Guide to Beijing Parks

Beijing is an exciting city where the old intermingles with the new, creating a cityscape that is unlike any in the world. Rapid growth has skyrocketed Beijing to the forefront of modern culture, and its concrete jungle is home to the cutting edge of economic and cultural innovation. At the same time, the city has not lost its ancient roots, and ancient temples, houses, and squares can be found as well. Along with these relics, visitors will find a surprising amount of greenery in Beijing parks, where locals and travelers come to sit back and enjoy a moment or relaxation. These Beijing parks are great places to stop for an hour or two, while you watch people fly kites, practice martial arts, or simply sit and think. Here are the best Beijing parks, for your pleasure and leisure.

Beijing Botanical Garden 

The Beijing Botanical Garden is one of the city’s most popular parks, and it has been honored as one of the country’s best attractions. It spans across 135 acres, so it should be no surprise that it is home to a huge variety of species of plants. In all, you’ll be able to gaze upon 6,000 plant species, including 1,900 varieties of fruit trees and 500 kinds of flowers. This Beijing park’s biggest draw is its hothouse, which has 13 rooms filled with the likes of tropical flowers, palms, and aquatic plants.  The Beijing Botanical Garden has other halls and exhibitions to see as well, including a rose garden, perennial bulb hall, and a medical herb garden. You’ll likely find this garden is as educational as it is relaxing, and if you’re not careful, you can end up spending an entire day exploring it. Of course, you may be perfectly fine with that.

Beihai Park

Beihai Park is worth visiting for its history and its aquatic activities. It was built in the 10^th Century, and its structures have seen China’s dynasties come and go. This Beijing park is more than half water, and one of the most popular things to do is to rent a paddleboat for an hour and bob around on the park’s lake. You can also rent electric boats if paddling doesn’t sound appealing to you. For lunch, have a meal at the park’s Fangshan Restaurant, which dates back to 1925, and serves meals inspired by dishes served to the Emperor.

Bamboo Park

Spanning more than five acres, Bamboo Park is home to three lakes and an amazing landscaped bamboo garden. You’ll love to walk across the bridges that span this Beijing park’s lakes, while you watch kids play with toy boats in the water. The park is famous for its well cared for garden, which has over 50 species of bamboo. The cost of entry into Bamboo Park is just five yuan, and you’ll enjoy your time in this relaxing sanctuary.

Ritan Park

Business travel in Beijing can be stressful, with nonstop meetings in the bustling metropolis. Get away for a break at Ritan Park, which is located in the central Business District. It is one of the city’s oldest parks, having been built for ritual sun sacrifice in the 16^th century. Grab a meal nearby and come to this Beijing park to relax while you recharge. You’ll find many shady places to sit within the park, along with a healthy mix of kids playing games and other business professionals seeking an equal level of respite. For business travelers, an hour or two in Ritan Park can work wonders.

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