How long does it take to walk through Jingshan and Beihai?

The full walk typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This includes the climb up Jingshan Hill, a leisurely stroll through Beihai's Qionghua Island, and a walk to the Nine Dragon Screen on the north side of the lake.

Is it worth going to Jingshan Park?

Yes, it is essential for the view alone. For a very low entrance fee, you get a 360-degree panorama of Beijing that helps you understand the city's historical layout better than any map or museum exhibit could.

Can I see the Forbidden City from Jingshan Hill?

Absolutely. The Wanchun Pavilion at the top of Jingshan Hill is the most famous vantage point in Beijing for looking directly down into the Forbidden City's courtyards and golden-tiled roofs.

What is the Nine Dragon Screen in Beihai Park?

It is a massive, free-standing spirit wall made of glazed ceramic tiles, built in 1756. It is unique because it features nine intricate dragons on both the front and back, designed to protect the area from evil spirits.

When is the best time to visit Beihai Park?

Morning is ideal to see local life, while late afternoon offers beautiful lighting for the White Dagoba. In winter, the lake often freezes and becomes a public ice-skating rink, which is a classic Beijing experience.

Is Beihai Park accessible for wheelchairs?

The main paths around the lake are flat and accessible. However, the climb to the White Dagoba on Qionghua Island and the ascent in Jingshan Park involve many steep stone steps and are not wheelchair accessible.

How do I get to the start of this Beijing walking route?

The most common start is the South Gate of Jingshan Park, located directly across the street from the North Gate (Divine Prowess Gate) of the Forbidden City. You can reach it via several bus lines or a short taxi ride from the Shichahai area.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Rising above the geometric precision of the Forbidden City, this self-guided walk through Jingshan and Beihai Parks offers a breathtaking perspective on Beijing’s imperial legacy. For centuries, these grounds were the private sanctuaries of emperors, designed to harmonize the rugged power of man-made mountains with the serene fluidity of expansive lakes. This walking route begins at the summit of Jingshan, an artificial hill created from the soil excavated to build the palace moats. From the Wanchun Pavilion, you can capture the most iconic photography in the city: a perfect, symmetrical bird's-eye view of the golden roofs of the Forbidden City stretching toward the horizon. It is a moment where the scale of Chinese dynastic ambition becomes truly tangible. After descending through the cypress groves, the journey transitions into the tranquil atmosphere of Beihai Park. As one of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens in China, Beihai serves as a living museum of traditional landscape design. You will encounter the striking White Dagoba, a Tibetan-style stupa that dominates the skyline of Qionghua Island, symbolizing the spiritual connection between the Qing court and the Himalayan regions. The route continues along the lakeside, where the willow-lined paths offer a peaceful escape from the modern city’s bustle. The climax of this neighborhood stroll is the Nine Dragon Screen, a masterpiece of glazed tilework that remains one of the most intricate examples of Ming Dynasty artistry in existence. Unlike the screen found inside the Forbidden City, this version is double-sided, featuring 635 dragons if you count the smaller ornaments. This walking tour Beijing experience is perfect for those who want to blend history with natural beauty, providing ample opportunities for photography and quiet reflection. By exploring independently, you can linger at the pavilions or watch local residents practice calligraphy in the park, gaining a deeper insight into how Beijing’s royal past integrates with its present-day rhythm.

Highlights

Panoramic 360-degree views of the Forbidden City from Wanchun Pavilion

The iconic Tibetan-style White Dagoba on Qionghua Island

The double-sided Nine Dragon Screen, a Ming Dynasty ceramic masterpiece

Strolling through 1,000-year-old imperial gardens and lakeside paths

Historic cypress trees and the site of the Ming Dynasty's final moments

Tour Stops (3)

Jingshan Park (Coal Hill)

Standing at the summit of Jingshan Park, you are at the highest point of old Beijing. This hill is entirely man-made, constructed from the earth moved to create the Forbidden City’s moat during the Ming Dynasty. Looking south, the symmetry of the imperial palace is laid bare before you, a masterpiece of urban planning based on Feng Shui principles. To the north, you can see the Drum and Bell Towers. Beyond the views, Jingshan holds a somber place in history; near the eastern base of the hill stands a scholar tree where the last Ming Emperor, Chongzhen, is said to have ended his life as rebel forces entered the city in 1644. Today, the park is a vibrant community hub where you can hear local choirs and see traditional dancers among the ancient trees.

Beihai Park and the White Dagoba

Enter Beihai Park, a royal retreat with over a millennium of history. This park was the center of the city during the Yuan Dynasty, long before the Forbidden City was even built. The centerpiece is Qionghua Island, crowned by the White Dagoba. Built in 1651 to honor a visit by the Dalai Lama, this stupa is a brilliant example of Tibetan Buddhist influence on Qing architecture. As you explore the island’s winding paths and rockries, you are walking through a landscape designed to represent the Buddhist concept of the universe. The surrounding lake, often filled with lotus flowers in summer, was once the private playground for the imperial family, who enjoyed boat rides and ice skating here depending on the season.

Nine Dragon Screen

Located on the north shore of Beihai Lake, the Nine Dragon Screen is one of only three such screens in China, and arguably the most beautiful. Built in 1756, it is over 25 meters long and made of 424 specially fired glazed tiles. The nine massive dragons are depicted chasing flaming pearls amidst crashing waves and clouds, symbolizing the emperor's power over the elements. Take a close look at the craftsmanship; the colors remain incredibly vivid after two and a half centuries. Unlike most spirit screens that protect the entrance to a temple or palace, this one is double-sided, meaning you can walk around it to see another nine dragons on the reverse, each with distinct expressions and poses.

Frequently Asked Questions

The route from Jingshan Park to Beihai is widely considered the best for photography. Jingshan offers the only elevated, unobstructed view of the entire Forbidden City complex, while Beihai provides classic imperial garden aesthetics and the colorful Nine Dragon Screen.