Discover Beijing’s timeless charm on this perfect classic day trip through imperial gardens, ancient mansions, and lively lake districts. This route combines three iconic spots that capture the city’s rich history and local life.
Take subway Line 6 to Beihai North Station (Exit B) or Line 8 to Shichahai Station (Exit A2). Both are just 8-10 minutes from Beihai Park, so you can begin your classic Beijing day trip easily.
Travel Tip: Beijing’s subway is both affordable and convenient, making it the perfect way to explore the city. For the most up-to-date information, always consult official resources like the Beijing Tourism website or use the Amap (高德地图) app for real-time navigation.
Beihai Park is one of China’s oldest imperial gardens, and it offers stunning lakes, pagodas, and peaceful pathways. Don’t miss these two iconic sights:
🏯 The White Dagoba
This majestic Tibetan-style stupa stands atop Qiong Island, built in 1651 to celebrate a visit by the Dalai Lama. The gleaming white structure rises 36 meters high, and climbing the hill to reach it rewards you with panoramic views of the entire park and the distant Forbidden City. It’s not just a beautiful landmark – it represents the fusion of Han and Tibetan Buddhist cultures in Beijing’s history.
🐉 Nine-Dragon Screen
This magnificent glazed-tile wall dates back to 1756 and features nine coiling dragons playing with pearls amid clouds and waves. What makes it special? It’s one of only three nine-dragon screens in China, and unlike the others, it has dragons on both sides – totalling 635 dragons if you count all the smaller ones! The vibrant colours and detailed craftsmanship make it a photographer’s dream.
*Summer: 6:00-21:00 | Winter: 6:30-20:00 (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)*
After Beihai Park, walk west to Prince Gong’s Mansion. This well-preserved residence features magnificent courtyards and an exquisite private garden that’s considered one of Beijing’s finest.
🌿 The Secret Garden
The mansion’s garden, called Cuijin Garden, is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. It features:
The garden was designed to represent a miniature version of China’s diverse landscapes, so each turn reveals new surprises. The Grand Theatre Stage nearby hosts traditional performances, making this a complete cultural experience.
Ticket: 40 RMB
Complete your classic Beijing day trip at Shichahai, where three connected lakes create a magical atmosphere. This area offers unique local experiences throughout the year:
🏊 Four-Season Local Culture
From spring through autumn, you’ll see retired Beijingers swimming in the lakes every day – a tradition dating back generations. These hardy swimming enthusiasts brave the cooling waters right up until winter, then seamlessly transition to ice-skating when the lakes freeze in January!
⛸️ Winter Transformation
Come January, Shichahai transforms into the city’s most popular ice-skating rink. The same locals who were swimming just weeks earlier now glide across the ice, creating a vibrant winter carnival atmosphere with hot snacks, laughter, and traditional ice activities.
Ice-skating typically available throughout January
This route combines nature, history, and local culture in one walkable area. You’ll experience imperial grandeur at Beihai Park, architectural beauty at Prince Gong’s Mansion, and authentic Beijing life at Shichahai. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s heritage because each stop complements the others beautifully.
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