Xihai Lake Park

Xihai Lake Park

Destination Introduction: Xihai Lake Park is located on the west side of the northern end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, covering an area of 210 acres, with nearly 80 acres of water surface. The park was first established in 1936 and expanded in 1985.

The park serves its intended functions and attracts more than 3,000 visitors daily for morning exercise, recreation, and sightseeing, with an annual visitor count averaging 1.2 million. The children's playground is located in the center of the park, covering an area of over 5,800 square meters. It features more than 50 sets of electric rides, including endlessly fun bumper cars, thrilling pirate ships, lifelike crazy mice, and monkey-pulled carts. During holidays, children flock here to enjoy themselves. The water world offers a unique experience. When visitors swoosh down from the 10-meter-high water slide, they can feel the excitement of modern life. The water world is a great place for summer cooling and for children to practice swimming. A 100-meter-long colorful corridor in antique style spans the two lakes to the north and south. With rippling blue waters, visitors can take boats shaped like various animals to tour and enjoy the scenery. Both the north and south lakes are ideal not only for boating and playing in the water but also for fishing enthusiasts. In the cold winter, those who are interested can go ice-skating on the vast frozen surface.

The park not only has modern recreational facilities but also preserves well-maintained cultural relics and historic sites. The famous Ranting Pagoda (known for housing Buddhist relics) is located within Xihai Lake Park. Originally built during the Northern Zhou Dynasty of the Northern and Southern Dynasties period under the Yuwen clan, it has a history of over 1,300 years. Since the Tang Dynasty, it has been renovated by successive imperial courts, with the most recent major restoration taking place in the 35th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty. The Ranting Pagoda stands 56 meters tall, with a circumference of 38 meters, and features a brick-and-wood structure, dense eaves, and a solid core. The thirteen-story, eight-sided pagoda is adorned with 2,224 copper bells that tinkle melodiously in the breeze. Ancient poets once praised it with the verse “A single pagoda shadow marks Tongzhou.” The Ranting Pagoda is a symbol of ancient Tongzhou. It was designated as a “Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit” during its 1985 restoration.

The tomb of Mr. Li Zhiwu is located in the northwest corner of Xihai Lake Park, nestled among lush pines and cypresses. Li Zhi (1527–1602), also known as Li Zhuowu, was a renowned thinker of the Ming Dynasty. He extensively read the classics and philosophical works of various schools of thought, dared to expose the hypocrisy of Confucian orthodoxy, criticized Confucian teachings, and offered unique insights in evaluating over 800 historical figures from the Warring States period to the late Ming Dynasty. He published monumental works such as "Hidden Books" and "Burned Books." In 1602, he was imprisoned and chose death over submission. His friend Ma Jinglun buried him at Beimachang in Tongzhou. To allow future generations to pay their respects, his tomb was relocated into the park during its 1985 expansion.

With green hills and clear waters in harmony, and cultural relics complementing the scenery, Xihai Lake Park boasts a beautiful environment and fresh air. The park is home to over 10,000 plants of more than 60 species, including ancient scholar trees over 500 years old with sturdy forms. On the artificial hill built on the site of the old city ruins, there are uniquely designed scenic pavilions. From the heights, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the park’s beauty. The fragrance of flowers and birdsong throughout the park bring joy to visitors. Xihai Lake Park is a shining jewel embedded in the heart of Tongzhou. Transportation Information

1. Take bus 322 or 728 from Sihui Station and get off at Xinhua Street. Walk about 200 meters north along the commercial street to reach the park.

2. Take bus 312 or 322 from Langjiayuan and get off at Xinhua Street, or take bus 342 from Xiaozhuang and get off at the terminal station.

Self-driving route: Take the Beijing-Tongzhou Expressway, exit and drive straight along Xinhua Street. Entertainment

Children’s Playground: The park features over 50 sets of electric rides, including bumper cars, pirate ships, crazy mice, and monkey-pulled carts.

Boating and fishing.

Price Information Ticket: Free admission, open every day including holidays

Address: No. 12, Xihai West Street, Tongzhou District, Beijing (near the Old Commercial Street)

Type: Urban Park

Phone: 010-69544319; 010-69541569

Opening Hours:

The scenic area is currently closed for renovation, with reopening expected in 2019. Opening hours are to be determined.