Park Life: Everything You Need to Know About Chaoyang Park
Life's a park! We take a look at Beijing's most beloved parks, dig into what makes each of them special, and why they're worth your time to explore.
The practical stuff
Name: Chaoyang Park 朝阳公园
Address: 1 Nongzhan South Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区农展馆南路1号
Opening hours: Daily 6am-10pm, last entry 8pm
Price: Free Entry
Amenities: Restrooms, snack stalls, vending machines, easy access to the subway
Known for: 5km running track, public football pitches and ping pong tables towards the east gate, amusement park, multiples lakes, boating, an open-air stage, lots of usable grass.
A brief history
Construction of Chaoyang Park, located on the site of the former Prince’s Palace in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, began in 1984. It's certainly not Beijing's most historical park but at close to 1.2 square miles, Chaoyang Park is easily the largest within the Third Ring Road, complete with flower gardens, roller coasters, oddly placed baroque architecture, and plenty to see and snack on.
The park is home to many architectural features, both completed and botched. The Beijing Skyview Ferris Wheel provides an interesting and demonstrative example of Chaoyang Park’s grand, if unrealized, ambitions.
What you can do there
As an expansive green space with diverse activities, Chaoyang Park is Beijing’s premier urban retreat. Found a stone's throw from the Central Business District and the shopping streets of Sanlitun, this lush oasis offers a running track, amusement park, waterways, an outdoor stage, and varied art installations. Bicycles and boats can be rented at various locations for RMB 80-100 per hour depending on size and type. From taichi practice, casual fishing, badminton games, strolling families, and amateur musical performances, opportunities for people-watching also abound.
In April, blooming trees and flowers increase the park’s visual appeal. Once you've exhausted the park, walk to Solana on the northwest corner for a meal or shopping. Bordered by three subway stations (Chaoyang Park, Zaoying, and Dongfeng Beiqiao), Chaoyang Park is accessible to the city center via Line 14. Plus, seeing as it's free entry, it’s a cost-effective way to spend an afternoon.
While most popular in the fall and spring, Chaoyang Park’s rolling and well-maintained grounds make for an excellent playground for both adults and children year-round. Family-friendly attractions include the amusement park (you need to pay in cash at the nearby kiosks), bikes, boats, or golf carts (which also requires payment in cash and are rented in half-hour increments), as well as sculptures and art installations that are easy playgrounds. For adults looking for a lazy afternoon, pack up your own food and beverages and claim some space on the grass for an idyllic picnic!
What sets this park apart?
Chaoyang Park is a hub of activity for the active-minded. Yoga in the Park, run by yoga Taozi Tree Yoga Studio, offer a scenic exercise option every Sunday (9.30-11am, RMB 50) from April through October. These family-friendly classes are an ideal option for anyone looking to get out and lap up the sun.
READ: Serving to Ghosts at Chaoyang Park's Abandoned Olympic Beach Volleyball Court
Images: Wikimedia, Anna Pellegrin Hartley
