Officially known as Sun Park, Chaoyang Park is a picturesque, action-packed getaway sandwiched between Sanlitun and Fourth Ring Road. This kid-friendly haven covers a whopping 288 hectares and has a lake, outdoor swimming pool and beach, and an amusement park with roller coasters, bumper cars, and a 4D movie theater. Pack your swim trunks, sunscreen, a picnic blanket, and your favorite treats – now is the perfect time to enjoy one of Beijing’s greenest spots.
To reach Chaoyang Park, take the subway to Tuanjiehu subway station (exit B). Head east for 10 minutes, make a left on Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu and walk north to Chaoyang West Gate 3. Follow the signs to the Waterfront and Island Boat Dock (1). The dock has boats of all shapes and sizes, including yellow taxi cabs and army tanks. Prices start at RMB 40 per hour (plus a RMB 200 deposit) for a pedal boat and go up to RMB 90 for the ultra-cool laser warship that can fit four people. If you don’t fancy taking part yourself, there is a nearby grassy area that overlooks the lake, where you can enjoy the view.
To cool off, head east to Chaoyang Park Water World (2), a 250,000sqm water park with an artificial beach. Swimmers can lounge around on the sand or play beach volleyball. Exit the water park and head towards the Amusement Area, and you will soon arrive at a large grassy area (3) perfect for family picnics. Food in the park is limited to fangbian mian (instant noodles), chips, hot dogs, burgers and ice cream, so remember to pack a healthy lunch. While you’re eating, indulge in some people-watching; you’re bound to spot some kite flyers and other families here.
After lunch, walk straight along the path towards the Amusement Area. You’ll come across the Happy Monkey Tree Top Adventure Park (4), where kids can run wild in an elevated obstacle course with ziplines and climbing frames. Depending on the course, prices range from RMB 80 to RMB 240. Note that there are a number of courses suitable for different age ranges, but all kids must be at least 1.1m tall to take part. Rest easy – the adventure park features a fully-trained staff and follows European standards for its tree-top obstacle courses.
After “monkeying” around for a bit, cross the small bridge nearby and follow signs for the Amusement Park (5). This is an extensive area packed with rides for all ages. From classic bumper cars to more nerve-racking rollercoaster rides, this place has it all. Rides range from RMB 15 to RMB 30 per person (the latter are designed for older kids and require a stronger stomach than the RMB 15 rides). The area also has several snack stands and a small selection of Chinese eateries. Treats like cotton candy and hot dogs cost RMB 10 each. When you’ve had enough excitement, cool off in the air-conditioned 4D movie theater with a selection of Chinese-only short films.
The last stop is the Sony ExploraScience Centre (6) located near Chaoyang Park’s South Gate. The three-storey center has interactive games, activities, and educational programs split into four sections: illusion, refraction, light, and sound. Live science shows in Chinese only take place throughout the day.
Finally, head back towards the West Gate exit and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu. Choose from Chinese, Vietnamese (Muse), Korean and Italian cuisine (Annie’s and Alio Olio). Or, pick up some groceries at Jenny Lou’s before heading home to cook a family meal.
Chaoyang Park 朝阳公园
RMB 5, free for kids under 1.2m. Daily 6.30am- 9pm. 1 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (6595 3490) www.sun-park.com 朝阳公园南路1号
Waterfront and Island Boat Dock 游船
RMB 40-100 (pedal boat), RMB 90 (laser warship), RMB 60 (battery boat). All rentals subject to RMB 200 deposit. Daily 6am-9pm (6506 5409)
Chaoyang Park Water World 朝阳公园水世界
RMB 120 (weekends), RMB 80 (weekdays), free for kids under 1.2m. Mon-Fri 9.30am-9pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am-9.30pm. (6591 5258)
Happy Monkey Tree Top Adventure Park 快乐猩猩
RMB 50-240 (depending on attraction). Daily 9am-9pm (summer). 200 m from Chaoyang Park East Gate 7 (400 699 2909, 8447 7369) www.kuailexingxing.cn 朝阳区东四环中路朝阳东七门内200米
Amusement Park 朝阳公园游乐场
Near Chaoyang Park South Gate (6506 6339) 近朝阳公园南门
4D Movie Theater 4D电影院
RMB 25. Daily 9am-5pm. Inside Chaoyang Park (135 2079 3810) 朝阳公园内
Sony ExploraScience 索尼探梦科普乐园
RMB 30 (adults), RMB 20 (students), free for kids under 1.2m. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Closed on the second Mon and Tue of each month. 200m from Chaoyang Park South Gate (6501 8800) www.sony.com.cn/ses/index.html 朝阳公园南路1号朝阳公园南门内200米
Muse Parisian Vietnamese Brasserie 妙巴黎越南小吃
Daily 10am-11pm. Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6586 3188) 农展南路1号朝阳公园西门
Annie’s 安妮意大利餐厅
Daily 11am-11pm. Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6591 1931) www.annies.com.cn 朝阳区朝阳公园西路（朝阳公园西门）
Alio Olio 艾利欧意大利餐厅
Daily 11am-10.30pm. Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6594 0938) www.alioolio.com 朝阳区朝阳公园西门
Jenny Lou’s 婕妮璐
Daily 8am-midnight. Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6501 6249) www.jennylou.com.cn 朝阳区朝阳公园西门南侧
This article is excerpted from beijingkids Jun/Jul 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.
