Beijing Parks and Gardens

(Beijing, China)

Parks of all descriptions are available around the city of Beijing, ranging from traditional Chinese gardens to modern theme parks with state-of-the-art attractions and rides.

For family fun and thrills, the Beijing Amusement Park is hard to beat, while for tranquillity and stunning temples, Beihai Park is worth visiting and is an impressive imperial garden on the north-western side of the Forbidden City, boasting an appealing waterfront setting.

Other peaceful, Chinese gardens can be found within Zhongshan Park, Yu Yuan Tan Park, Hong Ling Jin Park and the outstanding Beijing Botanical Garden.

Beijing Amusement Park

Address: 1 Zuoanmen Nei Dajie, Chongwen, Beijing, 100061, China, CN
Tel: +86 010 6714 2324
Perfect for children and families staying in the city, Beijing Amusement Park is full of fast rides and seasonal entertainment. With a range of top attractions on offer, together with refreshments and gift shops, this popular theme park has plenty to keep you occupied for a whole day.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:30, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge

Beihai Park

Address: 1 Wen Jin Street, Xi Cheng, Beijing, 100034, China, CN
Tel: +86 010 6403 1102
Lying within the city's Xi Cheng neighbourhood, Beihai Park is full of history and was once regularly frequented by past emperors. Today, this huge park is best known for being home to its White Dagoba temple, which lies next to the waterfront and to one side of an attractive, arched stone bridge. Also of interest, the park is home to one of the Five-Dragon Pavilions, which stands on the northern bank and dates back to the Ming Dynasty.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 21:00
Admission: charge

Zhongshan Park

Address: Dong Chen, Beijing, 1000031, China, CN
Tel: +86 010 6605 4594
Zhongshan Park is a charming spot, located on the western side of the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Part of the gardens border the famous Forbidden City moat and are known for being the location where the emperor once offered historic sacrifices on the 'Altar to the God'. Also close to Tiananmen Square, Zhongshan Park offers boat hire and a number of wooded areas, where you can escape from city life.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: charge

Yu Yuan Tan Park

Address: Hai Dian, Hebei, Beijing, 100038, China, CN
Tel: +86 010 6851 4447
Yu Yuan Tan Park stands next to the scenic Ba Yi Lake and whilst it contains many peaceful and secluded seating areas, it is also home to a number of popular recreational activities, including lake-side walking trails and rowing. For children, the park features a small petting zoo, where you are able to get up close to some very friendly animals.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: charge

Beijing Botanical Garden

Address: Hai Dian, Beijing, China, CN
Often known as 'Cherry Valley', due to its explosion of cherry blossom during the spring, the Beijing Botanical Garden contains many important specimen plants and seasonal displays. The gardens are especially attractive in the autumn, when the fall colours are quite dramatic. Dating back to 1955 and covering more than 135 acres / 55 hectares, the Botanical Garden boasts in excess of 6,000 plant species and many notable collections, including orchids, peonies and tropical water lilies.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Hong Ling Jin Park

Address: Dong Da Li Zhuang Chao Yang Men Wai Avenue, Chao Yang, Beijing, 100025, China, CN
Tel: +86 010 8583 3385
Dating back to the mid-20th century, the Hong Ling Jin Park lies on the outskirts of the city and features an enormous central lake, where boats can be hired. Other highlights in the park include a number of waterfront attractions suitable for all ages, stylish outdoor sculptures and landscaped planting.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 20:00
Admission: small charge