Get outdoors at Beijing's best parks

Whether it's a picnic, peace and quiet or play, there's a park for it all

As a ring-road and high-rise-laden metropolis of more than 20 million people, you might not immediately think of Beijing as a haven for greenery, fine landscaping or peaceful urban retreats. Well, think again, because not only does our city now boast almost 50 percent forest coverage (whoop!), we've also got a glut of marvellous city parks fit for every and any outdoor occasion. Here's the pick of the bunch.

Dongcheng & Xicheng

Ditan Park

Formerly known as Jingzhao Park, Ditan Park was once a site of religious worship in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and remnants of its rich historical past remain tucked among cricket courts and playgrounds, most notably the Fangze Tan altar platform at its centre (entry is 5RMB). If your outdoor aspirations are less history-focused, then the wealth of nooks to kick back in will surely satisfy, whether it's shaded benches in bamboo forests or expanses of grass to lay down a rug upon.

Andingmen Wai Dajie, Dongcheng district

Beihai Park

The picturesque Beihai Park is a true jewel in the city's crown, being perhaps one of the most famous and most frequented. Over a thousand years old, it served as an imperial pleasure ground for five dynasties, and its 69 hectares are filled with delightful halls, pavilions, gateways and gardens – many of them built during the culturally proficient Emperor Qianlong's dynasty. The centrepiece is, obviously, the Tibetan White Dagoba temple on the lake's central Qiong islet, which poses demurely for some fine Beijing snaps year-round – for the best views, take a boat out on the lake in summer, or skate upon its frozen surface come winter. The park is also popular with old people, who exercise here in the mornings.

1 Wenjin Jie, Xicheng district

Jingshan Park

Is it a park? Is it a tourist site? With views like this, who even cares what we call it? Trips here are normally reserved as an addendum to a Forbidden City visit, perhaps owing to its perpetual crowds, but no list of Beijing’s best parks would be complete without this iconic mound. Besides the views from the Wanchun Pavilion at the peak, the surrounding lowlands, as such, make for a pleasant stroll, buzzing with the usual park fanfare, such as kite-flying and old ladies showing off some Messi-esque keepy-up skills.

44 Jingshan Xijie, Xicheng district

CBD & Sanlitun

Ritan Park

This urban oasis has plenty of grassy areas, shaded benches, pavilions and lakeside seats where you can set up camp. A popular park throughout the day (and into the night), here you can watch people dancing, practising tai chi or catching a snap or two amidst marvellous flower displays. It's also only a 15- to 30-minute walk away from The Place, Parkview Green and Central Park, so there's plenty of opportunity for you to load up your picnic basket with tasty treats before you go.

6 Ritan Bei Lu, Chaoyang district

Greater Chaoyang

Chaoyang Park

Downtown Beijing's biggest and arguably most popular park has got it all: plenty of open green spaces, a boating lake, an amusement park and even a fake beach complete with sun-loungers and an outdoor water park. If you're here to picnic, you’ll find the best spots to the northeast of the park, away from the crowds, where vast expanses of green overlook the water, and also offer fantastic views to the cityscape beyond its walls. For impromptu picnickers, the west gate of the park is only a five-minute walk away from Jenny Lou's, Annie's, Comptoirs de France and more.

1 Nongzhan Nan Lu, Chaoyang district

Yuan Dadu Park

Occupying a 9km strip between Chaoyang in the east and Haidian in the west, this is Beijing’s longest linear park. ‘Wow! Well now I know!’, you say, and indeed, whatever you seek to gain along such an esteemed strip, you won’t be disappointed.

Scenic tree-lined paths either side of the poetically named Xiaoyue He (Little Moon River), and underpasses at most points where roads intersect the park allow the aspirationally athletic to jog an almost traffic-free 18km loop. There’s no need to worry if your exercise ambitions are a little lower, though – a subway stop every 1km or so along the park means you can hop on and off Line 10 as you please. For those who prefer a slower pace, there's enough sculptural and botanical eye-candy throughout the park to keep even the most leisurely stroller entertained.

Beituchengdong Lu, Chaoyang district

Haidian

Purple Bamboo Park

Although the bamboo is abundant at this park next to the National Library, it is unfortunately not a psychedelic shade of purple. Don't let the misnomer put you off though, because it’s a fine destination for all manner of outdoor revelry, from lively tai chi-practicing groups, gatherings of elderly musicians and boating on its central lake (from 10RMB per person). If crowds aren't your thing, it's easy to get away in this vast park, with top spots including grassy hillsides tucked away by the water and plentiful tree-shaded nooks and pavilions. Later, make your way to the park's northwestern corner, where you can jump on a canal river cruise to the Summer Palace.

35 Zhongguancun Nan Dajie, Haidian district

Yuyuantan Park

Compared to its easterly neighbours, the city's westside might not get the same level of love from visitors, foreign residents or even us (hands up!), but sometimes – just sometimes – trips to the wild west are well worth it. Haidian's masterfully crafted Yuyuantan Park, one of the city’s biggest, is one such worthy destination, endowed with a mighty fine and mighty wide central lake and lush greenery. It's also surrounded by a host of noteworthy monuments, including the spindly Central Radio & TV Tower, the imposing Military Museum and the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

10 Xisanhuan Zhong Lu, Haidian district

For a full list of Beijing's best parks, hit 'Read more'.

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