The best parks for picnics in Beijing

Welcome the new season with a day out at one of these parks.
Finding a grassy patch that you’re actually allowed to sit on poses somewhat of a challenge in our fair city, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Throw caution to the wind and pop your blanket down at one of these picnic-friendly parks. For those with little ones in tow, kids under 1.2m get in for free. 

Olympic Forest Park: Best for a whole lot of space

While the south entrance is more of a hectic tourist trap than an outdoor reprieve, following the trails through the park you’ll easily find a quiet green corner to set up camp. There’s plenty of entertainment, with an amusement park and pedalos available for hire. Build up your appetite by climbing Mount Yangshan for a picturesque view of the park and Bird’s Nest stadium.Olympic Forest Park 奥林匹克森林公园. 33 Kehui Lu, Bei Sihuan Zhong Lu, Chaoyang district (http://www.bjofp.cn/sy/) 朝阳区北四环中路科荟路33号

Purple Bamboo Park: Best for lake views

The expanse of grass that greets picnic pioneers entering Purple Bamboo’s east gate is a perfect patch to set down and start your fresh-air feast. There are also plenty of other spots on offer by the lake, in pavilions, or hidden away in one of the park’s plentiful tree-shaded nooks.
Purple Bamboo Park 紫竹院公园. 35 Zhongguancun Nan Dajie, Haidian district (8841 2830) 海淀区中关村南大街35号. Free.    

Chaoyang Park: Best for carnival atmosphere

Downtown Beijing’s biggest park has got it all: plenty of open green spaces, a boating lake, an amusement park and a fake beach complete with sun-loungers and an outdoor water park. You’ll find the best picnic spots to the northeast of the park, away from the crowds, where vast expanses of green overlook the water.
Chaoyang Park 朝阳公园. 1 Nongzhan Nan Lu, Chaoyang district (6595 3647) 朝阳区农展馆南路1号. 6am-9pm daily. 5RMB.   

Longtan Park: For a quick escape from the crowd

One of the largest modern parks inside Beijing's Second Ring, Longtan Park boasts elegantly arched bridges, towering rock formations – and a whole lot of recreational activities for kids. The best part for us local expats, perhaps, is that the park doesn't attract a crowd as most other larger parks do, so you'll have more green and scenery to yourself as you head lakeside to lay down your blankets and bring out your hamper.
Longtan Park 龙潭公园. 8 Longtanhu Lu, Dongcheng district (6714 4336)东城区龙潭路8号(近华普超市) 6am-10pm. 2RMB


For some of Beijing's best parks, click Read MoreMORE FROM TIME OUT FAMILYFor advertising enquiries: Amelie 150 0123 6445