The North Sea Park (Beihai) is located north of the Gugong Imperial Palace. Beihai, or North Sea, is one of the 6 lakes that are connected to the Summer Palace by canals. The residence was built near the shores of the Middle and South Lakes, south of Beihai.
Many graceful bridges, gardens, pavilions and galleries comprise Beihai, as well as a Tibetan-style pagoda. The landscapes and buildings of this park, displaying the magnificent architectural style and unique art of creating a Chinese traditional garden, are a true masterpiece of landscape design.
Each of the parts into which the park is divided has its own special atmosphere. The White Marble Bridge, also called the Bridge of Eternal Tranquillity - Yunanqiao - leads from the southern shore to the island.
A bridge called Zhishanqiao - Pointing to the Hill - links the eastern shore to the island. A Buddhist temple (1651) and the White Pagoda (Baita), made of white shell stone and built to honour the Dalai Lama's arrival - are located in the middle of Jade Island (Qinghuangdao). The pagoda is surrounded on all sides by interconnecting galleries and pavilions. Lamaist sutras and paraphernalia are kept inside the pagoda. A covered gallery runs along the north shore of Jade Island.
Will not leave you indifferent and a magnificent, standing alone monument, decorated on both sides with tiles - the Wall of Nine Dragons, and the Pavilion of Five Dragons, from its gallery fish even courtiers. Still can't count the number of dragon images here.
Here you can also see the Drum Tower, the Pavilion of Calming Consciousness, and many more. Even the famous traveller Marco Polo noted the astonishing beauty of this park in his notes.
The north side of Beihai Lake can be reached by pleasure boat from a small jetty located here. Tourists will have an indescribable pleasure exploring Beihai Park by catamaran or pleasure boat. It is best to visit on a weekday, as it is a popular holiday destination for locals.
