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Beihai Park  (Beijing)
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Beihai Park lies just to the west of the Forbidden City, and, until 1925 it was considered part of the imperial complex and therefore off-limits to the masses.

The heart of the park consists of three man-made bodies of water: Beihai, Zhonghai and Nanhai lakes; connected by the Jade Islet, all of which were created during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234 AD), although the park's history as an imperial playground goes back even further to the Liao Dynasty (907-1125 AD).

The 186-acre park has a number of excellent sights (some of which require an additional entrance fee), including the Yuan-era Jade Jar of Dushan in Tuan Cheng (the Round City), the striking Tibetan White Dagoba, the Painted Gallery, the Nine Dragon Screen, Daxitian (Heavenly King Temple), the Liulige Tower, Yong'an Temple and the Five-Dragon Pavilion

Kublai Khan, the first Yuan emperor, made Tuan Cheng his home, and with the advent of the Ming (1368-1644 AD), the Forbidden City became the center of imperial life, with Beihai serving as a pleasure garden.

The majority of the existing structures date back to the the Qing era (1644-1911 AD), including the distinctive White Dagoba. 

Paddle and rowboat rentals are available and Beihai is a popular destination for ice-skating in the winter.

 
Admission:RMB 10  Hours:6am - 7pm  How to get there:You can enter near the north gate of the Forbidden City or the south gate of Jingshan Park. 
 
 
Phone: (010) 6407-1415
Website: http://www.beihaipark.com.cn/en/about/index.htm
 
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