Liangma River is perfect for a stroll but have you cruised down it yet?
This past weekend mom of twin boys Siyu He took full advantage of the beautiful weather and took the whole family on a relaxing cruise down Liangma River. The boys got to take in the fresh air, watch the fish and birds, make some new friends, and enjoy some chill-lax time on their beautiful boat cruise.
Pro Tip: Book about 3-4 days in advance!
The entire trip took around 40 minutes and cost RMB 119 per adult and RMB 60 per child under 120cm for the boat they opted for when booking through Dianping. The boat was well taken care of and the seats were nice big comfy couches. Cheaper options are also available, but the boats you’ll be riding will be smaller and less luxurious. The boat seats 12 people in total, so if you have a big group of friends you can rent a whole boat to yourselves. Otherwise, it’s like going to the movie theatre – you’ll be on there with other families.
Siyu and her family’s boat was booked, but on the day of the trip, one family didn’t show up so it was just them and one other family also with young kids. What an amazing way to make some new friends!
FAQ: No, you don’t get to drive the boat. Each boat will have a professional driver taking you on your cruise. But, they’re more than happy to let you and your kids take the helm for a cool picture.
If you’re proficient enough in Chinese, tickets for the Liangma River boat cruise can be booked on Dianping. However, for those who need a bit of English assistance, May from Show Beijing also offers Liangma River boat cruises for both daytime and nighttime. May’s services come highly recommended amongst expats in Beijing. She offers fantastic customer service froms start to finish and always replies very quickly on WeChat. To get in touch with her, scan the QR code below.
Pro tip: Check with May first. She’s currently offering a 5% discount for her customers. Prices for the cruise change depending on the season. If you get lucky, booking through May can be even cheaper than through Dianping.
So, before Beijing gets too cold for outdoor family fun, pack up some food and take the kids on a boat cruise picnic down Liangma River!
Images: Siyu He