Beihai Park White Pagoda Height – Beijing's Tibetan Landmark

Beihai Park White Pagoda rises 118 feet (35.9 meters) high atop Jade Flower Island, standing as Beijing's most iconic Tibetan-style stupa and landmark of China's oldest imperial garden. Built in 1651 during Emperor Shunzhi's eighth year of the Qing Dynasty, the pagoda replaced the Palace in the Moon where Kublai Khan once received Marco Polo. Designed by famous Tibetan lama Momhan, the white dagoba demonstrates Emperor Shunzhi's devotion to Buddhism and desire for unification among Chinese ethnic groups. The structure features three parts—base, body, and top—with an inverted bowl-shaped main body reaching 14-meter maximum diameter, supported by a white stone Sumeru pedestal. The pagoda contains Buddhist scriptures, sacred relics including two teeth reputedly belonging to Sakyamuni, and a 30-foot-tall central pillar with golden reliquary. Two bronze parasols crown the top, with 14 bronze bells hanging from the lower canopy and a gilded flame jewel finial symbolizing Buddhist enlightenment. The pagoda's hilltop position made it Beijing's highest point in ancient times, serving military surveillance functions.

Tibetan Buddhist Architecture at 118 Feet

The White Pagoda's 118-foot (35.9-meter) height consists of carefully proportioned sections beginning with massive stone slab base supporting a folded-angle Sumeru throne platform. The inverted bowl-shaped body covered in white lime stands 46 feet (14 meters) in maximum diameter, featuring a niche-style front door carved with Tibetan mantras. Above the main body rises the slender "thirteen heavens" structure representing Buddhist cosmology levels, topped by two gilded bronze canopies. The lower "earth plate" canopy weighs over 4,400 pounds (2,000 kg) and secures to the pagoda with four iron rings, while 16 bronze wind bells each weighing 18 pounds (8 kg) hang below engraved with Tibetan inscriptions. The upper "heaven plate" canopy measures approximately 10 feet (3 meters) diameter and weighs 3,300 pounds (1,500 kg), decorated with eight Buddhist auspicious symbols—wheel, conch, parasol, canopy, lotus, vase, fish, and knot representing good fortune.

The pagoda contains 306 ventilation holes throughout its structure, and inside stands a 30-foot (9-meter) tall central pillar holding a golden reliquary containing sacred Buddhist relics. The gilded finial above features sun and moon motifs symbolizing eternal radiance of Buddhist teachings. The pagoda was built on the former Palace in the Moon site and has been reconstructed twice after earthquake damage, with current structure representing faithful restoration. Jade Flower Island peak reaches 105 feet (32 meters) elevation, with the 118-foot pagoda making this Beihai's highest point and formerly Beijing's tallest structure. The white color represents purity in Tibetan Buddhism, and lime covering requires periodic maintenance to maintain pristine appearance. The pagoda marks the Temple of Everlasting Peace (Yong'an Temple) complex built against the hillside with three courtyards ascending to the pagoda. Military significance included signal gun installations for emergency warnings, with assigned officers maintaining watch from the elevated position offering panoramic city views.

Imperial Garden and 1,000-Year History

Beihai Park encompasses 71 hectares (180 acres) with the lake covering over half the area, representing China's oldest and best-preserved imperial garden with over 1,000 years of history spanning Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The park was designed following Chinese mythology of three magic mountains—Penglai, Yingzhou, and Fangzhang—believed to exist in Bohai Bay containing immortality herbs. Jade Flower Island (Qionghua Island) represents one sacred mountain in this "one-pool-with-three-hills" layout characteristic of Chinese imperial gardens. The site began as Taiye Lake excavated during Jin Dynasty in 1179, with Emperor Zhangzong building the Palace of Great Peace on Jade Flower Island. Kublai Khan received Marco Polo here during Yuan Dynasty, and subsequent dynasties expanded and refined the gardens imitating Jiangnan region's renowned Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Lake Tai landscapes. The park opened to public in 1925 after serving exclusively as imperial garden for centuries. Additional significant structures include the Nine-Dragon Screen built in 1756 from glazed bricks with dragons playing with pearls, and the Five-Dragon Pavilions from 1602 connected by zigzagging bridges for imperial fishing and moon-viewing. The Round City contains the Hall of Received Light with 5-foot white jade Buddha gifted to Guangxu Emperor by Cambodia's king, and 800-year-old Jin Dynasty pine trees among Beijing's oldest.

Comparison to Other Pagodas

Related Chinese Architecture

Explore heights of other historic structures: Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, Campanile Giotto, Florence Campanile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Beihai Park White Pagoda?

The White Pagoda stands 118 feet (35.9 meters) tall atop Jade Flower Island. Built in 1651, it was Beijing's highest point in ancient times and served military surveillance purposes.

When was Beihai White Pagoda built?

The pagoda was built in 1651 during the eighth year of Emperor Shunzhi's reign in the Qing Dynasty, designed by Tibetan lama Momhan to demonstrate Buddhist devotion and ethnic unity.

What is inside the White Pagoda?

The pagoda contains Buddhist scriptures, lama robes, sacred articles, and reputedly two teeth belonging to Sakyamuni. A 30-foot central pillar holds a golden reliquary with these relics.

Can you climb Beihai White Pagoda?

The White Pagoda has no entrance—it was sealed upon completion. The red emblem on the body marks the sealed opening. However, visitors can climb Jade Flower Island for excellent views.

How old is Beihai Park?

Beihai Park has over 1,000 years of history, first developed in 1179 during the Jin Dynasty. It spans five dynasties (Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, Qing) and opened to public in 1925.