It’s a lazy Saturday afternoon here in Singapore. Pretty similar to the lazy afternoon I had at Beijing’s Bei Hai Park. Yes it’s true. I have a fetish for parks and I think that the imperial parks in China is particularly interesting!
Unlike the Royal Parks of London that was owned for the recreation or mostly hunting of the royal family, the Chinese imperial parks offer a more scandalous take at life. How not to? My exploration of this royal garden with hidden courtyards and pavilions within walls of pines and cypess trees gave me strong vibes that Bei Hai Park is a keeper of many imperial secrets.
Chinese history and culture classes gave me the impression that the Chinese emperors are notoriously known for their frivolity or perhaps vitality? On a side note, it’s really amazing how one man could handle so many women. Are you aware that some Ming emperors had more than 9,000 maids of honors at their disposal as well as countless servants and concubines? My heart goes out to these women. I could totally imagine them mourning and weeping their pathetic life by one of Bei Hai’s lake, pinning for the attention of one frivolous man.
Perhaps Bei Hai’s exquisite landscapes which imitate renowned scenic spots and architecture from various regions of China helped favorably in lightening any frustrations. Throwing rocks into scenic 34 hectares lake might worked too. It must had been awful to be an empress/concubine. They are doomed to ‘die’ in all circumstances. If they are favoured, there’s a high chance of them being buried alive to accompany the Emperor to his next world. Otherwise, they either succumb to perilous boredom or get embroiled in intrigues that often end in murder.
Morbid Chinese imperial history aside, Bei Hai stands for the “north lake” located north of the Forbidden City in the heart of old Beijing. The lake is the only remaining water system, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th Century.
After exploring the hutongs, we decided to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the Back Lakes area. We could had chose to have a quick peek at the southern half and then scurry off elsewhere. Thank goodness we decided not to miss the north side of the park, which is more interesting. Bei Hai Park is a good location to relax, exercise or just stroll aimlessly. For some, even a quick swim in the lake.
People-watching was effortless. It is interesting how communal gatherings and activities in parks are so common and popular among folks in Beijing.
Lots of amateur calligraphers were expertly wielding enormous sponge-tipped brushes to compose rapidly evaporating poems on the flagstones. Pity I couldn’t read Chinese. Will be signing up for Chinese lessons in the near future.
Ah the surroundings of Beijing’s oldest and best-preserved imperial garden was extremely pleasing. Not surprising as it was built as a pleasure garden for China’s court. Bei Hai Park was once part of the Forbidden City built was only opened to the public in 1925.
It was awesome to be on the grounds where the Ming Dynasty Emperor and his concubines and courtiers used to fish or hold moon-viewing parties. It would be so cool if I could enjoy a pot of Chinese tea with sweet cakes/desserts in a pavilion while watching folks strolling around Bei Hai Park with warmly lit-ed lantern during Mid-Autumn Festival. That would make such a pretty sight. How lovely.
Stepping foot in one of Beijing’s oldest and most well preserved ancient royal parks is a must. To get there, just grab bus 812 or 814 from Dong Dan metro stop (119, exit A) to Bei Hai. The nearest Subway Station is Zhangzizhonglu on Line 5.
Keep a look out for the Jingxin Room (Quieting Heart Room) which is a garden within the garden and the Five-Dragon Pavilions, five connected pavilions with spires and pointed upswept eaves built in the Ming Dynasty.
To got more enjoyment out of Bei Hai Park, try letting your imagination run wild as you explore this Chinese garden. It helps to read up on some dark imperial secrets of indulge-seeking emperors, attention-seeking concubines or power-hungry eunuchs beforehand.
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Ok back to Singapore for now. I’m got to wrap up some work before heading out for a run with Vibram. It’s been a while. I gotta start training for the Standard Chartered Run!
Beihai Park (Bei Hai Gongyuan)
Wenjin Jie 1
Xi Cheng Qu
Beijing 10003
6am-9:30pm
Definitely! I’ve been there and loved it!