Climbing the White Pagoda at Beihai Park

Upon entering Beihai Park, you can see the majestic White Pagoda as soon as you look up. It stands atop Qionghua Island, surrounded by lush greenery, and is the highest point in Beihai Park. Visitors entering the park from the south gate can cross Yong'an Bridge, enter Yong'an Temple, and follow the signs up the steps to reach the base of the White Pagoda, where they can admire it up close. The White Pagoda was built in 1271 and has a history of nearly 750 years, standing 35.9 meters tall. Its shape is round at the top and square at the bottom, with a maximum diameter of 14 meters. The southern face of the pagoda features the Wheel of Time Vajra Gate, which houses statues of Buddha and scriptures. In front of the pagoda, there is a small, exquisite hall. The platform around the base of the White Pagoda offers a view of Taiye Pool and the park's scenery, with a panoramic view of the distant buildings of the capital. Entering the base of the White Pagoda requires a ticket. A combined ticket for Beihai Park costs 20 yuan and includes all the gardens within the park. There are several paths to reach the base of the White Pagoda. Entering from the east gate of Beihai, crossing the bridge, and climbing the hill is not very strenuous. Even without a combined ticket, you can still admire the White Pagoda from outside the ticket checkpoint. There is also a pavilion called Lanchui Pavilion outside the base, where you can sit down, have a coffee, and rest your feet.