This area is the edge of the skating rink: the lake is deeply frozen so many Chinese go and play on it: I actually saw someone go swimming in a hole broken in the ice. I found it hard to believe, the temperature would have killed me! It must have been freezing or round about there. There are a few groups of locals dancing in the park as well.
The White Dagoba (White Tower) was destroyed in an earthquake in 1679, also restored after another earthquake outside Beijing in 1976.
I spend an extra 10 RMB (about £1) to go up to the pagoda but it isn't really worth it as you can't see much. Actually the park is worth another visit, I missed a few things I didn't realise were there last time, hence I've included this link. I could visit again however next time I'm in Beijing the week after next.
This is the pagoda seen close up.
I walk out of the east gate of the park into Jingshan Park which Sarah and I visited when we came to Beijing in 1997. There is a vast artifical mound with a Buddhist temple at the top, from which you can see this view of the Forbidden City (mental note to perhaps visit all 3 on a walk next time?)
Here is Behai Park seen from Jingshan Park, I took a similar view from here in 1997 so Sarah may want to compare them in our photo album!
I walk back along this road, to Houhai and go for lunch in the hutong. You can see the Drum Tower from here.
Here is the edge of the lake.
I have a passable spag bol in this little restaurant.
In the afternoon I stroll around and sit reading my Lonely Planet for a bit while I decide what to do in the evening. In the end I have another hot pot feast only this time I think I overdo it as I can't eat it all!
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