Beihai Park — Part 2

Five-Dragon Pavilions

So, just how cold was it this fine winter day in Beijing?  This cold:

Skating on thin ice

Actually, by afternoon it wasn’t too bad.  While the morning cold stung the exposed skin on our faces, by afternoon we were actually approaching freezing.  Still, I highly recommend going to Beijing in the off season for two reasons — few crowds, no stifling heat with humidity.

Nine-Dragon Wall

Our guide Jim Mao told us that Beihai Park is considered a romantic area by the residents of Beijing.  In the summer they even enjoy cruising the lake in the contraptions shown below.

Awaiting the Thaw

As one would expect there are a lot of Buddhist temples on the ground of Beijai Park.  The Heavenly King Temple contains depictions of all four Buddhist “Heavenly Kings”.

Temple of Heavenly Kings — West King and North King

Near the Five-Dragon Pavilions was the Temple of Extreme Happiness, which was built by Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799) for his mother.

Temple of Extreme Happiness

And here are a few more photographs to tide you over until Fun Photo Friday:

Temple of Bliss Interpretation

Five-Dragon Pavilions; White Dagoba in background