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Parks2006/07/26
Beijing also has some really beautiful places where you can spend your time in solitude either walking or resting. Here we select some of the Beijing's most well known green areas. Beihai Park Located in the very heart of the city, Beihai Park is a perfect place for a long, meandering stroll around this old preserve of the imperial court. The lake, which occupies half of the park, is often plied by bobbing duck-shaped paddleboats. Courting couples are a familiar sight riding in the paddleboats or cuddling on lakeside park benches. The eastern shore of the lake is the site of an ancient Yuan Dynasty palace that was built by Kublai Khan, a palace that may have served as an inspiration for Samuel Taylor Coleridge's stately pleasure dome in Xanadu. Numerous colourful pavilions and temples are scattered around the park. The most famous of which is the 36-metre high White Dagoba (Bai Ta or White Pagoda) built on the Jade Islet in the middle of the lake. It dates from 1651 and is believed to encase a number of sacred objects. The most popular of the park's attractions is the 27-metre long and 5-metre high Nine-Dragon Screen (Jiulong Bi). It was constructed almost entirely of glazed tiles and was superstitiously used to scare off evil spirits at the entrance to a temple. As a tranquil place to seek relief from the city's hustle and bustle, the park is a quiet, respected place where locals retreat to relax, draw or visit with family and friends. Buildings such as the Painted Gallery or the Studio of Mental Calmness offer an antithesis to any hectic Beijing day. Northwest of the Forbidden City, Xicheng District +86 10 6403 1102 6: 6: 20 yuan 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 118
Jingshan Park For an extraordinary view of Beijing and the Forbidden City, and even on a clear day as far as the western mountains, this park is the highest point in Central Beijing. Jingshan Park is directly opposite the North Gate. For more than 700 years, this park served Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. North of the Forbidden City, 44 Jingshanxi Jie, Xicheng District +86 10 6404 4071 6: 6: 2 yuan 101, 103, 111, 812, 814
Yuanmingyuan Park The Yuanmingyuan Park (Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park) is located in Northwest Beijing. It is a masterpiece of royal gardens in China and is known worldwide as a famous scenic spot. It was extolled as the "Garden of Gardens" and the "Versailles of the East" during its heyday. It was an imperial summer resort painstakingly built and repeatedly expanded under the personal supervision of five emperors of the Qing Dynasty. Visiting in the park is a short journey back to the history. 28, Qinghua Xilu, Haidian District +86 10 6262 8501 7: 7: 10 yuan 320, 331, 365, 375, 722, 825
Zhongshan Park The northern boundary of this interesting park borders the moat of the Forbidden City. During the reign of Emperor Yongle, the Altar of Earth and Grain was located here. Emperors made twice-yearly offerings to the gods of the fields and agriculture. Now there is also a wonderful children's play area shaded by ancient cypress trees, which is extremely popular with families. West of Tian'anmen, Dongcheng District +86 10 6605 4594 3 yuan
Ditan Park Ditan Park and its Temple of the Earth lie just north of the Lama Temple. Built in 1530, it had a similar purpose to the Temple of Heaven. Ming and Qing emperors travelled here to make sacrifices each year on the summer solstice. Ordinary citizens were allowed on the grounds for the first time only after 1911. A2 Di'anmenwai Dajie, Yonghegong Subway Station, Chaoyang District +86 10 6421 4657 6a.m.-9 p.m. 3, 27, 104, 108, 116
Working People's Cultural Palace Working People's Cultural Palace, formerly Taimiao (Imperial Ancestral Temple), is due east of Zhongshan Park. It was the Great Imperial Ancestral Temple for China's emperors, and was located in the most auspicious location行the southeast quarter of the Forbidden City. Built during the early Ming, the temple grounds are laid out with lovely paths lined with ancient trees and flowerbeds. East of Tian'anmen, Dongcheng District +86 10 6525 2189 2 yuan Bus: 1, 2, 4, 10, Subway: Line 1 Tian'anmen Station
Fragrant Hills Park Fragrant Hills Park, the site of several Ming and Qing dynasty temples and villas, is located in Northwest Beijing, a little over an hour from the city centre by car. This is a popular destination for Beijingers and visitors because of its spectacular views from its highest peak that rises nearly 2,000 feet (609.6 metres) above sea level. The peak may be reached on foot or by a chairlift. The botanical gardens, Temple of Brilliance and the Indian-styled Azure Clouds Temple are some of the sites worth visiting. Late fall, when the leaves are turning red, is a wonderful time to visit, but you most certainly will not be alone. At the foot of Xishan Hill, Haidian District +86 10 8259 0297 331, 360, 904, 737
Beijing Botanical Garden The 400-hectare Beijing Botanical Garden is located at the foot of the Western Hills in Northwest Beijing. Along with a large variety of plants, the garden has Asia's largest greenhouse. Wofosi Lu, Xiangshan, Haidian District +86 10 6259 1283 318, 333, 360
Badachu Park (The Eight Great Temples in the Western Hills ) Badachu Park is located 17 kilometres from Beijing's centre and south of the Fragrant Hills, a famous attraction in Beijing's outskirts. There are eight temples and shrines scattered among the Western Hills. Badachu Park covers 332 hectares; its highest peak juts 464 metres into the sky. It was among the first national key units of cultural relics for preservation in the city. Badachu Park has a desirable climate, which is cool in summer and warm in winter. More than 97 percent of the area's mountains are covered with trees. Badachu, Shijingshan District +86 10 8896 4661 5: 10 yuan 347, 389, 662, 972
Confucius Temple Confucius (Kongzi) (551-479 BC), who also bore the names Qiu and Zhongni, is acknowledged as ancient China's greatest thinker and philosopher. Confucianism remains an important aspect of traditional Chinese culture today. Located at the junction of Ancient Culture and Imperial College streets, the 700-year-old, 22,000-sq.m temple was a sacrificial site for emperors of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can view the temple's relics from the compound's grand buildings. Among them is the Jinshi Inscription Stele, artefacts relating to the Chinese Imperial Examination System, and what is known as the "Three Scriptures Stele Forest." In 1988, the temple was designated a site of historical importance under the guidelines of the National Relics Protection Unit. 13 Guozijian Jie, Dongcheng District +86 10 8401 1977 8: 10 yuan (for adults), 6 yuan (for the elderly), 3 yuan (for children) 13, 18, 44, 62, 104, 108, 116, 406, 807
The Palace of Prince Gong The palace is Beijing's best-kept and biggest courtyard (siheyuan), it is said to be the model for the novelist 14, Liuyin Jie, Xicheng District 20 yuan 13, 107, 111, 701, 801, 823
Temple of Emperors of Successive Dynasties in China This temple is one of the three imperial temples (Taimiao, Confucius Temple and Emperors' Temple) in Beijing. It was an imperial temple during the Ming and Qing dynasties, used for offering sacrifices to gods and ancestors such as Yanhuang (the mythical father of the Chinese race) and distinctive emperors and heroes in history. It existed only in rural Beijing. The magnificent Jingdechongsheng Hall has the same elevation and size as the Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City. The huge red wall before the gate is of a type seldom seen in China. The buildings such as Shenchu, Shenku, Zaishengting and Jingting were constructed according to the system of imperial graves. North side of Fuchengmennei Dajie, Xicheng District +86 10 6616 1141 20 yuan (for adults), 10 yuan (for students) 13, 101, 102, 103
Changpuhe Park Changpuhe is also called Waijinshuihe, a pretty, renovated river park lying to the east of the Forbidden City. It was neglected and, for a long time, lay hidden under stone slabs and warehouses. The renovation transformed this part of Beijing into prime recreational spectacle. Beautiful flower gardens and a teeming river of goldfish are among its main attractions. There are now also courtyard-style restaurants and modern amenities. The park is always open and is truly one of the loveliest outdoors places in Beijing. Nanchizi Dajie, Dongcheng District Bus: 1, 2, 4, 10; Subway: Line 1, Tian'anmen Dong Station
Ritan Park In the centre of the southern embassy area and north of the Friendship Store is Ritan Park, Temple of the Sun. The park was originally the site of a 16th-century altar where emperors made sacrificial offerings to the sun god. 6 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang District +86 10 8563 5038 1, 4, 43, 57, 120
Grand View Garden Before visiting the Grand View Garden, a visitor should read the 18th-century classic Chinese novel A Dream of Red Mansions by The Chinese name for the garden is Daguanyuan; it is located in Xuanwu District. The area is a quiet getaway to walk through and relive the novel. There are many paths that lead you around a lake. Nancaiyuan Jie, Xuanwu District 86 10 6354 4994 8: 9, 59, 56, 423, 112, 351
Taoranting Park Taoranting Park is a well established old neighbourhood park. When it was completely redesigned in 1952 excavations revealed that settlements existed as far back as the third century BC. Unlike other parks that were only for the use of the emperor and his family, this park was available to everyone. During the Qing Dynasty the Taoran Pavilion was a popular meeting place for poets and other writers. 19 Taiping Jie, Xuanwu District +86 10 6353 5704 20, 40, 59, 102, 122, 106, 819
Chaoyang Park Chaoyang Park is the largest forested metropolitan park built in Beijing, offering numerous attractions and superbly maintained floral and grassy areas. 1 Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang District +86 10 6506 5409 6: 115, 302, 710, 705, 988, 976
Beijing Zoo and Beijing Ocean Hall The Beijing Zoo, located west of the Beijing Exhibition Centre, is the oldest and largest zoo in the Asia-Pacific region. It contains more than 7,000 animals, including golden monkeys from Beijing Zoo 137, Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng District +86 10 6831 5131 7: 7: 15 yuan (April 1-October 31) 10 yuan (November 1-March 31) 103, 107, 332, 334, 360, 601, 814, 904 Beijing Ocean Hall North Gate of Beijing Zoo +86 10 6833 8741 100 yuan 103, 107, 332, 334, 360, 601, 814, 904
Blue Zoo Beijing This zoo is best known for Beijing's first saltwater aquarium. Visitors get a great view of a diverse collection of sea creatures by walking through Asia's largest (120-metre) transparent underwater tunnel. You can see 6,000 sea creatures from all over the world. South Gate of Workers' Stadium, Chaoyang District +86 10 6593 5263 110, 120, 118, 403 75 yuan
Beijing Wild Animal Zoo The 400-hectare Beijing Wild Animal Park is a large natural ecological park located at the foot of the Great Wall. The Zoo has 30 scenic spots and houses 2,000 animals in 47 categories. Yufa Town, Daxing District +86 10 9628 5360 8: 80 yuan 943, 937
Chinese Ethnic Culture Park (China Nationalities Museum) The Chinese Ethnic Cultural Park is a collection in miniature of the country's nationalities' cultures. Tourists can visit the traditional buildings of Chinese minorities and the beautiful scenery that surrounds them. Tourists may also watch performances featuring the national characteristics of the country's people and get a taste of their lives in different parts of China. Opposite the West Gate of the National Olympic Sports Center of the Asian Games Village of Chaoyang District +86 10 6206 3647 60 yuan for each garden, 90 yuan for both gardens 55, 386, 407, 740, 804, 819
Beijing World Park The Beijing World Park is located 17 kilometres (km) from Tian'anmen Square in Beijing's southwestern Fengtai District. The park has 100 world-famous man-made and natural attractions from nearly 50 countries. The 46.7-hectare park is modelled after the five continents and four oceans, incorporating different spectacles and folklore of the world. Most of the architectural structures are built from marble, some with exquisite carvings. Visitors can travel the world in one day, and the park has become a window displaying the cultures of various countries. 158 Dabaota, Fengtai District +86 10 8361 3344 65 yuan 744, 905, 959, 967
Shijingshan Amusement Park Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park, which is located within the Beijing Xishan Mountain Beauty Spot, covers 33 hectares and lies only one kilometre from the Beijing Shijingshan International Sculpture Park. With a variety of amusement facilities and its unique landscape and elegant scenery, it is an amusements heaven for children and adults. During various week-long festivals, it also offers performances, exhibitions and activities featuring different themes. 25, Shijingshan Lu, Shijingshan District +86 10 6887 4060 8: 10 yuan Subway: Line 1 Bajiao Station Bus: 337, 389, 620, 621, 622, 354, 385, 327, 728, 958, 959, 921, 503,
Fenghuangling (Phoenix Mountain) Natural Scenic Spot Fenghuangling (Phoenix Mountain), northwest of Beijing, has beautiful natural scenery and is the place of historical legends. Springs bubble up from mountains where ancient temples are nestled among an array of flora. Fenghuangling is one of the four most famous mountain areas in western Beijing. Niegezhuang Town, Haidian District +86 10 6245 5933 6: 20 yuan (April 1-October 31); 15 yuan (November 1-March 31) 346
Yinshan Pagoda Forest Located Ming Tombs Area, Changping District +86 10 8972 6426 20 yuan (April 1-October 31); 15 yuan (November 1-March 31) 357, 376, 912, 919
Yunmengshan National Forest Park This is a place of undulating hills, scudding clouds, lovely waterfalls and babbling brooks. It abounds in wild animals, 91 percent of it is covered with forests, and the average summer temperature is 20?4 degrees Celsius. It is also known as "The Little Huang Shan" because its scenery is very similar to that of the famous mountain in Anhui Province. Yunmengshan, Miyun County +86 10 6162 2381 Take bus 936 from Dongzhimen to Labagou and alight at the park. Special buses are available on weekends from Xuanwumen Church.
Longqingxia Natural Scenic Spot The scenic spot Longqingxia Gorge is a mountain and river complex located in Beijing's Yanqing County. The scenery there is so beautiful that people often compare it with the famous Yangtze River's Three Gorges and the Lijiang River. To cruise the gorge along the stream is just like wandering in a natural art gallery, seeing endless enchanting mountains passing by as they cast their shadows on the river's mirror-like surface. Longqingxia, Yanqing County +86 10 6919 1020 Take bus 919 to Longqingxia or drive along
Shidu National Geological Park The Shidu Scenic Spot, in western Beijing's Fangshan District, has just been crowned a national geological park and now is bidding to become Beijing誷 first world geological park listed by UNESCO. There are ten river bends along this segment of the river, on each of which a ferry crossing was set up, hence the name Shidu or "Ten Ferry Crossings." Shidu is the only natural scenic spot in North China that is characterized by karst rock formations. Karst canyons include the Juma River Canyon, Dashi River Valley, Baili Gorge in Yesanpo that stretches for 100 kilometres, and the Longmenxia Granite Canyon. Shidu Town, Fangshan District +86 10 6134 0841 38 yuan 917, You 10
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