Beihai Park may not be as famous as other attractions like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing, but it possesses a unique charm and delicate beauty that sets it apart from the grandeur of other attractions.
As a local guide, I have visited Beihai Park countless times. Each visit leaves me feeling relaxed as I enjoy the beautiful scenery. Unlike many other sites in Beijing which are often bustling with tourists, Beihai Park is less crowded. Being in a tranquil place, it is a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The greenery, the water, and the peaceful atmosphere help lower my stress levels and allow my mind to unwind. It feels like nature's way of saying, "Take a deep breath and chill out."
Hello, I am Mark. I have been working as a tour guide in Beijing for 15 years. Beijing is a city full of charm, and I take pride in introducing it to international friends. I hope that every traveler who comes to Beijing has the opportunity to experience the authentic Beijing culture.
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- Things to Do
- How Long to Spend?
- Beihai Park or Summer Palace?
- Do I Need a Ticket?
- Opening Hours
- Should I Visit It during the Day or at Night?
- Transportation
What to Do in Beihai Park
When you visit Beihai Park, there are many sights to see.
Admire the Iconic Buildings, Scenic Views of the Lake and Mountains
The White Pagoda is a must-see. It is the park's iconic structure. You can choose to climb the pagoda, which usually takes about half an hour. There are steps leading up, although the last few are a bit steep. If you climb from the east side, the steps are gentler and easier. It remains a bit of a challenge, so take it slow.
The White PagodaAt the top of the White Pagoda, you can capture the park's beauty, including the lake, greenery, and surrounding ancient buildings. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Forbidden City's corner towers. A nice spot to take photos.
Catch a glimpse of the Forbidden City's corner towers on a snowy dayIf you prefer not to climb, consider standing at the entrance of the White Pagoda Temple. The red wall against the white pagoda creates a striking visual. You can stand right at the gate or step inside a bit for a better shot. If the gate is lit up at night, it looks even cooler.
Besides the White Pagoda, the Five-Dragon Pavilion and the Nine-Dragon Wall are also worth exploring, featuring unique architectural styles.
Nine-Dragon WallThe Beihai Park is open until 8-9 pm each day, At night, the White Pagoda and surrounding buildings are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
Enjoy Varied Activities in Different Seasons
In Spring (March to May)
The lotus flowers by the lake bloom beautifully, adding to the park's charm. Ancient trees abound, creating a peaceful environment where you can stroll along the lakeside and experience the ancient allure of Beijing.
The lotus flowers in the lakeIn Summer (June to August)
Beihai Park offers various types of boats, including electric boats, pedal boats, rowboats, lotus boats, and traditional-style boats. I find pedal boats to be quite enjoyable because they are easy to operate.
Electric boats might be too simple and lack excitement, while rowboats can be a bit challenging to control. Lotus boats and traditional-style boats are great for photos. You can choose based on your group size and energy levels
Various types of boatsIn Autumn (September to November)
The Beihai Park in autumn is really special. There are many trees. Like ginkgo trees that turn bright yellow, you can stroll under the ginkgo trees watching the golden leaves fall with the wind.
Or you can find a quiet corner and sit on a bench to enjoy the reflection of the white pagoda on the lake which creates a very peaceful feelings. The weather in autumn is just right, neither too hot nor too cold, making it perfect for a walk.
In Winter (December to March of the Following Year)
In late December the lake in Beihai Park starts to freeze and remains frozen until February. You can choose from ice skating, ice karting, cartoon ice cars, tandem ice cars, and ice bicycles.
The lake freezes over in winterIf you're a beginner, start by practicing slowly along the edges to get a feel for it. Ice karts and cartoon ice cars are excellent for kids and beginners as they are easy to control and not very fast. Tandem ice cars and ice bicycles are fun to enjoy with friends, increasing the interactive experience.
The ice thickness is measured daily to ensure safety, so just make sure to keep warm while playing to avoid catching a cold.
The Chinese Spring Festival also happens in winter. During the Spring Festival, there's a New Year's lion dance event at Beihai Park.
The lion dance not only brings a festive atmosphere but also allows you to experience the charm of the national intangible cultural heritage Bai Zhi Fang Tai Shi. Feel free to contact us to arrange a China Spring Festival tour.
On New Year's Day, calligraphers will be invited to write "Fu" characters at the Chanfu Temple area and distribute them for free to visitors, creating a festive and harmonious atmosphere that allows you to feel the rich flavor of the holiday.
On the day of the Lantern Festival, Beihai Park will hold a lantern riddle-guessing event in the Yong'an Temple area. You can participate on-site, and those who guess the riddles correctly will receive small gifts.
Enjoy the Imperial Cruise in the Royal Style Restaurant
Royal-style interior decoration of Fangshan RestaurantFangshan Restaurant, located to the north of Beihai Park, is a well-known establishment with a history of 100 years.
It originally served tea and imperial snacks and later evolved into a restaurant specializing in imperial cuisine. The environment is quite classical, with waitstaff wearing traditional imperial cheongsams, which is quite impressive.
If you are interested in imperial cuisine, this restaurant is a great choice, but it can get crowded, especially on holidays and weekends. To ensure a shorter wait time, it's advisable to book a table a few days in advance.
How Long to Spend in Beihai Park
A visit to Beihai Park typically takes about an hour. There are many other famous attractions nearby to combine for a day tour.
For example, you could plan a whole day starting at Tiananmen Square in the morning, then head to the Forbidden City. After that, visit Jingshan Park for an amazing view of the Forbidden City from the top.
Following that, you can go to Beihai Park. Once you finish at Beihai Park, you can head to Shichahai, known for its old Beijing hutongs.
If you have time, you can also stroll through Nanluoguxiang, which features many shops and delicious food. This way, you can experience both the history and modernity of Beijing.
Recommended Beijing Tours
- 17-Day Beijing, Chengdu, Guizhou, Fenghuang, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai Tour
- 18 Days Qufu Jinan Xian Silk Road Beijing Tour
Feel free to contact us if you want to customize or adjust the itinerary.
Beihai Park or Summer Palace?
The Marble Boat in Summer PalaceIf you have to choose between the Summer Palace and Beihai Park, I recommend the Summer Palace. It is one of the largest imperial gardens, known for its beautiful lakes, palaces, and corridors.
The Summer Palace is vast, with many attractions that provide a comprehensive experience of an imperial garden.
In comparison, Beihai Park is beautiful as well, but it is smaller and has fewer attractions. If you have three days in Beijing, you don't actually need to choose; you can visit both attractions.
Do I Need a Ticket for Beihai Park?
Yes, you need a ticket to enter Beihai Park. You can buy tickets in advance through the WeChat public account "Changyou Park" or purchase them on-site by scanning a code or at the ticket window with cash.
The ticket price is 10 yuan during peak season and 20 yuan for a combined ticket, while the off-season ticket is 5 yuan, and the combined ticket costs 15 yuan.
The combined ticket includes the main entrance and access to park attractions like Yong'an Temple and the Circular City.
To plan a hassle-free trip, you can just contact us to tailor make a Beijing trip including Beihai Park and other popular experiences for your group. Check our Beijing tours for inspiration.
What Are the Opening Hours?
Beihai Park is open from 6 am to 9 pm during the peak season, which runs from April 1st to October 31st, with entry stopping at 8:30 pm.
During the off-season, from November 1st to March 31st, it is open from 6:30 am to 8 pm, with entry closing at 7:30 pm.
Attractions like Yong'an Temple and the Circular City are open from 8 am to 6 pm during the peak season, with entry closing at 5:30 pm. In the off-season, they are open from 8:30 am to 5 pm, with entry closing at 4:30 pm. Except for the Circular City, other attractions are closed on Mondays unless it's a public holiday.
Should I visit Beihai Park during the Day or at Night?
the White Pagoda lights up at nightVisiting Beihai Park during the day and at night offers different charms.
- During the day, you can appreciate the original appearance of the royal garden, with beautiful architecture and scenic views of the lake and mountains.
- At night, the park is illuminated, creating a dreamy atmosphere. There are also cultural activities at night, such as guzheng and Kunqu opera performances, as well as Sichuan opera face-changing.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, you can enjoy two free performances at Wulong Pavilion and Jingxin Hall from 7:00 to 7:15 pm and 7:30 to 7:45 pm. These activities may be canceled due to weather conditions.
How Do I Get to Beihai Park?
Beihai Park has five gates: the South Gate, East Gate, North Gate, Southwest Gate, and North Small Gate. It's usually recommended to start from the North Gate, as transportation is quite convenient.
You can take subway line 6 to Beihai North Station to reach Beihai Park easily.
As one of China's biggest national travel agencies, specializing in individualized bespoke tours, we can facilitate private travel to Beihai Park and other popular attractions in Beijing.
You could just contact us with where you want to go, and we will send you a quote and proposed itinerary within 24 hours.