Beijing's Top Sights - Beijing - page 323

PRACTICALITIES

» Yíhé Yuán
» 19 Xinjian Gongmen
» ticket ¥20, through ticket ¥50, audioguide ¥40, 4-/6-person pedal boat per hr ¥40/60

» 8.30am-5pm, pedal boats 8.30am-4.30pm summer

» Xiyuan or Beigongmen

Hall of Benevolence & Longevity
The main building at ground level, this hall (Rénshòu Diàn) sits by the east gate and houses a
hardwood throne. Look for the bronze animals that decorate the courtyard in front, includ-
ing the mythical qílín (a hybrid animal that appeared on earth only at times of harmony).

Kūnmíng Lake
Three-quarters of the parkland in the palace is water, made up of Kūnmíng Lake (Kūn-
míng Hú). Check out the extravagant Marble Boat OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP moored on the
northwestern shore. First built in 1755, it was restored in 1893 on the orders of Empress
Cixi (using money meant to go towards building ships for the Chinese Navy). Much of it
is actually wood painted to look like marble. Nearby are fine Qing-dynasty boathouses
and the Gate Tower of the Cloud-Retaining Eves OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP , which once
housed an ancient silver statue of Guanyu (God of War).

Boats ply the lake (¥15), running from the northern shore to South Lake Island, home to
the Dragon King Temple OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP , where royalty came to pray to the
Dragon King's fearsome statue for rain in times of drought. But you can also hire your
own pedalo (¥60 per hour, ¥300 deposit) or electric-powered boat (¥100 per hour, ¥400
deposit) to sail around at your own pace.