Beihai Park (White Palace)
This Park, which was once a winter palace for emperors in the past, is situated just to the northwest of the Forbidden City. Its name literally means "North Lake". In its waters lies the so called Jade Flower Island (Qionghuadao). You can hire a rowboat and row the boat on the water. The interesting attractions in Beihai Park are Round City, White Pagoda, Jade Flower Island, Nine-Dragon Wall, Wanfo Lou Tower, Oron Screen etc.
How to go there:
1 Wen Jin Street
(northwest of the Forbidden City) Open Time: 09:00-16:30
Travel Time: 2 hours
From the South Gate: 101、103、109、812、814、846
From the North Gate: 107、111、118、701、823
From the East Gate: 5
Tibetan Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
Yonghe Lamasery was built in 1694, and it was the palace of a prince which was donated to become a Lamasery when he gained the throne. It is comprised of five main halls and many galleries in several architectural styles such as the Han, the Manchu, the Mongol and the Tibetan one. The main attraction is a statue of Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha), 18 meter high, that is said to have been carved from a single sandalwood log. You can also see a niche of sculptured nanmu wood, and a throne where 500 arhats (or sages) made in copper, silver and even gold. These are all together called "the three masterpieces of the YongheGong".
How to go there:
Address: No.13 Imperial College Stree, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Take subway or No.62, 13, 116 and special 2 bus and get off at Lama Temple
Open Time: 09:00-16:30
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Ticket Fee: RMB 20
