Beijing: Beihai Park Imperial Garden QR Ticket

A Thousand Years in One Park: Beijing's Oldest Imperial Garden

You get QR code entry to Beijing's 1,000-year-old imperial garden, with access to the White Pagoda, Yong'an Bridge, Nine-Dragon Screen, and lakeside walking paths. The ticket is valid year-round; you'll need to book in advance as a foreign visitor. Plan for at least two to three hours to walk the main highlights without rushing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Beihai Park imperial garden

• Enter through main entrance
• Visit Tuancheng ancient buildings
• Walk to Qiongdao Island
• See White Pagoda and Yong'an Temple
• Stroll lakeside paths and pavilions
• Enjoy views of classical gardens

The Experience

The QR code on your phone doesn't scan the first time—you're standing at the main entrance of Beihai Park, Beijing's central imperial garden, and the gate attendant is patient while you angle it toward the light. It works the second try. This is the oldest and best-preserved classical imperial garden in China, and it's been here for over a thousand years, which somehow makes a digital ticket feel both strange and fitting. The park covers 69 hectares, so there's no rushing through it; people move slowly, stopping at pavilions, taking photos of the lake, sitting on benches without talking much.

Once you're in, the layout unfolds in the way classical Chinese gardens are meant to—nothing is obvious from where you stand. You start at Tuancheng, where ancient buildings and cultural relics sit preserved and quiet, then cross onto Qiongdao Island, where the White Pagoda rises white and geometric against the sky. The Yong'an Bridge connects the island to the shore, and the Nine-Dragon Screen—an intricate wall of glazed brick art—sits nearby, detailed enough that you'll stop and look at it twice. The lakeside paths loop around Beihai Lake itself, and the water reflects the pavilions and corridors; it's the kind of place where an hour disappears without you noticing.

The park is open year-round, so you can visit whenever you're in Beijing, though reservations are required if you're a foreign visitor—that's just how it works now, and it keeps the crowds manageable. Bring comfortable shoes. The paths are long and the whole point is to wander, not to tick off a checklist. Strollers and wheelchairs can navigate most of the main routes, and public transportation stops nearby if you need to get there without a taxi.

What’s included

• QR code entry ticket to Beihai Park.
• access to all scenic spots including Tuancheng, Qiongdao Island, White Pagoda, Yong'an Temple, Yong'an Bridge, Nine-Dragon Screen, and lakeside walking paths.
• year-round access to the 69-hectare imperial garden.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Lily's tour service

Is this one for you?Right for anyone visiting Beijing who wants to step away from the city without arranging transport or navigating a crowded tourist site—the reservation system keeps the garden peaceful, and the QR ticket means you walk straight in.

Top questions

Do I need to book the Beihai Park ticket in advance?

Yes, reservations are required for foreign visitors. Book your QR code ticket before you arrive at the park.

How long does it take to walk through Beihai Park?

Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the main attractions—Tuancheng, Qiongdao Island, the White Pagoda, and the lakeside paths. You can stay longer if you want to sit and rest.

Is Beihai Park accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes, the main paths are wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers. Some areas may have uneven surfaces, so check specific routes if you need full accessibility.

What is the Nine-Dragon Screen?

It's an ornamental wall decorated with intricate glazed brick art depicting nine dragons. It's one of the park's most photographed cultural landmarks.

Can I visit Beihai Park in winter?

Yes, the park is open year-round. Winter visits offer a quieter experience, though some paths may be icy. Spring and autumn are typically the most pleasant seasons.

Is there food or water available inside the park?

The reference content does not specify food or beverage facilities within the park. Bring water and snacks, or check with the park directly about cafés or vendors.

How do I get to Beihai Park by public transportation?

Public transportation options are available nearby. The park is in central Beijing; check local transit maps for the nearest metro or bus stops.