A Guide to Visiting Beihai Park with Useful Tips
Whenever people talk about parks in Beijing, most probably think of the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace first. But as someone who's just visited Beihai Park for the first time, I absolutely have to say: you cannot miss this place! It really feels like a "hidden gem" park, where every corner brings a surprise—best of all, the ticket only costs 10 yuan!
Beihai Park Ticket and Visit Experience
First, let's talk about ticket prices. A single ticket for 10 yuan is super worth it (there's also a 20 yuan combined ticket for those who want to check out some special little spots). If you feel like the 5 yuan ferry ride is too short, or you want a more detailed boating experience on the lake, you can spend 20 yuan for the boat service from the "Wulong Pavilion Dock."
Compared to the Summer Palace, Beihai Park is much less crowded and quieter, giving it a rich atmosphere. Walking through it really feels like you're wandering between the Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden and Jinan's Baotu Spring. The park feels like a cat paradise, with several orange cats lounging around, and the koi fish in the lake swim happily, making it a poetic and vibrant place.
Best Entrance Route into Beihai Park
Beihai Park is quite large, with several entrances, but I personally strongly recommend entering and exiting from the North Gate. It's really close to the subway station, which is super convenient. Plus, as soon as you step through the North Gate, you'll see the stunningly beautiful garden style—Jingxin Zhai, and you'll instantly switch to a slow-paced park mode.
For those who don't want to expend too much energy but still want to quickly cover the must-see spots, no matter if you're walking yourself or bringing along older parents, you can follow this route—it's definitely time-saving and not exhausting:
Recommended Route:
North Gate → Jingxin Zhai → Western Heavenly Realm → Nine Dragon Wall → Kuai Xue Hall → Wulong Pavilion → Wanfo Tower Ruins & Stone Tablet → West Bank Dock for the ferry (5 yuan) to Lingguang Pavilion Dock → White Pagoda and Yong'an Temple → East Gate (without exiting the park) → Haopu Area → Huafan Zhai → North Gate Exit
I followed this route, and it not only saved time, but the scenery along the way was also lovely; each stop had beautiful picture spots, so it never felt dull. Particularly recommended is the path from Wanfo Tower to West Bank Dock—there are plenty of benches along the way, and the lake views are beautiful, making it both easy and healing to walk.
If you have extra time, you can add some additional routes, like exploring the surrounding area after exiting from the East Gate. I'll share some extended itinerary ideas later.
Costs and Boat Options
Inside the park, there are many types of boats, so here's a simple rundown for your reference:
| Boat Type | Price | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small Ferry Boat | 5 yuan/person | Ideal for quick connections, short but practical |
| Lake Cruise Boat | 20 yuan/person | Departing from Wulong Pavilion Dock, time is just right for enjoying lake views |
| Rental Boats (Lotus/Electric) | About 120 yuan/hour | Perfect for family or friends, easy to operate, great for summer fun |
Best Photo Spots Recommendations
Beihai Park is really great for taking photos, especially for those who love garden styles. Bringing along a qipao or hanfu would be fantastic for pictures. I find it even more suitable for personal shoots than the Forbidden City or Shichahai, and highly recommend these spots:
- Jingxin Zhai: Right after entering through the North Gate, the landscape is beautiful, great for portrait and detail shots.
- The road from Wanfo Tower to West Bank Dock: The benches by the lakeside and the calm expanse of water create a serene atmosphere.
- Near White Pagoda and Yong'an Temple: The White Pagoda is the symbol of Beihai Park, and it looks stunning from both afar and up close.
Even if you're not specifically going to take photos, I'd recommend carrying a camera or your phone to capture some moments—every click could turn into a stunning shot.
Reasons to Visit Beihai Park
Tourists in Beijing seem to flock to the Summer Palace or the Forbidden City, but in my opinion, Beihai Park undoubtedly offers an experience with hidden, understated beauty. It allows you to enjoy landscapes resembling southern China with small bridges and flowing waters while also appreciating the grandeur and refinement of a royal garden, with many spots exuding tranquility.
Oh, and speaking of, there are tons of different flowers blooming in the park right now. I recently saw some beautiful hydrangeas. Whether you're looking to check off photo spots, enjoy the gardens, or just simply unwind, Beihai Park is perfect. Plus, as I said, tickets are cheap and the park isn’t crowded, definitely worth a visit.
Extended Itinerary after Visiting
Beihai Park is located in such a great spot, you can easily head to a few nearby classic sites for a more authentic Beijing experience afterward:
- Shichahai: Whether you want to see the old Beijing sights by the lake or chill at a small bar, it’s a nice option.
- Drum Tower: Feel the historical weight, and you might even catch a drum performance.
- Yandai Xiejie: This is an art-centric area with loads of little shops that will keep you browsing endlessly.
- Nanjie Hutong: Though it's a popular old street, it’s genuinely worth experiencing, especially trying some local snacks.
Do you feel like that’s a packed day? Yep, that’s also a big reason why I give Beihai Park high marks—it's easy and rich to plan surrounding activities after your visit.
