North Lake in the Palace museum

Covering about 71 hectares, Bei Hai (North Lake) is one of the most famous scenic spots in Beijing, and is the earliest and most completely preserved imperial garden in China.

E construction of Bei Hai originated from an old legend: it is said that on the vast Eastem Sea stand three celestial hills, i.e. Penglai, Yingzhou and Fangzhang, on which live many immortals who could live forever. According to this legend, the Han mperor had a lake dug in the north of his capital, Chang’an and named it Taiye Lake. He also’ had three hills piled up on the Lake and named them Penglai, Yingzhou and Fangzhang. From then on, the Chinese emperors enjoyed building imperial gardens after the style of “one lake and three hills”.

The Ming and Qing dynasties, Bei Hai was known as the West Imperial Garden outside the Forbidden City. In August 1925, it became open to the public. In 1961, it was listed as a major historical and cultural site under state protection.

Relevant attractions in the Palace Museum

Gate of Heavenly Peace
Gate of Origination
Imperial Ancestral Temple
Altar to the Gods of Earth and Grain
ImPerial Archives
North Lake