Lonely Planet Pocket Beijing by Lonely Planet

Author:Lonely Planet
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lonely Planet

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Bridge to Jade Islet | GUSTAVO MONIZ FERREIRA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLANNING TIP

To hire a boat in summer, you’ll need to pay a hefty deposit (¥400–800). Boat choices range from four-person pedal boats to six-person electric boats.

Northwestern Shore

One of several fascinating buildings along the north shore is Jingxin Studio (静心斋, Jìngxīn Zhāi), a ‘garden within a garden’ and a favourite retreat of the Qianlong Emperor, who would sip tea, listen to the plucking of the guqin (Chinese zither) and savour the carp-filled pools and scenic views.

Western Heaven (西天梵境, Xītiān Fánjìng) was a lamasery during the Ming dynasty, and was subsequently rebuilt in 1759; it’s fronted by a magnificent four-pillared memorial arch. Beyond the Hall of the Heavenly Kings is its centrepiece, a gorgeous Ming-era hall of unpainted cedar. Nearby is the Nine Dragon Screen, a 27m-long spirit wall emblazoned with coiled dragons.

At the northwest corner of the lake, the Ming dynasty Five Dragon Pavilions (五龙亭, Wǔlóng Tíng), which jut out over the water, were a fishing spot for emperors; nowadays they’re the haunt of ballroom-dancing couples. Close by, Little Western Heaven (小西天, Xiǎoxītiān) is the largest square pavilion-style palace in China. It was built in secret as a gift for the Qianlong Emperor’s mother on her 80th birthday. Ferries (¥20) run between the North Shore and Jade Islet, or you can walk.

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