no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Thomas O’Malley

A former imperial garden in the heart of the capital, Beihai Park is visible for miles around thanks to the Tibetan-style White Dagoba that rises up imperiously over the lake (Beihai literally means northern sea).

Around the lotus-strewn waters, plied by pleasure boats in summer, are ornate temples, pavilions, and former imperial residences. Be sure to seek out the Nine Dragon Screen, a 27m-long ‘spirit wall’ carved with writhing dragons, the symbol of the emperor.

Don't miss

Jingxin Studio, a ‘garden within a garden’ on the north shore, is a perfect little example of classical Chinese garden design, with its rockeries, water features and ornamental buildings. Qing emperor Qianlong would come here to relax, drink tea and play the zither.

While you’re there

Just outside Beihai’s south gate is the Round City, a raised platform on the site of Kublai Khan’s former palace during the Yuan dynasty. Look out for the huge vase, actually a wine vessel crafted from green jade and dating to 1265.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Opposite House

Beijing, China[1.3 miles]

Modish design hotel combining Kengo Kuma’s architectural invention with contemporary interiors and top dining.

Official star rating:

The Orchid

Beijing, China[2.2 miles]

Easy-going boutique hideaway with an authentic hutong setting. Houhai Lake is a short walk away, and breakfasts feature artisanal, locally-sourced ingredients.

Official star rating:

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing

Beijing, China[2.5 miles]

Palatial guest rooms and Forbidden City views make this Beijing’s best hotel for a special occasion splurge. Its Wangfujing location puts the city’s central sights within walking distance.

Official star rating:

Peninsula Beijing

Beijing, China[2.7 miles]

Enjoying a central location and huge, all-suite rooms, the long-established Peninsula is a safe bet for a holiday splurge.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Beijing

China

A burgeoning megacity with one foot in the past, Beijing is a marvellous melange of UNESCO-listed heritage buildings set within an ever-more tech-forward cityscape. Come for the culture, the people, and of course the food.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Jingshan Park

Beijing, China[0.8 miles]

Beijing’s best park is also one of its only central hills, offering inspiring views of the Forbidden City. It’s also where elderly locals come to sing, dance and let off steam.

Best for ages: 13+ | £3

Website >
Overview >

Forbidden City

Beijing, China[1.1 miles]

A magnificent and unique 15th-century complex of imperial palaces that served as the home of Chinese emperors for 500 years. Beijing’s must-see attraction.

Best for ages: 13+ | £6

Website >
Overview >

Tiananmen Square

Beijing, China[2.5 miles]

Overlooked by a giant portrait of Mao Zedong, this vast and politically-sensitive public space sits at the very heart of modern China, both literally and symbolically.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Lama Temple

Beijing, China[3.5 miles]

Beijing’s most spectacular religious site, this palatial temple complex is a reminder of China’s long and complex association with Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Bell Tower
Experience

Bell Tower

Beijing, China[1.8 miles]

Beijing’s official timekeeper since the age of the Mongols, this splendid, 47-meter tall stone tower, facing its compatriot the Drum Tower, houses a gigantic copper bell said to weigh over 60 tons.

Best for ages: 13+ | £3

Website >
Overview >
Drum Tower
Experience

Drum Tower

Beijing, China[1.9 miles]

Rising up imperiously over grey hutong rooftops, the Drum Tower (together with the adjacent Bell Tower) has sounded the rhythm of Beijing for centuries. Climb the steep steps for exhibits on time-keeping in ancient China, and an hourly drumming performance.

Best for ages: 13+ | £3

Website >
Overview >

Houhai Lakes

Beijing, China[1.9 miles]

Three inter-connected lakes surrounded by willow trees, hutong lanes, and bars – a fun place to experience local culture, and take a rickshaw ride.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Exterior of the Great Hall of the People building in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, lit up at night
Experience

Great Hall of the People

Beijing, China[2.3 miles]

Looking out over Tiananmen Square, this is China’s most iconic political building and the meeting place for the National People’s Congress. Inside, you can tour its vast Stalinist auditorium, complete with plexiglass red star in the ceiling. When it’s not in use, you can go in to see the vast Stalinist auditorium, complete with plexiglass red star in the ceiling.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >