Delve into the heart of Chinese power. That is Zhonghai Lake. It is more than just a body of water. It is a witness to centuries of Chinese history.
Zhonghai Lake forms the central part of Zhongnanhai. Zhongnanhai means Central and Southern Seas. These seas are actually lakes. They sit just west of the Forbidden City. The Northern Sea is now Beihai Park. The Central and Southern Seas together form Zhongnanhai.
For over 1000 years, Zhonghai Lake has watched China’s social and political shifts. The Liao and Jin Dynasties first built here. Later the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties expanded it. The main construction took shape in the Ming Dynasty. Beijing became the capital and the Forbidden City arose.
During the Qing Dynasty, Zhonghai Lake transformed. It became both a political hub and a place for emperors to relax. They could escape the summer heat while still managing the empire. Even China’s last emperor, Puyi, had the Regent Palace built here.
After the Qing Dynasty ended in 1911, Zhonghai Lake remained a political center. It saw China through wartime chaos. In 1949, after the People’s Republic of China was founded, it became the heart of the Communist Party. Top leaders like Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai lived and worked here.
The First Plenary Session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference happened here. They decided on the country’s name, flag, and anthem. Today, China’s leaders still use Zhonghai Lake to manage national affairs. They also hold diplomatic events here.
Take a walk around Zhonghai Lake. The Regent Palace has a main gate and hall. Now the hall serves as a conference room. Premier Zhou Enlai once lived in the palace’s West Garden. The two-story Ziguang Hall is very wide. It has green glazed tiles with yellow edges. Emperors met foreign envoys here long ago. Now, it hosts state events.
On the east bank, find the Ten Thousand Benevolence Hall. Emperor Shunzhi built it for a respected monk. Behind it stands the Thousand Sage Hall. It has a dome and a seven-story pagoda.
Look for the stele with Emperor Qianlong’s handwriting. It reads Autumn Wind on the Taiye Pool. Taiye was the lake’s old name. The inscription describes one of Beijing’s most famous scenes.
The Hall of Diligent Government once stood between the Central and Southern Seas. It was Zhongnanhai’s main hall. Sadly, it was torn down during the Republic of China period. However, a new building stands on the original site.
South of Zhonghai Lake lies the Southern Sea. The Centipede Bridge marks the division. Most buildings here cluster around Yingtai Island. Emperors Shunzhi and Kangxi built palaces and other structures on the island. A rock bridge connects it to the shore.
Pass through the Flying Phoenix Tower and Renyao Gate to enter. Further south is the Hanyuan Palace. The north side has one story. The south side has two. This is Penglai Pavilion. Imperial banquets and entertainment took place here. Emperor Guangxu was imprisoned on Yingtai Island. Today, Yingtai hosts receptions and banquets.
To the north of Yingtai Island stretches Fengze Garden. The Chrysanthemum Study lies to its east. The Yinian Hall is now a conference room. Nearby stands the Huairen Hall. Many major State Council conferences have been held here.
Centuries ago, court officials called this area the Western Lake or the Pool of Great Secretion. Over time, it split into the North, Central, and South Lakes. Water flows in from the Jade Spring Mountain. It enters the city at the Deshengmen Gate.
Emperor Yongle expanded the area in 1417. It became known as the Western Gardens. Qing Dynasty emperors continued to renovate it. Most structures you see today date back to that time.
After 1911, Zhonghai Lake briefly became a public park. Yuan Shikai’s government then used it as headquarters. Today, it remains the heart of Chinese power. It serves as the headquarters for the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. It also houses the State Council.
Remember as you gaze upon Zhonghai Lake. You are not just seeing water. You are seeing history, power, and the enduring spirit of China.