Beihai Park
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Located just north of The Forbidden City in central Beijing, Beihai Park is a spectacular imperial garden. Originally the private playground of China’s emperors, the park was opened to the public in 1925. The park retains its incredible imperial atmosphere. The name “Beihai” mean northern sea and is part of three interconnected lakes. The Zhonghai (Middle Sea), and Nanhai (South Sea) Lakes are currently home to China’s leader’s. The park is one of the largest Chinese gardens in China and is filled with historically important palaces and temples and cultural relics.
History
The park occupies an area of over 69 hectares, more than half of this taken up by Beihai Lake. The park was originally built during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and was rebuilt and renovated many times over the centuries. The largest rebuilding was done during the reign of Emperor Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the park’s design and architectural styles date from this period.
Beihai was originally designed to resemble a traditional Chinese legend about three magic Taoist mountains where immortals lived. It was believed that the three mountains had herbs that would make humans immortal. Emperors sought those mountains for centuries. The three lakes; Beihai, Zhonghai, and Nanhai along with their islands represent this legend.
Layout and Architecture
Beihai Park consists of four main parts; the Round City in the south, the Qionghua (Jade Flower) Island in the middle, the three Gardens Within A Garden in the east, and the Northern Shore in the North.
Round City
Beginning at the southernmost gate of Beihai and heading north, the first place visited is the Tuancheng (Round City). The Round City was originally a small islet, but was connected to the land for easy access during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Chengguang Hall is the centerpiece of the Round City. It houses many priceless treasures including a very large pure white jade carving of The Buddha.
Qionghua (Jade Flower) Island
Located just north of the Round City, Qionghua (Jade Flower) Island is reached via the Yangan Bridge. The island is the centerpiece of Beihai Park and on top of White Dagoba Hill sits a white dagoba which can be seen from throughout central Beijing. The dagoba is 40 meters high and is made of white stone. Inside the dagoba are Buddhist scriptures, the bones of a monk, and many other treasures. The island is home to many pavilions, temples, and halls. The architecture of the buildings is remarkable and testament to the architectural skills of the ancient Chinese.
Gardens Within A Garden
Visitors leave Qionghua Island from the east via Zhishan Bridge. They then enter the area known as the Gardens Within A Garden. The area consists of three gardens; the Haopujian (Haopu River) Garden, the Huafangzhai (Studio of the Painted Boat) Garden, and the Jingxinzhai (Quiet Heart Studio) Garden. The three gardens were built during the 18th century by Emperor Qianlong and were modeled on the gardens of Suzhou that the emperor had visited during his tours around China. The gardens were favorite areas of the emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and they spent many leisure hours there.
Northern Shore
The North Shore area is noted for its architecture and layout. The Western Paradise Temple, built by Emperor Qianlong to commemorate his mother’s birthday is a particularly unique structure. The centerpiece of the temple is the Guanyin Hall which is the largest square pavilion in China. It is surrounded by water on all four sides and the water is surrounded by other halls. The Wanfo (Ten Thousand Buddhas) Tower just north of the Western Paradise Temple has ten thousand niches on its walls which used to hold small statues of the Buddha, which were stolen by the Eight Allied Powers in the late nineteenth century. The Five Dragon Pavilion, located out into Beihai Lake is very unique and offers stunning views of the lake and the Jade Flower Island. Chanfu Temple is located directly behind the Five Dragon Pavilion and was built by Emperor Qianlong. It was originally built to breed silkworms which were used in the Silkworm Altar. It was later transformed into a Buddhist temple. The Nine Dragon Screen also located on the Northern Shore was built in 1756. It is unique of China’s 3 ancient nine dragon screens in that it is two sided and features dragons playing in waves on both sides.
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