As Winter Hits, These Parks Are Taking a Break
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Last weekend the first snow of the year descended on Beijing, decidedly plunging the city into a long, cold winter. For outdoor enthusiasts, this can only mean one thing... forests, parks, and recreational areas are officially closed for the season. To save you the trouble of making the trek only to be turned away at the gate, we've put together a list of the sites that are, effectively, hibernating. Stay with us until the end though, and we'll share two spots that won't be closing. See, it's not all doom and gloom.
Located in Yanqing district, approximately 110 km north of downtown Beijing, Baili Landscape Painting Gallery has been nominated as one of the “Top 10 Best Road Trip Routes” and “Top 10 Most Beautiful Roads in Beijing’s Countryside.” It is a rare sight to enjoy in Beijing, especially during autumn when the colorful ridges intertwine with their reflections in the river. The park will reopen on Mar 31, eager to welcome visitors with fresh flower buds ready to bloom.
Winter Break Period: Nov 16, 2020 to Mar 31, 2021
Tele: 60188022
Address: Qianjiadianzhen in the northeast part of Yanqing District
For hikers and photographers alike, Qinglongxia is worth a visit given that it's one of the few spots where you can frame the iconic Great Wall, large reservoir lake, and, on a clear day, its waterfall in one shot. Various entertainment and sports facilities are available in the park, not to mention plenty of accommodation and cool breezes, making it a perfect getaway during summer weekends.
Tele: 89696781
Address: 500 meters north from Dashuiyucun in Huairou District
As the only certified national wetland park in Beijing, visitors get to enjoy an immersive experience complete with diverse ecologic systems and aquatic plant viewing areas, bird viewing towers, and a butterfly valley. Incidentally, the park closes during winter to assure that migratory birds won’t be disturbed during their migrating and mating season and to preserve the vulnerable flora and fauna in the wetland.
Tele: 62486799
Address: Cuihu North Road, Shangzhuangzhen, Haidian District
Unlike other parks, you don’t have to wait till the spring for Longqingxia Scenic Area to reopen, since its winding river and lake will be turned into a frozen palace for curious visitors to admire in mid-January. For the last three decades, the Ice Lantern Festival has been a favorite wintertime pastime for Beijing residents, featuring a natural frozen waterfall that serves as a picturesque backdrop for vibrant, dazzling crystal ice sculptures, and an altogether unique winter experience.
Tele: 69191020
Address: Guchengcun, Jiuxianzhen, Yanqing District
The largest national forest park in town got its name 蟒山 mǎng shān Boa mountain due to its serpentine ridgelines. With diverse vegetation and plenty of hiking trails to explore, it's a beautiful, serene little pocket of suburban Beijing. According to the official Changping District account, this year, Mangshan Mountain National Forest Park will be closed on Dec 1 to prevent winter forest fires and conduct road maintenance, meaning you still have one weekend left to get up there! The reopening date is still TBD, however.
Tele: 61770592
Address: No 2. Mangshan Road, Changping District
云蒙山国家森林公园 Yunmengshan National Forest Park
Yunmengshan is also frequently referred to as 云梦山 yún mèng shān the Cloud Dream Mountain or 小黄山 xiǎo huángshān the Little Yellow Mountain for its steep cliffs, breathtaking sea of clouds, and mysterious grottoes. Currently, the park has no plan to close during the winter, but certain hiking trails may be closed contingent upon the weather. Make sure you call ahead to confirm your itinerary for the day.
Address: Shichengzhen, Miyun District
大觉寺 Dajue Temple
Tele: 62456163
Address: No. 9 Dajue Temple Road, Sujiatuozhen, Haidian District
Images: Visit Beijing, 17qq, Event51, Qunar, Zhihu, Bendibao, Qinglongxia
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