An imperial garden for more than a thousand years, Bei Hai was opened to the public in 1925. Filled with artificial hills, pavilions, and temples, it is associated with Kublai Khan, who redesigned it during the Mongol Yuan dynasty. These days, it is a fine place for a leisurely afternoon stroll, and perhaps a bit of boating on the lake.
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Park playBeijing’s parks double as recreation centers, particularly for the city’s elderly citizens. As soon as the parks open in the morning they gather to perform communal tai ji quan (tai chi) exercises. Many then spend the rest of the day in the park playing cards, dominos or mahjong, engaging in yang ge (fan dancing) or ballroom dancing, or simply reading the newspaper and talking with friends. |
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Round City
Bei Hai was the site of Beijing’s earliest imperial palace, although nothing remains other than a small pavilion on a site known as the Round City, and a large jade wine vessel said to have belonged to Kublai Khan.
White Dagoba
Topping Jade Island, the 118-ft (36-m) high White Dagoba is a Tibetan-style stupa built to honor the visit of the fifth Dalai Lama in 1651. It has been rebuilt twice since.
Yongan Temple
Beneath the Dagoba, the temple comprises a series of ascending halls, including the Hall of the Wheel of Law with its central effigy of the Buddha Sakyamuni.
Pavilion of Calligraphy
A crescent-shaped hall on Jade Island contains nearly 500 stone tablets engraved with the work of famous Chinese calligraphers. If the exhibits are less than enthralling the walkways that lead to the pavilion are enchanting.
Nine Dragon Screen
Bei Hai’s most striking sight is an 89-ft (27-m) long, free-standing wall made of colorful glazed ceramic tiles and depicting nine intertwined dragons. The Chinese dragon is a beneficent beast offering protection and good luck. The wall was designed to obstruct the passage of evil spirits, who are only able to travel in straight lines.
Zhong Nan Hai
Bei Hai means North Lake; the Middle (Zhong) and South (Nan) Lakes are part of an area occupied by China’s political leaders and are off- limits to all except government officials. Zhong Nan Hai is regarded as the new Forbidden City.
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