Beijing isn’t just a city of skyscrapers and palaces—it’s also a city of stunning parks, many of which were once the playgrounds of emperors. From peaceful lakes and secret bamboo groves to powerful energy fields and ancient temples, these green spaces offer a fresh way to explore the soul of the capital.
Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or history fan, here are 10 parks in Beijing you can’t miss—each one with a story, a view, and a unique experience.
1. Summer Palace (颐和园 yí hé yuán) – The Grandest Imperial Garden
🌿 Recommended: 4–6 hours
Stroll around Kunming Lake, explore colorful pavilions, and glide under arched bridges. The Summer Palace feels like stepping into a living painting, with sweeping views from Longevity Hill and the world-famous Long Corridor.
2. Temple of Heaven (天坛 tiān tán) – Where Emperors Spoke to the Sky
☀️ Recommended: 3–4 hours
Don’t miss the echo wall, the intricate blue-and-gold Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and a Tai Chi session with locals. The energy here is calm yet powerful.
3. Old Summer Palace (圆明园 yuán míng yuán) – The Ruins of Glory
🏛️ Recommended: 4–6 hours
Destroyed but not forgotten. Wander through haunting ruins, tranquil lakes, and the famed Marble Boat. It’s a place of reflection, beauty, and imagination.
4. Ditan Park (地坛公园 dì tán gōng yuán) – A Sea of Light and Shadow
🌳 Recommended: 1.5–2 hours
This lesser-known park surprises with a strange optical illusion—stand in the right spot and sunlight through the trees makes it look like waves are crashing on land.
5. Jingshan Park (景山公园 jǐng shān gōng yuán) – The Best View in Beijing
🌅 Recommended: 1–1.5 hours
Climb the hill just behind the Forbidden City for a postcard-perfect panoramic view. Visit at sunset for golden rooftops and dramatic skies.
6. Beihai Park (北海公园 běi hǎi gōng yuán) – The Strongest Energy Field
🧘♀️ Recommended: 4–6 hours
Locals say walking here restores your “qi.” With its massive lake and iconic White Pagoda, Beihai is one of Beijing’s oldest imperial parks and a haven for recharging body and soul.
7. Purple Bamboo Park (紫竹院公园 zǐ zhú yuàn gōng yuán) – A Bamboo Dream
🎍 Recommended: 2–3 hours
Get lost in the tall bamboo groves, hear the wind rustle the leaves, and find your own quiet corner by the water. A local favorite, and blissfully uncrowded.
8. Taoranting Park (陶然亭公园 táo rán tíng gōng yuán) – Pavilion Paradise
📖 Recommended: 2–3 hours
Where scholars once read poems and revolutionaries plotted change. Explore mini replicas of China’s most famous pavilions and enjoy peaceful walks among weeping willows and historic bridges.
9. Shichahai (什刹海 shí chà hǎi) – Lakes, Hutongs, and a Splash of Nightlife
🚣 Recommended: 2–4 hours
Wander the narrow alleys, sip tea in a courtyard, or hop on a boat through three connected lakes. Daytime is peaceful, nighttime is buzzing with lights and live music.
10. Fragrant Hills (香山公园 xiāng shān gōng yuán) – Beijing’s Autumn Star
🍁 Recommended: 4–6 hours
Come in October to see the hills explode in fiery red. Hike up for fresh air and amazing city views—or stay low and enjoy forest trails and temples hidden among the trees.
