Page 27 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Beijing

Bei Hai Park ❮❮ 25

Jade Island
Yongan
5 9
Temple
Accessed by bridge
from the south gate or Located beneath
by boat from the north the Dagoba on
gate, Bei Hai’s willow- Jade Island, this
lined island (below) temple comprises a
was created from the series of ascending
earth excavated to halls, including the
form the lake. Hall of the Wheel of
Law, with its central
effigy of the Buddha
Sakyamuni (left).
Pavilion of Calligraphy
7
A crescent-shaped hall on Jade Island
contains nearly 500 stone tablets engraved with
the work of famous Chinese calligraphers. If the
exhibits are less than enthralling, the walkways
that lead to the pavilion are enchanting.
Zhong Nan Hai
8
Bei Hai means
“North Lake”; the Middle
(Zhong) and South (Nan)
Lakes are part of an area
occupied by China’s
political leaders and
are off-limits to all
except government
officials. Zhong Nan
Hai is regarded as the
new Forbidden City.

Fangshan
0
Restaurant
Founded in 1926 by
chefs of the imperial
household, the res-
Nine Dragon Screen
6 taurant (above)
bases its menus on
This free-standing wall made of colorful
glazed ceramic tiles depicts nine intertwined court cuisine. Standards
dragons (above). The Chinese dragon is a beneficent have slipped, but the
beast offering protection and good luck. The wall opulent setting still
was designed to obstruct the passage of evil spirits. has great appeal.
NEED TO KNOW Open Apr–Oct: 6:30am– • There are four gates
9pm daily; Nov–Mar: to the park: the most
MAP K1 • 1 Wenjin Jie, 6:30am –8pm. Buildings close convenient is the south
Xicheng • 6403 3225 5pm Apr–Oct, 4pm Nov–Mar gate, close to the
• info@beihaipark.com.cn Forbidden City; the north
• Subway: Tian’an Men Adm Apr–Oct ¥10, Nov– gate exits across the road
West • Buses: 5, 101, 103, Mar ¥5 from Hou Hai, where
107, 109, 111, • There are snack kiosks there are good eating
and others in the park. and drinking options.

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