The Nine-Dragon Wall is one of the most famous and magnificent glazed architectural structures in Beijing's Beihai Park. Located on the north shore of the lake, it is celebrated as the only double-sided Nine-Dragon Wall in China, making it a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty ceramic art.

Key Highlights
Double-Sided Design: Unlike the single-sided Nine-Dragon Wall in the Forbidden City, this wall features nine ferocious dragons on both the front and back. The dragons are depicted frolicking amidst waves, clouds, and flames, creating a dynamic and powerful visual effect.

Historical Origin: Built in 1756 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, it originally served as the screen wall for the Yinding Hall (Hall of Great Perfection and Wisdom), a Buddhist temple that was later destroyed.

Countless Dragons: While the name suggests nine dragons, the wall actually features a total of 635 dragons of various sizes. In addition to the nine large dragons dominating the center, smaller dragons are intricately carved into the roof tiles, eaves, and decorative brackets.

Architectural Details
Materials: Constructed using over 400 colored glazed tiles, the wall showcases a harmonious blend of yellow, green, blue, and purple hues.
Structure: The wall is supported by a white marble Sumeru pedestal (Xumi base), symbolizing stability and sanctity in Buddhist architecture.
Symbolism: The nine dragons represent the "Great Yang" number 9, a symbol of imperial power. The central dragon is colored imperial yellow, signifying the supreme authority of the emperor.

Visitor Information
Location: Beihai Park, No. 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing.
Best View: The reflection of the wall in the lake water creates a stunning mirrored image, especially on a calm day.

Fun Fact: The "Third" Dragon Wall
While Beihai and the Forbidden City both have famous dragon walls, the oldest and largest one is actually located in Datong, Shanxi Province. The Datong Nine-Dragonwas built over 300 years earlier during the Ming Dynasty and is even longer than the one in Beihai.