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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Beihai Park Summary
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| Public website: | en.wikipedia.org |
China – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type I
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) £1 ≈ CN¥8.88 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in China, particularly in urban areas. Mobile payment services like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected, although it may be appreciated in high-end restaurants or by hotel staff for exceptional service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in many places in China, but it is common in restaurants and bars. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and public transport, but enforcement can vary. |
| Chinese New Year (January/February) |
Major holiday with family gatherings and public celebrations |
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| National Day (1 October) |
National holiday with parades and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | DiDi, Uber |
| Other: | China is known for its vast cultural heritage, including historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Beihai Park, China
Lotus bloom on the lake, July to August, best in the morning
Golden Week, October 1 to 7: extremely crowded with domestic visitors
Don't miss
- 🏔️ Climb to the White Dagoba for panoramic lake views
- 🐲 Admire the colorful Nine-Dragon Screen’s imperial artistry
- 🏯 Stroll the Five-Dragon Pavilions along Beihai’s shore
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Beihai Park is one of China's oldest and most beautiful imperial gardens, covering an area of approximately 71 hectares. It features classic Chinese garden landscaping with calm waters, carefully arranged rockeries, temples and pavilions, centered around the large Beihai Lake. The park was originally constructed in the 12th century and has been a favored imperial retreat over many dynasties.
The iconic White Dagoba, standing atop Jade Flower Island in the middle of the lake, is a Tibetan-style stupa built in 1651 that symbolizes the Qing dynasty’s Buddhist devotion. Surrounding the lake are historic sites like the Five Dragon Pavilion and the ornate Nine-Dragon Wall made of glazed tiles depicting vibrant dragons in motion.
While Beihai Park provides a tranquil green retreat from city life, be prepared for crowds during weekends and holidays. Some temples require additional entrance fees, so planning your visit accordingly is beneficial. The park's pathways can be slippery after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Visitors enjoy boating on the lake, walking through serene gardens and admiring the architecture and landscapes crafted to evoke famous scenic spots across China. Nighttime illumination around certain structures offers a magical visiting experience in the evenings.
Knowledge before you go
- Rent a boat to explore lake views fully.
- Climb White Dagoba on Qionghua Island for panoramic park and skyline vistas.
- Visit early morning to watch locals practicing tai chi along serene lakeside paths.
- Admire Nine-Dragon Screen's intricate glazed tiles, one of China's three preserved imperial spirit walls.
How to travel to Beihai Park
Beihai Park is located centrally in Beijing, northwest of the Forbidden City. Visitors can easily reach it by subway, with the closest station being Beihai North on Line 6. From Beijing Capital International Airport, take the airport express train to Dongzhimen and then transfer to Line 6. The park is a short walk from the station.
Access summary
- From Beijing Capital Airport: Airport train + metro, about 60–80 minutes total.
- From central Beijing/Tiananmen: Metro then short walk or taxi, around 15–30 minutes.
- From Beijing South Railway Station: Metro combination or taxi, typically 25–45 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Beihai Park
Beijing’s city center offers many hotels ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly, all within easy reach of Beihai Park and other key historic sites. Staying centrally allows comfortable access to the park and the wider range of Beijing attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Beihai Park
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
☂️
Folding umbrella
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 69% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to CNY) is 1% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Beihai Park in Beijing is generally safe for visitors, with well‑patrolled grounds and a strong police presence. Petty theft is rare; stay vigilant in crowded areas, keep valuables secure and follow local advisories to ensure a worry‑free visit.
Accessibility
Beihai Park in Beijing offers excellent accessibility: wide, paved paths, elevators to historic pavilions and clear signage in multiple languages. However, some older bridges lack ramps and crowded peak hours can impede wheelchair users. Plan visits early for smoother navigation.
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