Enjoy the Sun at This Kid- and Dog-Friendly Poolside

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I'm always on the lookout for an outdoor pool in Beijing – I attribute it to growing up in Singapore where outdoor pools are the norm thanks to our tropical climate. So, when I spotted this joint set up with deck chairs around a small blue outdoor pool conveniently located in downtown Beijing, I just had to check it out.

Alas, the pool at Blue Ark isn't a swimming pool, or even a wading pool. It really isn't a pool at all, according to the owner of the gelato shop Beiping Gelato that's on the premises. Lacking in any filtration systems whatsoever, the “pool” is just meant to be a backdrop for summer-esque photographs. Well, it certainly worked – those photographs I saw on social media really lured me in.

Thankfully, Blue Ark's open-air poolside has more to offer – with a smattering of cafes (like D.A.O Coffee), Baddie Sandwiches, a Yunnan cuisine place, Mosto restaurant (described as “Authentic Western Cuisine”), a bakery and even an izakaya place round the back, there's plenty to snack on while you work on your suntan on their deck chairs. There are outdoor beanbags for kids to lounge on, too. What's more, the place is dog-friendly – we even saw fur babies sitting with their owners inside D.A.O Coffee, which also offers a pet menu!

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Pro Tip: While you're there, try out the hyperlocal “hot pot” ice cream flavors at Beiping Gelato! For our full review of their ice-cream, follow jingkids International's Dianping account. 

This whole place is part of Dongfeng International Sports Park, which is just down the road from the south entrance of Chaoyang Park. There are soccer fields, a golf putting green, and basketball and badminton courts available for rent too. While they strongly discourage getting in the water since they can't vouch for its cleanliness, kids are allowed to bring water guns to play with around the pool.

It's worth checking out next time you're in the area after exploring Chaoyang Park and want to try somewhere new for a little R & R! As with most fun places in Beijing, do note that it gets pretty crowded on the weekends, though it was lovely and serene on the weekday afternoon when I visited.

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

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