Iron Screen Wall

Iron Screen Wall

The Iron Screen Wall is a type of wall used in traditional Han Chinese architecture to block the line of sight. Built during the Yuan Dynasty, it was carved from a piece of neutral volcanic rock, featuring a deep ochre color that earned it the name "Iron" due to its iron-like hue. Legend has it that this screen wall was constructed to ward off the sandstorms of Beijing and is considered a treasure that guards the city. Dating back over 600 years to the Yuan Dynasty, it stands 1.89 meters tall and 3.5 meters wide. Originally erected in front of an ancient temple at Jiande Gate in Yuan Dynasty Beijing, it was moved to the front of Huguo Desheng Nunnery inside Deshengmen Gate in the early Ming Dynasty. When it was relocated from Desheng Nunnery in Tieyingzi Hutong to Beihai Park, the base was not moved along with it due to time constraints. It wasn’t until 39 years later, in 1986, that the original base was rediscovered and reunited with the screen wall.

Time Needed

3 hours to visit Beihai Park

Transportation

Take Subway Line 6, get off at Beihai North Station Exit B, then walk about 1.2 km

Take Bus 118, get off at Beihai North Gate Station, then walk about 850 m

Take Bus 101, get off at Beihai Station, then walk about 1.1 km

Take Bus 701, get off at Beihai North Gate Station, then walk about 840 m

Admission Fee

Refer to Beihai Park

Peak Season (April 1 – October 31): Ticket: ¥10/person; Joint Ticket: ¥20/person

Off-Peak Season (November 1 – March 31): Ticket: ¥5/person; Joint Ticket: ¥15/person

Qiongdao Ticket: ¥10/person; Tuancheng Ticket: ¥1/person

Opening Hours

Refer to Beihai Park

November – March: 6:30–20:00, last entry at 19:30

April – October: 6:30–21:00, last entry at 20:30

Location

Inside Beihai Park, No. 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (north of the Forbidden City)