Located northwest of the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, Beihai Park is a former imperial garden that now welcomes both locals and tourists alike with its rich cultural heritage and pleasant natural scenery.
First built in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens still in existence in China. The park is home to a variety of historic structures, including temples, halls, and pavilions. Towering above it all is the iconic White Pagoda, a famous landmark in Beijing.
More than half of the park is occupied by a scenic lake – Beihai, or "North Sea." Visitors can stroll along the shaded paths, watch ornamental carp swim, or glide across the water on a boat, soaking in the cool breeze even on a hot summer day.