Beihai Park (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Beihai Park?
What makes it 89% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy romantic pedal-boat rides, sunset views of the White Dagoba, and quiet tea pavilions; weekend crowds can cut privacy but seldom ruin the intimate atmosphere.
Positives:
- Close to Forbidden City: Combine your visit with a walk through nearby imperial palaces.
- Mix of free and paid attractions: Enjoy gardens and bridges for free; choose a boat ride or tea break to extend your time.
- Metro access: Take Line 6 to Beihai North or Line 8 to Shichahai station for the fastest route.
Challenges:
- Boat deposit required: You must leave a refundable 400 CNY deposit per boat, returned when you finish.
- Limited English signage: Download a map screenshot or have your hotel write key Chinese names to show taxi drivers.
- Weekend crowds: Midday can be busy; arrive early or late to find quieter spots.
What is Beihai Park?
- A 69-hectare former imperial garden at the northwest edge of Beijing’s Forbidden City, centered on the vast Taiye Lake
- A classical Ming and Qing dynasty landscaped complex with the White Pagoda–crowned Jade Flower Island and ornate pavilions
- A historic cultural landmark lined with stone bridges, carved corridors and the famed Nine-Dragon Wall
What is so special about Beihai Park for couple trip?
- Former imperial park with historic temples and bridges
- Romantic boat rides with lake and White Dagoba views
- Quiet tea studio hidden in a restored pavilion
- Easy access by subway and mix of free/paid experiences
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for a boat ride, a tea break, and a stroll without hurrying
Couple-Friendly Activities in Beihai Park
Sunset Boat Ride on Taiye Lake:
Rent a four-seat electric boat and glide past the White Dagoba as the sky turns orange.
Tip: Book at least 30 minutes before sunset to secure a good boat; bring a small deposit (≈400 CNY) and split the rental fee.
Photo Walk on Qionghua Islet and Yong’an Bridge:
Capture the carved pavilions and willow-lined shore in soft light.
Tip: Use a combo ticket (≈20 CNY) for park and islet access; aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Tea Break at Jingxin Zhai:
Relax in a hidden art studio and sample local tea and snacks.
Tip: Entry is free with your park ticket; order a pot of jasmine or oolong tea (≈30–50 CNY) and share a snack.
Evening Lakeside Stroll:
Walk outside the park walls to see the illuminated White Dagoba across the water.
Tip: Exit via the north gate after closing (check closing time); follow the riverside path for best views.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Beihai Park
- Buy tickets online: Skip the gate line by purchasing park or combo tickets in advance through the official app.
- Visit midweek: Choose a weekday afternoon to experience more privacy on the lake and in pavilions.
- Combine with hutong walk: After your stroll, explore nearby traditional alleyways for snacks or a rickshaw tour.
Reviews of Beihai Park
Stella Wei
I really enjoyed visiting this park even though it was freezing when we were here. The scenery here was really beautiful.
Alexander Vladimirov
After the majestic, vast, and tourist‑crowded Forbidden City, coming here is an interesting and pleasant experience. When I visited Beijing for the first time (and had no guide), I didn't even think to come here. And that was a pity. The park is located very close to the Forbidden City. Until 1925, it was completely closed off; during the imperial era, it was considered an imperial park. Now it...
Mia Xing
Beihai Park is the best park in Beijing!!! The scenery is always the best and there’s also a Chinese café in Beihai Park called 仿膳茶社. They provide traditional Chinese desserts and tea. You can refill the tea for free. The price is fair, not expensive at all!!
Rajib Patowary
🌿 Calm and Beautiful — Beihai Park, Beijing (北海公园) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) I recently visited Beihai Park in Beijing, China. Though I couldn’t explore the entire park, the part I did see was truly beautiful. 🌸 🚶♂️ Peaceful Walk by the Lake: I walked along the lakeside — the view was calm and refreshing. I was lucky to see a few beautiful mandarins (ducks) swimming in the lake. They looked absolutely go...
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
Beihai Park is one of Beijing’s oldest and most enchanting gardens, with origins that can be traced back as far as the Liao Dynasty. The centerpiece of the park is the vast artificial lake, dug by hand centuries ago, with the soil used to create the hill where the White Dagoba pagoda now stands. This brilliant feat of landscape design reflects the ingenuity of imperial garden planning in ancient C...
When is the best time to visit Beihai Park (Beijing, China)?
Spring brings peach blossoms along the shore. Summer offers lotus blooms—visit early to beat heat. Autumn shows red maples and fewer crowds. Winter can be crisp—skip boating and enjoy clear views of the Dagoba.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Park entry tickets (2 adults) | CNY 20 |
| 1-hour electric boat rental | CNY 150 |
| Tea and snacks at Jingxin Zhai | CNY 80 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 250 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Beihai Park
Address: 1 Wen Jin Jie, 西安门 Xi Cheng Qu, China, 100034
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Beihai Park (Beijing)?
About Beihai Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Number
+86 10 6403 3225Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!