited place in the country. It is popular with both locals and foreign tourists.
Description
Beihai Imperial Garden is one of China's oldest parks. It is located in the central part of Beijing and covers a large area of 68 hectares. Almost half of the park is a lake. You can enter the garden using one of the five proposed entrances.
There is a conditional division of the park into four parts: Jade Island, the Round City, the east coast and the north coast. You can go from one section to another using bridges or use the ferry.
In the park you can see a large number of temples, arbors and squares. Here you can relax and see a lot of interesting things.
What to see
There are many attractions in Beihai Park (China) in Beijing that can make a lasting impression on visitors to this historic site. Typically, tourists visit primarily the Jade Flower Island, and then continue to inspect the lake counterclockwise. The whole tour will take one and a half to two hours. It is impossible to describe all the attractions of Beihai Park in the article, so we will dwell on some of them.
Bai Ta
Translated, this means White Stupa. It’s hard not to notice her. It has an impressive size - about forty meters. This attraction is recommended to be visited first, as it closes earlier than others.
The architecture is noticeable Tibetan style. This is one of the buildings erected at the request of the Dalai Lama. The year of its occurrence is 1651. This is the era of the reign of Emperor Shunzhi. Throughout its history, the tower was twice destroyed due to earthquakes, and each time it was restored.
A white stupa is located on a hill in the center of the Jade Flower Island. It offers beautiful views. The tower is the best site in the park for exploring the surroundings.
Bai Ta was intended for the storage of scriptures and relics. Stupas in China are quite rare, buildings of other forms prevail here. This is another reason to visit Beihai Park in Beijing. In the photo below you can clearly see the White Stupa.
Wall of Nine Dragons and Pavilion of Five Dragons
Imperial power in China has its own symbol. This is a dragon. Only emperors had the right to wear clothes with the image of this mythical animal.
In the northwestern part of Beihai Park, a wall 27 meters long, 6.5 meters high and 1.5 meters thick was built in the mid-eighteenth century. A mosaic of 424 tiles depicts nine large dragons and more than six hundred small ones. Over time, the picture did not fade at all. The wall looks impressive. It is believed that this place is in greatest demand among tourists.
The Pavilion of the Five Dragons is a connected gazebo. It is located so that it offers a picturesque view of the Jade Island and the lake.
Round city
This usually ends with a tour of the park. The round city is located in the southern part of the imperial garden. It is an ensemble of several buildings, which is surrounded by a wall that reaches a height of 4.5 meters.
The most valuable of all that is inside is the jade Buddha statue. It was donated by Burma to China. Despite its small size, the statue makes a lasting impression and deserves special attention.
In the Round City you can see a huge jade urn of huge size. It seems unbelievable, but the Mongol Khan Khubilai used it as a glass for wine.
The oldest pine tree grows here. She saw a lot during her existence, as she was planted back in the times preceding the Mongol invasions.
Opening hours and cost of the tour
You can visit Beihai Park at any time of the year. Opening hours vary by season. In summer, the park awaits guests until 22:00, in spring and autumn - until 21:00, and in winter - only until 20:00. The jade island closes earlier. After 17:00 to get there is no longer possible.
You will have to pay between five and ten yuan to enter the park, depending on the season. Visits to the White Stupa are charged separately. All together will cost about twenty yuan (1 yuan - this is about 9.5 p.).
The most peaceful time for a walk in the garden is evening. There are too many tourists here during the day and at the weekend. In the park, until six in the evening, boats are rented, where you can retire and ride on the lake.
Reviews
Tourists speak of Beihai in China as an "oasis of silence in a sea of noise." You can spend time both with excursions and in solitude. This place is at the same time a park, a museum, and a sanctuary. According to reviews of Beihai, the garden is quite suitable for families. It has narrow streets that seem to carry visitors to ancient China.
Ducks are allowed to feed on the lake. A lot of boats float on the water, which creates a feeling of crowding. The ferry built in the form of a gazebo makes a good impression.
On the lake grow beautiful lotuses exuding a delicate aroma. Their leaves above the water reach a height exceeding human growth.
In winter, you can go ice skating on the lake. In cold weather, guests can warm a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
Beihai Park is especially beautiful, according to tourists, in April, when everything around is blooming and fragrant. The weather is already warm and sunny, but not hot yet. Nature is so beautiful that time as if freezes and remains in memory forever.
On the territory there are enough small shops to find something to eat. On the top of the hill you can enjoy hot chocolate. For those who wish to buy souvenirs, special streets are organized where a large selection of traditional Chinese gizmos is offered.
There is an opinion that by hanging a photo of the Wall of nine dragons near the front door to the living room, you can get protection for all its inhabitants. Many tourists take such pictures.
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for a comfortable walk, as you will have to walk a lot in the park. If visitors feel tired of walking, they can use the services of a rickshaw that will take the client to any corner of the park.
There are no negative reviews about the rest in Beihai Park. Tourists respond positively and recommend a visit to this historic place.