Beijing parks
Twirling at Beihai Park
Beijing has some wonderful parks. They’re located throughout the city. Some are huge, with dozens of acres filled with trees, lakes and rock formations. Others aren’t so big, such as the narrow strip park along the Second Ring frontage road near GuLou subway station.
Beihai Park is my most favorite park in Beijing, maybe even in the whole world. It’s a huge park, with a lake that is punctuated by the White Dagoba Temple sitting on an island. It takes a lot of stamina to climb the steps to the temple, but well worth it for the view. Because it’s so close to the Forbidden City, Beihai was a playground for the imperial family. It’s still a playground today, and resenbles a vaudeville show on weekends with Beijingers turning out to dance, exercise, make music, juggle and all sorts of fun activities.
Jingshan Park is another favorite. It’s located across the street from the Forbidden City. It’s not as big as Beihai but it does have a lot of steps to climb. Once you reach the peak, though, it provides stunning views of the Forbidden City.
Tuanjiehu is another small park just north of the World Trade Center on Third Ring Road. A good time to visit there is in the early morning hours, say 6 a.m., to see the Chinese taking ballroom dancing lessons or practicing tai chi.
YuYuantan Park is north of the Military Museum. It is one of the few parks in Beijing where you can ride bicycles without worrying about being hit by one of those crazy Beijing drivers. It’s a got a huge lake which is fun to bike (or walk) around.
Olympic Green, while not really a park, is a fun place to go. Site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, visitors can see the two most famous buildings for events: the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube, where aquatic events were held. There are some fantastic statues located throughout the green.
Beihai Park is my most favorite park in Beijing, maybe even in the whole world. It’s a huge park, with a lake that is punctuated by the White Dagoba Temple sitting on an island. It takes a lot of stamina to climb the steps to the temple, but well worth it for the view. Because it’s so close to the Forbidden City, Beihai was a playground for the imperial family. It’s still a playground today, and resenbles a vaudeville show on weekends with Beijingers turning out to dance, exercise, make music, juggle and all sorts of fun activities.
Jingshan Park is another favorite. It’s located across the street from the Forbidden City. It’s not as big as Beihai but it does have a lot of steps to climb. Once you reach the peak, though, it provides stunning views of the Forbidden City.
Tuanjiehu is another small park just north of the World Trade Center on Third Ring Road. A good time to visit there is in the early morning hours, say 6 a.m., to see the Chinese taking ballroom dancing lessons or practicing tai chi.
YuYuantan Park is north of the Military Museum. It is one of the few parks in Beijing where you can ride bicycles without worrying about being hit by one of those crazy Beijing drivers. It’s a got a huge lake which is fun to bike (or walk) around.
Olympic Green, while not really a park, is a fun place to go. Site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, visitors can see the two most famous buildings for events: the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube, where aquatic events were held. There are some fantastic statues located throughout the green.
Travel tip
Playing soccer at Olympic Green
If you’re traveling with children, parks make excellent places to go when they tire of visiting attractions such as the Forbidden City and temples. Plus, if you visit on weekends, they’ll provide your kids with a chance to meet and play with Chinese children their age, while you make friends with their parents. Don’t worry if you don’t speak the same language. Smiles go a long way in breaking down communication barriers.