Beihai Park and the Classic Song "Let Us Row the Oars"

Beihai Park is a famous imperial garden in Beijing, renowned for the classic song "Let Us Row the Oars." Here's a guide to help you explore the charm of Beihai Park: Must-See Attractions (1) Qiong Hua Island (White Pagoda) The iconic landmark of Beihai Park, the White Pagoda, was built during the Qing Dynasty and is a Tibetan-style Lamaist pagoda. You can climb the White Pagoda for a panoramic view of Beihai Park. On the island, you'll find ancient buildings such as Yong'an Temple and Yuexin Palace. (2) Let Us Row the Oars The scene depicted in the song is on Beihai Lake. Rent a boat and experience the poetic imagery of "little boats pushing away the waves." Boat types: Pedal boats, electric boats, rowboats, etc., priced around CNY 60–200/hour. (3) Nine Dragon Screen One of the three great Nine Dragon Screens in China, built during the Qianlong reign, it features vibrant colors and exquisite carvings. (4) Five Dragon Pavilions Five pavilions extend into the lake, offering a great spot to admire the lake view and sunset. (5) Jingxin Zhai A "garden within a garden" in Beihai, it showcases a delicate and exquisite Jiangnan garden style, perfect for taking photos. (6) Hao Pu Jian A serene landscape of mountains and water, with small bridges and flowing streams, ideal for a leisurely stroll. Recommended Routes Half-day tour: Enter through the North Gate → Jingxin Zhai → Nine Dragon Screen → Five Dragon Pavilions → Boat tour on the lake → Qiong Hua Island (White Pagoda) → Tuancheng → Exit through the South Gate Full-day tour: Enter through the North Gate → Jingxin Zhai → Nine Dragon Screen → Five Dragon Pavilions → Lunch (bring your own or have a simple meal in the park) → Boat tour on the lake → Qiong Hua Island (White Pagoda) → Tuancheng → Exit through the South Gate Boating Experience Dock: There are several docks within the park; the one near the South Gate is the most convenient. Suggestion: Choose electric or pedal boats for a relaxed and effortless experience, suitable for families or friends. Note: Expect long queues during peak season. It's recommended to go boating in the morning or evening to avoid the midday sun. Useful Tips Best seasons: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and the most beautiful lake scenery. Transportation: Subway: Take Line 6 to Beihai North Station, Exit D, and walk to the North Gate. Bus: Take Bus No. 5, 101, etc., to Beihai Station, which directly reaches the South Gate. Dining: There are simple meals and small shops in the park. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and water. Other: The park is quite large, so wear comfortable shoes. Pay attention to sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter. Nearby Attractions Jingshan Park: Opposite the North Gate of Beihai Park, you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Forbidden City: Located nearby, you can arrange to visit it on the same day. Beihai Park combines the grandeur of an imperial garden with the elegance of a Jiangnan water town. Whether boating on the lake or strolling through ancient buildings, you can experience the charm of history and the tranquility of nature. Have a great time!