Beihai Park

Beihai Park, located near the Imperial Palace, is one of Beijing's oldest remaining imperial gardens. This gorgeous open area, laid out at the beginning of the 10th century, derives its name from adjacent Lake Beihai (North Lake) and provides numerous reasons to come.

The Round Fort, which dates from the Yuan Dynasty of 1271-1368, and the majestic Hall of Enlightenment are two of Beihai Park's most notable features. The hall, built-in 1690, has a one-and-a-half-meter-tall Buddha carved from a single block of white jade and a big black jade vase from the early 12th century.

Another remarkable feature is the sumptuous Song Qingling house, where the widow of the Republic's founder, Sun Yat-sen, resided for 18 years until her death (it is now a museum). You will also want to visit Mei Lanfang's Living Quarters (Mei Lanfang Guju), a famous male Peking Opera actor specializing in performing female roles.

Include Guo Moruo's mansion on your Beijing itinerary as well. From 1963 until he died in 1978, the great writer and historian resided in a traditional Chinese courtyard design residence. Include the stunning 17th-century White Pagoda on the Island of Exquisite Jade on your itinerary.

Address: 1 Wenjin St, Xicheng, Beijing
Official website: www.beihaipark.com.cn//english/index.html