Beihai Park 北海公园

Beihai Park is a former imperial garden in the heart of Beijing, with Jingshan rising to its east and the waters of Shichahai reaching its northern edge. Its story begins in the Jin dynasty, when construction started in the twelfth century, and it went on to serve as a pleasure palace for the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing courts before opening to the public as a park in 1925. It is counted among the oldest, largest and best-preserved classical imperial gardens in China.

The layout follows the classic Chinese principle of one lake and three hills. Qionghua Island sits at the centre, wrapped by water, with the White Dagoba on the summit as the park's emblem. Palaces, temples, stone inscriptions and mature trees are worked into the scenery, and the whole blends the grandeur of northern imperial building with the refinement of southern garden art.

Covering about 69 hectares, well over half of it water, the park rewards slow walking. Boat rides, seasonal plant displays and a garden science centre add to a visit, and the yearly programme follows the seasons: ancient trees in spring, lotus in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn and calligraphy in winter.

Don't miss

• White Dagoba on Qionghua Island, the park's emblem
• Nine-Dragon Screen, a glazed wall of imperial craft
• Five Dragon Pavilions along the northern shore
• Round City and Yong'an Temple on the island
• Jingxin Studio, a garden within a garden

Visiting tips

The park sits in the city centre. Buses serve the north, south and east gates, and Metro Line 6 stops at Beihai North. Spring to autumn is the most rewarding season, and allow at least an hour.