Two Large Structures in Beihai Park
One of Beiing’s largest public parks is Beihai (which means northern sea) and used to be an imperial garden. It is now used by thousands of Chinese, expats and foreigners to stroll around, take boat rides or eat snacks from local vendors.
Beihai is also home to wonderfully ornate pavilions, canals, a large lake and several large structures.
One of the main structures is the White Pagoda which is a 40-metre high stupa, located on the highest point on Jade Flower Island and built to honour the visit of the 5th Dalai Lama in 1651.
Its body is made of white stone and there are sun, moon and flame engravings on the surface of the tower. It was destroyed in 1679 by an earthquake and rebuilt the following year, and restored again in 1976 because of the Tangshan earthquake near Beijing.
There are also beautiful buildings around the park with the usual large gorgeous Chinese lanterns.
A Five Dragon Pavilion which comprises five connected pavilions with spires and pointed upswept eaves and built in the Ming dynasty is also located within the park along the waters edge.
And to the south of the Five-Dragon Pavilion lies the Nine Dragon Wall.
It was built in 1402 and is one of three walls of its kind in China. I saw another one during my travels to Datong in Shangxi Province and also the third but cannot recall where I saw it. This one is very similar to the one I saw in Datong, made of seven coloured glazed bricks with nine complete dragons playing in the clouds and these decorate both sides of the wall.
Beihai is definitely worth a visit; it’s a wonderful day out, walking, riding or rowing, and even if you are not culturally minded, the colourful buildings and vibrant trees and shrubs around the park in summer and spring are just lovely.
Sophie said:
What a nice post, Sue, and just before Chinese New Year! I can feel you’re having nostalgia of these times in China, right ? Thank you for posting about Beihai park, I love it too, but curiously I can’t recall having seen this marvel that is the Nine Dragon Wall (maybe I have, maybe not, I really can’t say…). That’s what happens when one doesn’t take pictures (I used to not enjoy making pictures of my travels when I was younger), I guess with time the memories just fade away… This Saturday night, I will be hosting a CNY dinner at my place, so that my friend can feel the special atmosphere and enjoy a good holiday dinner, China-style!
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sunnydaysinseattle said:
This is my favorite park in Beijing. As a child we used to go there almost every weekend.
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艾凯特 said:
I love this park! It’s both lovely to stroll around and full of great things to see 🙂
There’s another nine dragon wall in the Forbidden City in Beijing I think – maybe that’s the other one you’re thinking of? I never knew there were only three in the whole of China though – pretty cool!
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Little Miss Traveller said:
Somewhere else to add to the list! Absolutely beautiful!
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twobrownfeet said:
I remember wanting to go here and not being able to make it. Lovely pics, Sue!
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Marta said:
One semester when I was in Beijing I had an etymology subject. The teacher told us the lakes in Beijing are called “sea” because the names come from the Yuan Dynasty and the mongols had never seen so much water together 😀
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sileas said:
Finally another park post 😉 The buildings and structures are gorgeous, especially that wall – can’t believe how old that is!
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JoHanna Massey said:
This is just a beautifully executed post SueT. I am fairly confident I will never get to visit China, so a visit via yours is a most excellent experience for me. The Nine Dragon Wall is otherworldly in it’s beauty. Thank you so very much for your photos and commentary. 🐞
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you very much. Glad you got to see it via my photos.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Oh how interesting. Thanks for that Marta. I will sound like I know a bit of history when I tell people this.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thanks Julia. I love the parks too. Aren’t the colours of those buildings just lovely and so vibrant.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Again a truly lovely comment JoHanna. So glad you can see China via my post.
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sileas said:
Absolutely!
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thanks so much. Always appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Hope you are having a lovely weekend.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Oh wow. That’s gear to hear. Yes it’s a wonderful place.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Hi Sophie. Thanks for your comment. Sorry for my delay I have been interstate with my brother and nephew for a few days. How was your party? Great minds think alike as I am hosting a party next Saturday night. I bet you cooked some great food. Have a great day today.
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Sophie said:
No apologies needed , we’re all busy! We had a great time last night, and my friends were glad to share a typo la Chinese festival meal, though for me it was a tough and tiresome evening, cooking serving cooking again and serving some more, for 10 seated guests. If I had to do it again, I’d rather opt for a buffet that I also can enjoy myself. Are you going to cook for your guests next week? Or there in Australia you have all sorts of Special Chinese Holidays delivery services for this occasion ?
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Hi S. I am actually getting it catered (with hot canapés) as it’s more a cocktail party and now even happier I made that decision after reading about how busy you were. It doesn’t make for a stress less evening having to cook and serve and re-fill glasses does it. We need to enjoy ourselves too as you say. I am hiring a waiter too to serve drinks. Now I am looking forward to it.
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sidran said:
Interesting post as always.That stupa reminds me of Bhutan.The pagodas look stunning.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you very much. Really nice of you to compliment my post.
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Sophie said:
Waow, hiring a waiter is so classy ! Enjoy your time and report back about all the fun you guys had !
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
I will.
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the dune mouse (CybeleMoon) said:
wonderful shots! Maybe I will get to go one day!
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Amy said:
Such a beautiful architecture! Wonderful to read about the historical info.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
It’s definitely worth a visit.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Glad you enjoyed it Amy.
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the Author said:
Reblogged this on Wag 'n Bietjie.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Oh thank you very much. That’s lovely.
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