Row Row Row Your Chuán: The Best Places to Go Boating in Beijing
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There’s a lot to be said for messing about in boats, and simply drifting lazily on a lake. Boating season in Beijing is now upon us, and many of the boating lakes around the city (mostly located in Xicheng and Haidian districts) have been open since Mar 16.
We’ve rounded up Beijing’s boating options by area, but have left The Old Summer Palace (圆明园 yuánmíngyuán) in Haidian and Jingdong Grand Canyon (京东大峡谷 jīngdōng dà xiágǔ) in Changping off the list for now, since they’re currently not available for boating.
Please note that we cannot guarantee the complete accuracy of the prices listed below, as there is a variety of boating options. It is advisable to bring cash with you since some of the parks only accept cash for deposit payments.
This
centrally-located scenic park is home to a lake that covers an area of
around 390 sqm, and surrounds its iconic white tower. The park has
over 460 boats for rental, including electric and pedalos, at seven
terminals scattered in the park. Professional boatmen are also on site
to offer boating services.
RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 400 (pedalos)/ RMB 500 (electric boats) for deposit. 6.30am-9pm.
Tucked into one
of the city's most famous hutong areas, the artificial lake of Houhai
still retains its charm and liveliness nearly 700 years since it was
built, and attracts those who fancy a leisurly afternoon out, thanks to
its beautiful scenery, the various entertainment it provides, and the
wide option of bars and restaurants nearby.
RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 200 as the deposit. 10am-8pm.
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Taoranting Park
hosts Taoran Pavilion, one of the top four pavilions in China. There are
two separate spots in the park that allow boating, with over 200 boats
including pedalos, electric and rowing boats. The vintage boats in the
west terminal, however, are the most eye-catching and popular.
RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 300 for deposit. 6am-9.30pm.
Yuyuantan Park is
one of the greenest parks in the city and home to a wide range of
beautiful cherry blossom trees. The bank along the lake is heavily
planted with the photogenic trees, offering a great blossom fix while
you drift around on the lake. The park has over 700 boats to choose
from, including pedalos and electric boats.
RMB 80 per hour plus
RMB 200 as the deposit for 4-person pedalos; RMB 100 per hour plus RMB
300 deposit for 6-person pedalos; RMB 150/180 per hour plus RMB 300/400
deposit for 6-person electric boats; RMB 100/130/150 per hour plus RMB
300/400 deposit for 4-person electric boats. 6.30am-7pm.
The beautiful
traditional royal garden, numerous pavilions and ancient temples make
the Summer Palace a great place to visit all year round. Kunming Lake
covers an area of 2.2 square kilometres, which is five times as large as
Beihai, and is one of the most popular skating places in winter and
boating place in summer. Pedalos, row boats, and electric boats are all
available.
RMB 60 per hour for 4-person padelos, RMB 80 per hour
for 6-person pedalos, RMB 120 per hour for row boats, RMB 120 per hour
for normal electric boats, RMB 180 per hour for antique-style electric
boats. RMB 400 deposit for pedalos, rowboats and electric boats, and RMB
500 deposit for the antique-style electric boats. 7am-5pm.
Located next to
Xizhimen, Zizhuyuan is known as "the heaven of bamboos" with pavilions,
bridges, and traditional buildings that are all built from bamboo.
Entertainment such as bamboo sedan-sitting and diabolo playing as well
as bamboo-made crafts add extra charm to this long-standing park.
Pedalos and electric boats are available.
RMB 80-100 per hour, plus RMB 300 for deposit. 6am-9pm.
READ: The Best Spots to Enjoy Plum Blossom Season in Beijing
Photos: Unsplash, Beijing.com, Mafengwo.cn
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