Beihai Park

Beihai Park is a beautiful public park and former imperial garden located just northwest of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. First built in the 12th century, it is one of the largest surviving Chinese gardens in the world. The park contains many important historical buildings, palaces, and temples that tell the story of China's rich past.

Once part of the Imperial City, Beihai Park has been open to the public since 1925. It was designed to mimic famous scenic spots and architecture from different parts of China, especially the areas around the Yangtze Delta. Visitors can see designs inspired by the pavilions and canals of Hangzhou and Yangzhou, the gardens of Suzhou, and the natural beauty around Lake Tai and its special porous stones.

Today, the park covers about 71 hectares (180 acres), with a large lake taking up more than half of the space. In the middle of the lake is Jade Flower Island, which rises to a height of 32 meters (105 feet). The park's lake connects to the Shichahai at its northern end, making it a wonderful place to explore and enjoy nature's beauty.

Name

"Beihai" is the pinyin romanization of the Mandarin pronunciation of the garden's Chinese name, 北海, meaning "Northern Sea". The name matches the "Central Sea" (中海, Zhōnghǎi) and "Southern Sea" (南海, Nánhǎi) to the park's south. These areas are still used today as the headquarters of China's paramount leaders, known as Zhongnanhai.

History

In 1179, Emperor Zhangzong of the Jurchen Jin dynasty built a country resort near what is now southwestern Beijing. A big lake called Taiye Lake was dug along the Jinshui River, and a palace was built on an island in the lake.

Later, during the time of Kublai Khan of the Mongol Yuan dynasty, the island was redesigned by many architects. In the Ming dynasty, the lake was split into three smaller lakes called the "Northern", "Central", and "Southern Seas". In 1747, the Qianlong Emperor had important old calligraphy works carved into stone and placed on display near Beihai Park.

Notable places

Beihai Park includes several important Buddhist temples, such as the Temple of Everlasting Peace and the Chanfu Temple. The White Dagoba or Pagoda is a beautiful white stone tower built to honor a visit by an important religious leader. It stands 40 meters tall and is decorated with sun, moon, and flame carvings.

The park also features the Five Dragon Pavilions, five connected buildings with unique spires and roofs. Nearby is the Nine-Dragon Wall, built in 1402 and decorated with colorful dragons. Smaller gardens, like the Jingxin or Quieting Heart Room, add to the park's beauty. The Round City holds the Hall of Received Light, which contains a special Buddha statue made from a single piece of white jade. The park also displays beautiful rocks and art pieces from different times in history.

Legacy

The Five-Pavilion Bridge and Lotus Tower in Yangzhou’s Slender West Lake Scenic Area were inspired by Beihai Park’s Five Dragon Pavilions and White Dagoba. These structures were built to impress the Kangxi and Qianlong Emperors during their visits to Jiangnan in the 18th century.