Beihai Park, Tranquility and Impression

#beijingtrip Beihai Park is located in the historical part of Beijing northwest of the Forbidden City and is one of the most popular parks in the city. The total area of the complex is about 71 hectares, more than half of which is the lake of the same name. In the south, the park is adjacent to the Zhongnanhai man-made lakes area (中南海), in the north it borders the Shichahai district (什刹海), and in the east it rests on the artificial Jingshan Hill (景山山). This vast territory has a history of over 1,000 years and is the oldest imperial garden in the world. Originally laid out in 938 during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125), the complex was repaired and rebuilt during subsequent dynasties. The vast majority of the buildings that can be seen today were built during the reign of the Qing (1644-1911) Qianlong Emperor. The complex was opened to ordinary visitors in 1925. Beihai Park is beautiful at any time of the year. In winter, it becomes one of the largest ice rinks in Beijing, and in summer it is a popular place to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city and the heat. In spring, the park is immersed in a sea of flowers, and in autumn it gives Beijing residents and visitors beautiful landscapes decorated with golden trees and blue sky. As for the time of day, morning is the best time to visit the park. There is a special relaxing atmosphere here. You will see how the locals do morning exercises, sing, dance and write hieroglyphs with large brushes on the ground. The park is located in the historical center of Beijing, so those who stay near the Forbidden City can walk to the place. It is only 700 meters from the northern gate of the Forbidden City to the southern entrance to Beihai Park. Those who do not live in the very center can get there by metro or taxi. The nearest metro station is Beihai Bei (North) Station on Line 6 (Exit D). If you take a taxi, ask the driver to take you to the hotel.