Can I walk to Beihai from the Forbidden City?

Yes. Exit the Forbidden City from the North Gate (Shenwumen), and the Beihai South Gate is about a 10-minute walk to the West.

Beijing · Xicheng

Beihai Park

Verified 2026-05-08 · High confidence

Why this stop matters

Beihai Park is one of the oldest and largest imperial gardens in China, with a history spanning over 800 years. Centered around a vast lake and the 'Isle of Precious Jade' crowned by a gleaming White Dagoba, it served as a summer retreat for emperors of the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

AliasesBeihai Park北海公园北海公園

Beihai Park Opening Hours

Peak Season (Apr 1 — Oct 31):06:00 — 21:00 (Last entry: 20:30)
Off Season (Nov 1 — Mar 31):06:30 — 20:00 (Last entry: 19:30)
Holiday notes: Scenic spots inside (like White Dagoba) remain open on Mondays during statutory holidays.

Operational notes

• Inner scenic spots (White Dagoba, Jingxin Garden) close earlier: 18:00 (Peak), 17:00 (Off).
• Most inner scenic spots are closed on Mondays.
• Electric boats are available 09:00-16:00 (weather permitting).

Beihai Park Booking & Reservation

Reservation required:No

Official Booking: Purchase tickets via the 'Changyou Gongyuan' (畅游公园) WeChat Official Account. This is the official requirement for all Beijing municipal parks.

Official Website

Beihai Park Tickets & Prices

Admission Only (Peak): CNY 10
Combined Ticket (Peak): CNY 20
Admission Only (Off-Season): CNY 5
Combined Ticket (Off-Season): CNY 15
Same listed price for foreign visitors:Yes

Cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay accepted at ticket windows. Boat rentals often require a cash or digital deposit.

Getting to Beihai Park

North Gate (Best for Metro)Primary entry

Metro Line 6

Beihaibei • Exit B • 5 min walk

South Gate (Best for White Dagoba)

Bus

Beihai Station

101, 103, 109, 124, 58

Taxi reference
Recommended to use 'DiDi' app for real-time pricing from your location

Best Time to Visit Beihai Park

Late afternoon is magic as the setting sun hits the White Dagoba. Winter is also popular for ice skating on the frozen lake, a centuries-old tradition.

Insider Tips

The Nine-Dragon Wall

Don't miss the Nine-Dragon Wall on the north bank. It is one of only three in China and the only one with dragons on both sides.

Foreign visitor tips

Passport needed at entry

Yes

Survival Tips

Beihai offers a more relaxed, local vibe compared to the Forbidden City. You'll see locals practicing opera and shuttlecock by the water. The climb to the White Dagoba provides a fantastic overhead view of Beijing's central axis. Emergency: Area Rescue: +86 010-64030677.

Ticketing Tips

Gate Strategy: If you want the iconic view of the White Dagoba first, enter via the South Gate. If you prefer the quiet gardens and Nine-Dragon Wall, enter via the North Gate (Metro Line 6).
Practical Entry: While the official rule is to book via WeChat, international tourists can almost always purchase paper tickets directly at the service windows (South/North Gate) by presenting an original passport.
The Boat Ferry: Beihai is massive. Take the ferry from the White Dagoba island to the North Bank to see the Nine-Dragon Wall without walking the entire lake perimeter.

Photo rules

Tripods are generally not allowed inside the narrow temple structures on the island.