Beihai Park, a must-visit imperial garden in Beijing, offers breathtaking scenery year-round. However, the park is vast, and without proper planning, you might miss out on some of its best features – or end up wandering aimlessly. To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve put together five different routes based on various interests, whether you’re there for a boat ride, a leisurely stroll, a photo session, lotus viewing, or stamp collecting.
Boating Adventure
Enjoy the park’s core lake scenery combined with a relaxing boat ride.
Enter through the North Gate ➡️ Jingxin Zhai ➡️ Xitian Fanjing ➡️ Nine-Dragon Screen ➡️ Chanfu Temple ➡️ Board a boat in front of the Five-Dragon Pavilion to reach Qionghua Island ➡️ Yong’an Bridge ➡️ Yong’an Temple ➡️ White Pagoda ➡️ Huafang Zhai ➡️ Exit through the North Gate.
Lakeside Stroll
Bask in the autumn breeze with a leisurely walk along the lake.
Enter through the North Gate ➡️ Jingxin Zhai ➡️ Xitian Fanjing ➡️ Nine-Dragon Screen ➡️ Chanfu Temple ➡️ Ruins of the Wanfo Building ➡️ Xiaoxitian ➡️ Exit through the West Gate ➡️ Walk along Wenjin Street ➡️ Enter through the South Gate ➡️ Yong’an Bridge ➡️ Yong’an Temple ➡️ White Pagoda ➡️ Exit through the East Gate.
Photography Session
Capture stunning personal or family portraits that perfectly blend with the grandeur of the imperial garden.
Enter through the North Gate ➡️ Xitian Fanjing ➡️ Nine-Dragon Screen ➡️ Ruins of the Wanfo Building ➡️ Xiaoxitian ➡️ Pond in front of Xiaoxitian ➡️ Meandering path by the Five-Dragon Pavilion ➡️ Exit through the West Gate.
Lotus Viewing
Summer is the best time to see the lotus flowers, so don’t miss this if you’re a fan (August marks the end of their bloom).
Enter through the East Gate ➡️ Lotus Viewing Area ➡️ Yong’an Bridge ➡️ Yong’an Temple ➡️ White Pagoda ➡️ Lianyi Hall ➡️ Five-Dragon Pavilion Dock ➡️ Xiaoxitian ➡️ Chanfu Temple ➡️ Nine-Dragon Screen ➡️ Xitian Fanjing ➡️ Exit through the North Gate.
Stamp Collecting
Explore the park’s cultural and artistic side by collecting stamps—perfect for families with children.
Enter through the South Gate ➡️ Shuanghong Pavilion (4 free stamps, 27 stamps with any purchase) ➡️ Cultural Creative Hall (new stamps available) ➡️ Beihai Royal Post Office (3 stamps with any purchase, plus seals) ➡️ Can Altar Cultural Creative Store (11 stamps with any purchase) ➡️ Beihai North Teahouse (3 free stamps) ➡️ Beihai Coffee (behind Xiaoxitian, 4 stamps with any purchase).
Useful Tips
The North Gate is closest to the Beihai North Subway Station.
The park’s tickets allow for multiple entries on the same day.
Boating is weather-dependent; check the forecast in advance to avoid disappointment.
Bring an empty notebook or cards to collect free stamps around the park (buying the park’s own notebook isn’t cost-effective).