Further Distractions
Beihai Park Beihai Lake covers almost half of the 67-hectare (168-acre) Beihai Park and is a popular place for skating in winter and boating in summer. Qiong Hua Island (Jade Flowering Island), in the southern end of the lake, is reached by an arched marble bridge and is home to a Tibetan Buddhist shrine (the White Dagoba) and the Temple of Eternal Peace.
Wenjin Jie Opening hours: Daily 0600-2100 (park); daily 0900-1600 (halls and temples). Admission charge for the park and temples.
Jingshan (Prospect Park) Located immediately to the north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan contains a hill, known as Coal Hill, which enjoys superb views over the golden rooftops of the imperial buildings. One of the five pavilions on the summit, Wan Chun Ting (Pavilion of Ten Thousand Springs), used to be the highest point in the city.
Jingshan Qian Jie Opening hours: Daily 0600-2130. Admission charge.
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