Beihai Park (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Beihai Park?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: Low ticket cost, clear trails, tai-chi mornings, photography spots, and plentiful benches make solo wandering easy; limited English labels mean you may need a phone app for context.
Positives:
- Friendly local community: Morning practitioners welcome questions and let visitors join free tai chi sessions.
- Compact layout: The park is easy to navigate alone; you can see major sites on a loop without backtracking.
Challenges:
- Limited English signage: Most signs and maps are in Chinese; carry a translation app.
- Peak-season entry lines: Ticket queues form around 9 AM; arrive early or check online options.
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 solo trip?
- Join free tai chi and calligraphy sessions at sunrise
- Capture the Nine-Dragon Wall in early light
- Explore imperial sites on a 2–3 hr self-guided loop
- Try a traditional brush calligraphy workshop
- Enjoy a quick ferry ride on Taiye Lake
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: A solo traveler can cover main landmarks and enjoy activities without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Beihai Park
Join morning tai chi and calligraphy:
Watch locals practice tai chi and calligraphy near the North Gate at sunrise.
Tip: Arrive by 6:30 AM for soft light and to join in for free.
Photograph the Nine-Dragon Wall:
Capture the colorful glaze-brick screen on the North Bank.
Tip: Go soon after gates open to catch early light on the dragons.
Self-guided imperial history walk:
Follow a 2–3 hour loop visiting Yong’an Temple, White Dagoba, Yuegu Tower and more.
Tip: Pick up a park map at the entrance and walk clockwise to avoid backtracking.
Attend a weekend calligraphy workshop:
Learn brushwork from local artists at Yuegu Building.
Tip: Book on weekends; workshop plus souvenir fan costs 60 CNY (combo ticket included).
Take a short ferry hop:
Ride the small ferry across Taiye Lake between docks.
Tip: The 5 CNY trip gives a quick lake view without a full boat rental.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Beihai Park
- Start at the North Gate: Begin before 9 AM to join tai chi, avoid crowds, and follow a clockwise route.
- Combine tickets: Buy the 20 CNY park+islet combo to access the workshop and ferry at no extra cost.
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)?
Summer (Jun–Aug) brings lotus blooms and vibrant photo scenes; peak tickets cost 10 CNY after Apr 1. Off-season (Nov–Mar) tickets drop to 5 CNY, paths are quieter but dress warmly.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry ticket (peak season) | CNY 10 |
| Weekend calligraphy workshop | CNY 60 |
| Ferry hop | CNY 5 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 75 |
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
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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
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