Beihai Park, Beijing

The inverted bowl-style, Lamaist dagoba was built in 1651 during the Qing Dinasty, in honour of the fifth Dalai Lama's visit. It stands in Beihai Park, on the top of Qiong islet, and it has become a significant landmark of the city and a great scenic spot.

Round City (Tuan Cheng), originally an islet in Taiye Lake, was part of Da Ning Gong in the Jin Dynasty. It was called Yuan Di or Ying Zhou in the Yuan Dynasty. In 1264, the Yi Tian Dian was built on it, and the name was changed into Cheng Guang Dian in 1417.
The Round City's total area is about 4500 square meters with a circular wall of 4.6 miter high and 276 meter long. In 1669, the Cheng Guang Dian was collapsed in an earthquake. It was rebuilt in 1690 and expanded in 1746 to the present scale.
The Round City has a distinctive courtyard with halls, pavilions and ancient trees. There is a white jade Buddha statue set out in Cheng Guang Dian. Witin the Round City, there is a Jade Jar Pavilion in which there is a jade jar - called 'Du Shan Da Yu Hai' - left from the Yuan Dynasty.
In 1961, the Round City and the Beihai Park were listed by the Stated Council as key places of relics preservation in China.

I was very impressed by the chinese gardens and rockeries which are between the 'Nine Dragon Screen' and the North Gate. They were popular with Emperor Qianlong and it's easy to see why - even when the place is crowed (and it will be crowed at the weekend or main holidays for sure) the atmosphere is tranquil.

On the north side of the lake there is the impressive 'Nine Dragon Screen" (or in Chinese: 'Jiu Long Bi'). Its 27 meter long, one of the largest in China and in good conditon. There are dragons on both sides, so at least one side is always in the sunny side. (during day time, of course)

Here is one of the girl who wanted to catch tourists to dress as Emperor or Empress for a photo.
But it seem she was surprised because it was me who asked her for a photo. Normaly Chinese ask Westerner (Da bi zi - Long nose) for a photo. I liked her dress and so I asked her. At that time I didn't know that it was her job to ask tourists for a photo dressed as Emperor or Empress. Anyway, maybe she was so confused and forgot her job.... nevertheless, Wendy did her job. And made me to an Emperor.

Now I wanna tell you how I became 'Emperor of China', somehow a funny story.

Wendy and I took some photos at the Dragon screen in Beihai Park when we saw some people who wanted to catch tourists for a photo dressed as Emperor or Empress of China. Wendy asked me if I am interested. My answer: 'No, I am not such a typical tourist who will dress himself for a silly photo'. We passed them and Wendy wanted to convince me again. I repeated my decision. Then she told me that the swiss boy friend of her friend also took such a photo: 'Well, I am not like others, I think its really silly to take such a photo. Me, dressed as an Emperor, no way!!'. 'But it costs only 10 Yuan', her answer. '10 Yuan, only???.... Hmmm, maybe it's really funny, lets try it.' ... You see, for 10 Yuan I do a lot... (Please, dont misunderstand me... ;-))

Actually, I didn't quite like Beihai Park and I wouldn't really say that it's a "Must See Activity". It depends of course of what you're looking for. If you want to see a traditional park, I don't think Beihai is a good example. It's far too big and crowded. If you're interested by its historical heritage (it was the Emperor's garden), you can imagine what it must have been at those times.

It's a nice stroll though as Beihai Park is pretty big. Be aware that you have to pay to visit certain parts of the Park although you've already paid to go in.

Pu An Hall, located on White Dagoba Island in Beihai Park, houses some rare tantric sculptures showing esoteric guardians enraptured...

It is absolutely stunning to see the intensity of sensuality in these sculptures... Buddhism is often misconstrued as asexual due to its emphasis on liberation from the bondage of desire... But in fact, the "middle way", as practiced in the tantric tradition, is a pathway between the austerities of asceticism and the excesses of hedonism...