Weekend Fun at Chaoyang Park

The sun is shining; it’s the perfect time to visit Chaoyang Park, a place that offers activities for those big and small. The park is too big to see everything on one visit, so maybe the best way to explore the park is by getting a map (at the ticket counter) and choose a few things you want to see. Also, here are recommended activities to help you plan your trip.

 

 

An entry ticket costs RMB 5 or RMB 2.5 for students with a student-ID-card. Children under 1.2 meters are free of charge. Everything in the park is signposted so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. The toilets in the southern part are easy to find because they look like a giant ladybug, but they aren’t sparklingly clean. The routes are made for bikes and go-karts so you can also easily bring a baby carriage.

There is a North, East and West Gate, but I think the best way to start your tour is at the South Gate. In the southern part of the park, you will find an amusement park. Roller coasters and carousels are really expensive, but on the plus side, there are no long waiting lines. Even if the park hasn’t got the real amusement park atmosphere it can be really fun if you bring some friends. There is even bungee jumping, but enter at your own risk! For younger ones, there are fishing stations and a petting zoo with lamas, rabbits, goats and tiny horses (which they can ride).

 

 

At the lake, you can rent a boat for RMB 40-150/hour (depending on size) with a RMB 200 deposit. If you rather want to traverse the park by land, you can rent a golf cart for RMB 55 (RMB 200 deposit) or a group bike for RMB 40-80 (RMB 300 deposit).

 

 

The park is also great for sports: Keep fit by jogging on the 1km running track that trails through the park or grab a partner for ping pong. For kids, there is a climbing terrain park. If you want to swim at the Chaoyang Park Outdoor Pool, just note that the pool can get very crowded in July.

The northern part of the park consists mostly of green meadows and small routes. This area is perfect to fly a kite, or have a family picnic. For the picnic and to save money, bring your own drinks and food, as it is quiet expensive inside the park. Food can be purchased at Jenny Lou’s – just outside West Gate. And if you really need an ice cold drink or some ice cream, there are kiosks throughout the park.

Upon leaving the park or if you have lunch beforehand, there are also plenty possibilities near West Gate, including Annie’s, Alio Olio and many cafes and restaurants at Solana.

 

Dogs aren’t allowed in great areas of Chaoyang Park, but they have their own park: Coolbaby Dog Theme Park, just at Chaoyang East Gate.

 

Daily 6am-10pm.  Chaoyang Park, 1 Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区农展馆南路1号

 

Take subway line 10, get off at Tuanjiehu Station and out from Exit C (20min walk) or by bus 976, 406, 350, 750, 988, 731, 729, 758, 302, 117, 419, 31, 973, 431, 984 and get off at Tian Shui Yuan Jie Bei Kou or Chao Yang Gong Yuan Qiao Xi (to South Gate).

 

beijingkids intern Josefine Rein (15) is a Grade 9 student at the German Embassy School. She’s from Braunschweig (Germany) and has been living in Beijing for two years. She plays basketball and football, and likes hanging around with her friends.