The Beihai Park (北海公园) is a park northwest of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The area of the public park stretches across more than 69 hectares. Half of it is taken up by the lake.
The park was first built in the 11th century and has been open for the public since 1925. The design for the imperial park was inspired by different scenic spots.
In the center of the lake is the Jade Flower Island (琼华岛). On it is a White Pagoda, which is with 40 meters the highest point of the park. The white tower was built out of white stone to honour the visit of the Dalai Lama in 1651. In the course of history it was destroyed and rebuilt several times.
