Beihai Park

Beihai Park, located in the heart of Beijing, is a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design that dates back to the 10th century during the Liao Dynasty. Covering 69 hectares, with over half of the area occupied by the beautiful Beihai Lake, this imperial garden served as a royal retreat for successive dynasties including the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing. The park represents the perfect harmony between man-made structures and natural landscapes, featuring artificial hills, pavilions, temples, and corridors that create a poetic atmosphere. The centerpiece is the stunning White Dagoba, a Tibetan-style stupa built in 1651 that stands majestically on Jade Flower Island. The park's design follows traditional Chinese philosophy, with the lake representing the sea and the island symbolizing Penglai, the mythical island of immortals. Beihai Park is not just a scenic spot but a living museum of Chinese garden art, architecture, and imperial history.