🗺️ Where to walk in Beijing: 20 parks, entry and hours

Beijing is rarely shown from this side. Palaces and walls overshadow the main thing.

The city has dozens of large parks, and locals spend all their free time in them. Tourists usually manage to visit one or two and miss the rest.

We've put together 20 Beijing parks, from imperial gardens to a zoo, and organized them by ticket price and the best time to visit.

Beijing parks: tickets, hours, and how to save

💡 In short:

Parks open at six in the morning; come at opening time, by noon the central paths are already packed.
The Beijing Parks annual pass costs 100 yuan for discounted categories and 200 yuan for everyone else (as of 12/2024, Beijing government portal).
For major parks, tickets are booked online, and you need your passport at the entrance (as of 07/2024, Summer Palace booking rules).
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Beijing parks portal.

Beijing divides its parks into three groups. Imperial gardens hide palaces, lakes, and temples. City parks come alive with morning dances and evening strolls. Themed parks like Happy Valley and Beijing World Park are all about entertainment.

For you, this means a simple rule. Set aside half a day for an imperial garden, and two hours is enough for a city park.

Park	Admission	Hours
Temple of Heaven	20 yuan, concession 10 (as of 07/2024, rates)	6:00-22:00, pavilions until 18:00 (entry until 17:30), closed Mondays (park hours)
Beijing Zoo	15 yuan April through October, 10 yuan in winter (as of 09/2026, zoo price list)	7:30 to 19:00, entry until 18:00 (zoo daily schedule)
Beijing Olympic Forest Park	free entry (as of 09/2026, park information)	6:00-21:00 from mid-March to mid-November (hours)
Happy Valley	299 yuan adult, 195 child (as of 09/2026, price list)	9:00-22:00 (park hours)

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1. Beijing World Park

Miniature of St. Basil's Cathedral in Beijing World Park

Beijing World Park brings together scaled-down replicas of famous landmarks from around the globe in an open-air setting. You'll find the Eiffel Tower, the Capitol, and Niagara Falls here. Some of the exhibits look toy-like, but the larger replicas are meticulously detailed.

The grounds span several dozen hectares, and walking the full route takes up nearly an entire day. At the entrance you'll be offered an electric cart, and it's a sensible expense: on foot you'll be worn out halfway through the route. Arrive at opening time, and your photos will come out without strangers in the frame.

Who it's for: families with kids and anyone who wants to see half the world in one weekend.
The catch: by midday there's a photo queue at the popular miniatures.

2. Beihai Park

Bridge and white stupa in Beihai Park, Beijing

Beihai Park occupies imperial grounds around a large lake. Ornate bridges connect the islands, and a light haze almost always hangs over the water, which naturally hushes voices.

The main landmark is Jade Island with its white pagoda. You can reach it on foot or by taking an oriental-style ferry for an extra fee. The island is also home to temples and Buddha statues, where locals still bring candles and offerings.

Cost: in the off-season, admission is 5 yuan, a combined ticket is 15 yuan (as of 07/2024, park page).
Who it's for: those who want a quiet walk by the water in the city center.
The catch: foreign visitors are advised to book their visit by phone at least a day in advance (as of 07/2024, park rules).

3. Happy Valley

Stone pillars and rocks in Happy Valley Park

Happy Valley is the local answer to Disneyland. The park is divided into themed zones, from Ancient Greece to the Mayan civilization, and operates dozens of rides. The fastest roller coasters accelerate to the speed of a race car and dive between walls and caves.

The ticket is valid all day, so you'll have time for both shows and carousels. Save the extreme coasters for the evening, when the heat subsides and the lines get shorter.

Cost: 299 yuan for an adult, 195 yuan for a child (as of 09/2026, Happy Valley rates).
Who it's for: teenagers and adults who love speed.
The catch: some coasters are off-limits to children under 1.2 meters (as of 09/2026, terms).

4. Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park sits on an artificial hill right behind the Forbidden City. Its peaks offer the best free view of the imperial palace and the surrounding rooftops.

You climb along cypress-lined paths past pavilions with bronze statues. At the highest point stands the Wanchun Pavilion, and from there you can see Beihai and the distant mountains at once. Come at opening or an hour before closing: the light is softer and there are fewer people.

How to get there: the park's south entrance is located opposite the northern gate of the Forbidden City.
Who it's for: those who want to photograph the Forbidden City from above.

5. Temple of Heaven

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven, Beijing

The Temple of Heaven is not a building but an entire park with an altar where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties personally offered sacrifices to heaven. At the center stands a round marble terrace, and nearby rise the blue roofs of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

The grounds are huge, and visitors walk or bike between the sites. Admission to the main area is paid separately from a walk in the park, and on Mondays the pavilions are closed. Go in the morning: before ten o'clock there are almost no tour groups here.

Cost: admission 20 yuan, discounted 10 yuan (as of 07/2024, official rates).
Hours: park 6:00-22:00, pavilions 8:00-18:00 (entry until 17:30) except Mondays (as of 07/2024, opening hours).
Who it's for: lovers of architecture and ceremonial Beijing.

6. China ethnic culture park

Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing with reflection

China Ethnic Culture Park showcases the daily life of China's ethnic groups in one place. Traditional dwellings from different provinces have been built here, with explanatory panels next to each one. Folk ensembles in traditional costumes sometimes perform on the stages.

It's a rare chance to see the whole country in a couple of hours. Between the villages there are rock formations, waterfalls, and ponds with ducks and ornamental koi that you're allowed to feed. Kids tend to linger longest at the ponds, so plan extra time.

It's best to check the performance schedule at the entrance: the folk ensembles don't play on a fixed timetable, so you might catch a concert or find an empty stage.

Cost: paid admission, the ticket includes the on-site museum and performances.
Who it's for: anyone interested in the culture of China's ethnic groups.

7. Olympic Park

View of Olympic Park and stadium in Beijing

Olympic Park grew up around the Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube aquatics center. The stadium is easy to recognize by its interwoven steel beams, and at night colorful lighting is switched on.

Evening is the best time here. Music plays on the square, young people rollerblade and fly kites. Vendors sell Chinese snacks from stalls, and carousels are open for kids.

During the day, head down to the underground shopping center or take a walk through the forest park behind the square. An avenue lined with classical-style sculptures leads to a lake and wild cherry trees, where you can escape the noise of the square.

Cost: free entry, you only pay separately for the electric shuttle (as of 09/2026, park information).
Who it's for: anyone who wants to see the Olympic venues and the evening lighting.

8. Beijing wild life park

Beijing Wild Life Park is set up as a safari. Animals live in spacious enclosures and open paddocks, and you drive past them on a bus. Along the route you'll see tigers, lions, and rare monkeys, and the panda enclosures are always crowded.

The safari bus ride takes about half an hour, and predators come right up to the windows. These rides are allowed with children too, because staff monitor the animals' behavior.

Animals are active in the morning, so take the safari bus in the first hours after opening, before it gets hot. There are also separate circus shows with elephants and birds, and afterward you're allowed to take photos with the performers. The park is in Daxing District, about 50 km from the center.

Cost: paid entry, some shows cost extra.
Who it's for: families with children and animal lovers.

9. Old Summer Palace

Ruins of Haiyantang in the Old Summer Palace in winter

The Old Summer Palace, also known as Yuanmingyuan, was begun in the early 18th century as an imperial country residence. European craftsmen also worked on the palace, which is why some of the buildings were made of stone rather than wood.

In the second half of the 19th century, Anglo-French coalition troops burned the residence down, and today visitors walk through the ruins of the European pavilion. The authorities maintain the imperial gardens, but the stones have been left untouched. Entry is paid, and the price includes the on-site museum.

Who it's for: those who want to see traces of a tragic chapter in Beijing's history.
The catch: there are no open palace halls here, only ruins and gardens.

10. Summer Palace

Longevity Hill and Tower of Buddhist Incense in the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, or Yiheyuan, occupies a vast area around Kunming Lake. Most of the grounds are covered by water, and above it rises Longevity Hill with a temple and a tall tower.

Empress Cixi celebrated her birthdays here, and her chambers, galleries, theater, and temples have survived to this day. Some of the halls are open for viewing, with furniture, porcelain, and manuscripts of the imperial family on display inside. Along the shore runs a long painted corridor, where every beam is decorated.

The gardens and palace halls operate on their own schedules, so you pay extra for them separately. We recommend booking tickets a few days in advance through the park's official service, with your passport at the entrance (as of 07/2024, booking rules). By boat you'll cross the lake and see the hill from the water, while saving your energy.

Who it's for: those who want to see China's main imperial garden.
The catch: the gardens and palace halls are paid for separately from the entry ticket.

11. Beijing international sculpture park

Beijing International Sculpture Park was laid out over a large area and filled with works by artists from different countries. The western zone depicts scenes of peasant life, while the eastern zone is dedicated to contemporary art about the city.

The park is known for its magnolias. In spring they bloom throughout the grounds, and people come here specifically for photo shoots. It's pleasant to walk among the sculptures, and if you want to cover everything, rent a bicycle.

Covering the whole area in one day is difficult. The far paths are almost empty, so you'll find quiet shots without people there. Bring water: there are few cafes inside, and there's little shade in the open areas.

Cost: a symbolic entry ticket, check the exact price on site.
Who it's for: those who love contemporary art and spring blossoms.

12. Longtan Park

Panorama of the lake in Longtan Park in summer

Longtan Park lies in the city center but is surrounded by skyscrapers. Inside, everything follows the canon of a Chinese garden: ponds with golden carp, stone bridges with bas-reliefs, red pagodas, and pavilions.

In the morning, retirees gather by the water. Some play musical instruments, others sing, and in the evening groups of women dance to a tape recorder. If you want to hear what an ordinary day in the neighborhood sounds like, come at these hours.

You can go boating on the ponds, and pavilions with water views are set along the shore. If you want quiet, walk around the far shore, where there are noticeably fewer people.

Cost: paid entry, the price is symbolic.
Who it's for: those who want to see everyday life of city residents.

13. Chaoyang Park

Chaoyang Park opened in the city center in the 1980s and was aimed at young people. The grounds are divided into themed zones, and the most popular remains the Beach Garden.

Arched south gate of Chaoyang Park in Beijing

Urban music festivals and rock concerts are held here, and during the Olympics the venue hosted beach volleyball competitions. People picnic on the lawns, set up tents, and play soccer. For sports there are basketball and tennis courts, and you can go boating on the water.

There's an amusement park for children, but ride tickets cost more than in city parks. If you came for the music, keep an eye on the schedule: concerts don't happen every day.

Cost: entry is inexpensive, rides cost extra.
Who it's for: active young people and families with children.

14. Xiangshan Park

Panoramic view from the hills of Xiangshan Park over Beijing

Xiangshan Park, or the "Fragrant Hills," is famous for its autumn maples. In mid-October the slopes turn from golden to crimson, and the whole city comes here for photos.

At the entrance stands a sculpture of a red leaf, the symbol of the park. Higher up the slopes are historical monuments, including Mao Zedong's residence. A cable car leads to the top, and from the height you get a panorama of the city and neighboring ridges.

Entry and the ascent are paid separately, so plan your budget in advance. If you want to avoid the crowds, come on a weekday and walk up: the trails are longer, but you won't see lines for the lift.

Who it's for: those who want to see autumn Beijing from above.
The catch: in October the whole city heads to the park, be prepared for crowds.

15. Beijing garden expo park

Park gate with festive lantern installation

Beijing Garden Expo Park was built on the site of a former landfill, and it's an example of successful land reclamation. Modern and traditional gardens coexist across the large grounds, including international examples.

A replica of a French palace stands by the European garden, and nearby are Arab, Iranian, and Indian gardens. A particular pride are the gardens of Chinese cities: Tianjin's futuristic design, Zhuzhou's railway theme, poetic Changde. Each garden is designed to be recognizable, so a walk turns into a journey across the country.

Covering everything in one day is unrealistic, so plan for at least two visits. Rent an electric scooter or bicycle if you want to see the distant pavilions: on foot you'll only cover the central part.

Cost: paid entry, check the exact price and hours on the official website.
Who it's for: those who love landscape design and leisurely walks.

16. Grand View Garden

Grand View Garden, or Daguanyuan, was built in the mid-1980s for filming the TV series "Dream of the Red Chamber." Historians and literary scholars were brought into the project, so the palaces, pagodas, and estates recreate the Ming and Qing eras.

Through a narrow passage in a man-made rock, paths lead to ponds and round arches with romantic names. Beyond that, pavilions open up with recreated interiors of the Jia family. The most popular spot is the chambers of the concubine Jia Yuanchun.

There are museums on the grounds, but they charge a separate fee. Even if you haven't read the novel, come for the scenery: the estates and gardens look like ready-made film sets.

Who it's for: fans of the TV series and lovers of Chinese classics.
The catch: museum tickets are bought separately from the entry ticket.

17. Lianhuachi Park

Lianhuachi Park lake with boats among greenery

Lianhuachi Park is considered one of the oldest places in Beijing, and locals joke that it appeared before the city itself. In the 1980s, part of the ancient ruins were restored here, while the rest was left to care and cleanliness.

The main reason to come is the lotuses. In summer the ponds are covered with flowers, and nearby magnolias, acacias, and pines fill the air with fragrance. It's pleasant to walk along the shore in the shade, and locals come here to escape the heat.

Besides nature, there are fountains, a theater, and children's carousels, so the walk suits both adults and children. Bring a camera: lotus blooming doesn't last long, and exact dates depend on the weather.

Cost: paid entry, the price is low.
Who it's for: those who want to see lotus blossoms within the city.

18. Shichahai

Shichahai covers the area around three lakes in central Beijing. The water used to supply the city, then the area was abandoned, and in the 1990s it was cleaned up and declared a historic district. That's how Buddhist and Taoist temples survived here.

For you, the main draw here is the hutong atmosphere. Narrow alleys with one-story houses form entire villages that are already several centuries old. Courtyards hide between the houses, and it's pleasant to wander through them without a plan.

On Yandai pedestrian street they sell souvenirs, tea and qipao, and cafes serve local cuisine. Prices are kept high because of the tourist flow, so eat where locals sit. You can take boat rides on the lake, and in the evening lanterns are lit by the water.

Cost: walking around the district is free, you only pay for cafes and purchases.
Who it's for: those who want to see old Beijing outside a museum.

19. Taoranting Park

Multi-tiered pavilion with green roofs in the park

Taoranting Park is known for its quiet and clean air. It sits in the city center, and on weekends people come here to escape the noise. The scenic landscapes once inspired Chinese poets.

In April the park hosts a flower and kite festival. In summer you can rent a boat and ride around the cool lake. In winter the lake freezes over, and locals head out onto the ice.

There are also graves of historical figures here, including Sai Jinhua and Shi Pingmei, so the walk turns out both pleasant and educational. Bring a blanket and a basket: the lawns are perfect for a picnic away from the city noise.

Cost: an adult ticket is nominal, a child's ticket is even cheaper.
Who it's for: those who want a calm day away from the crowds.

20. Beijing Zoo

Beijing Zoo, the oldest and largest in the country, is known above all for its pandas. Besides them, it's home to rare monkeys, Amur tigers, red-legged ibises and giant salamanders from the Red List.

At the entrance you'll get a map with English text and a show schedule. It makes planning your day easy: elephants, bears and sea lions are shown in sessions, and after the show visitors are allowed to feed the animals. The aquarium costs extra, and it's noticeably more expensive than the main ticket.

Cost: 15 yuan from April to October, 10 yuan in winter; children under 1.2 meters enter free (as of 09/2026, official zoo rates).
Hours: 7:30 to 19:00, entry closes at 18:00 (as of 09/2026, zoo hours).
Who it's for: families with children and anyone who wants to see pandas.

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much time should you set aside for one park?

For an imperial garden like the Summer Palace or Beihai, allow half a day. A city park like Longtan Park can be walked around in an hour or two. If you want to see both palaces and water, plan for several hours and don't rush. On a weekday it takes less time because the lines are shorter.

When are Beijing's parks least crowded?

Early morning, right after opening. By midday the central paths fill up, and on weekends it gets tight. Monday is good for walking: some pavilions are closed, but there are noticeably fewer tourists. In October the densest crowds await you at Xiangshan Park during maple season.

Do you need to book tickets in advance?

For major parks, yes. The Summer Palace, for example, sells tickets several days ahead through the official service, and they ask for your passport at the entrance. For small city parks you simply buy a ticket at the booth. In season we recommend booking at least a day ahead, otherwise you risk losing time in line.

Is Happy Valley worth visiting with kids?

Yes, if the kids are over 1.2 meters. Some slides are off-limits to little ones, while family zones and shows work for everyone. The ticket is valid all day, and you'll have time for both rides and performances. A child's ticket costs 195 yuan, an adult's 299 yuan (as of 09/2026, park rates).

Where can you see pandas in Beijing?

At Beijing Zoo. It's the oldest in the country, and the panda enclosures are always crowded. Come at opening time, when the animals are active: that's when you'll catch them during feeding. Pandas also live at the wildlife park, but there they're shown as part of a bus safari route.

In short: what's worth booking

If you have one day to spare, start with Jingshan Park and Beihai: they're next to each other, and you'll have time for both. For families, the best choices are Beijing Zoo and Happy Valley. For quiet, head to Taoranting; for autumn photos, to Xiangshan.

Tickets and accommodation are best arranged in advance: see Beijing park tickets on Tiqets, and find Beijing hotels on Trip.com. To put together your city itinerary, check out the selection of tours on GetYourGuide.

Beijing parks: entry fees and when to go