Beihai park has a long history, dating from the founding of Beijing itself. The Yuan Dynasty (translated as "First Dynasty", 1279-1368AD) was first ruled by Kublai Khan of the Mongols. It was the first time since the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) that one administration ruled all of China. They founded modern Beijing as an administrative city called Khanbalik. The first development on Beihai ('Beihai' means North Sea, but it's just a fancy name for North Lake) was Kublai Khan's first palace, called Round City (团城). Here is housed several temples, and a 3m "perfect" white jade Buddha. Later he built a larger pagoda and temple complex on an artificial hill on the center of the Jade Islet.
Nowadays, Beihai is a pretty popular destination for those seeking relaxation and a touch of nature. The islet (Called the Jade Islet) is surrounded on the South and East by a dense growth of Waterlilies. To the East and North of the islet is the lake, which is daily spotted by paddle boats filled with families, teenagers and romancing couples. The land side has many benches for reading and enjoying the view.
I pass by this park very often, as I pass by the Forbidden City. There are many major bus routes that go that way, and I'm often leaving from where I live in the West end to where things are happening in the East. I had seen this park from a bridge maybe thirty times before I actually went. It was a worthy trip.
The view from the bridge I pass often.
Closeup of the pagoda.
The untainted symbol, this carving from nearly 700yrs ago.
The main temple in the Round City.
The 3m white jade Buddha. I had to take this from a long distance away, as no pictures from within were allowed.
The foliage.
The pagoda.
CANNONS! Out of commission though.
A view from the pagoda terrace of "The Egg", the new Chinese National Theater.
The guys were pretty cool.
This is looking East, providing a view of Jingshan.
From the bottom of the S stairs.
A lot of bamboo shoots in this one garden had been carved into.
Jade Islet from the North.
The 7-dragon gate.
1 comment:
http://eekshop.com
Sometimes a multi functional transfer not only can they fail. Sometimes few of transfers not only can they fail. Sometimes three or otherwise four will fail pre going to be the surrogate mother and going to be the intended parents part ways.
Post a Comment