Beihai Park（北海公园）

[Photo/chinaculture.org]

Located to the west of the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, Beihai (literally the Northern Sea) Park is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardens in China. It was the former palace of emperors for successive dynasties.

The park covers an area of 68 hectares, half of which is covered by a lake. The park's landscape includes artificial hills, pavilions, halls, temples and covered corridors, and is one of the best examples of China's classical gardens. It is a combination of the grandiosity of northern Chinese gardens and the refinement of gardens found in southern China.

Towering over the central islet is the 36-meter-high White Dagoba, and is an impressive sight that dominates the local skyline.

Beihai Park was opened to the public in 1925.

Admission: 10 yuan (US$1.58)/person