Parks in Beijing

The Beijing Botanical Garden covers 400 hectares at the foot of the Western Hills, housing over 6,000 plant species in themed gardens, a tropical conservatory, and the historic Sleeping Buddha Temple.

Beihai Park is one of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens in China, dating back over 1,000 years. Centered on a picturesque lake with a landmark White Dagoba visible across central Beijing, it represents centuries of refined Chinese garden design.

Jingshan Park sits on a 45-meter artificial hill directly behind the Forbidden City, offering the most celebrated aerial view of the palace complex. The hill was created from earth excavated during the construction of the Forbidden City's moat.

The Temple of Earth (Ditan) is a Ming-era altar park where emperors performed summer solstice ceremonies worshipping the earth god. Today it serves as a peaceful neighborhood park popular with local residents.

Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) is a forested mountain park in Beijing's western suburbs, famous for the spectacular crimson display of its 100,000 smoke trees in October and November. It has been an imperial retreat since the 12th century.

Ritan Park (Temple of the Sun Park) is a peaceful 20-hectare park in Beijing's embassy district, centered on the remains of a Ming-era altar where emperors performed spring equinox sacrifices to the sun god.

Olympic Forest Park is Beijing's largest public park at 680 hectares, built as the green lung of the 2008 Olympic Games complex. Its naturalistic landscape of lakes, wetlands, and forested hills offers a welcome escape from the city.