There’s a lot to be said for messing about in boats, and simply drifting lazily on a lake. Boating season in Beijing is now upon us, and many of the boating lakes around the city (mostly located in Xicheng and Haidian districts) have been open since Mar 16.
We’ve rounded up Beijing’s boating options by area, but have left The Old Summer Palace (圆明园) in Haidian and Jingdong Grand Canyon京东大峡谷 in Changping, off the list for now, since they’re currently not available for boating.
Please note that we cannot guarantee the complete accuracy of the prices listed below, as there is a variety of boating options. It is advisable to bring cash with you since some of the parks only accept cash for deposit payments.
Beihai Park
This centrally-located scenic park is home to a lake that covers an area of around 390sqm, and surrounds its iconic white tower. The park has over 460 boats for rental, including electric and pedal powered, at seven terminals scattered in the park. Professional boatmen are also on site to offer boating services.
RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 400 (pedalos)/ RMB 500 (electric boats) for deposit. Daily 6.30am-9pm.
Houhai
Tucked into one of the city’s most famous hutong areas, the artificial lake of Houhai still retains its charm and liveliness nearly 700 years since it was built, and attracts those who fancy a leisurely afternoon out, thanks to its beautiful scenery, the various entertainment it provides, and the wide option of bars and restaurants nearby.
RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 200 as the deposit. Daily 10am-8pm.
Taoranting Park
Taoranting Park hosts Taoran Pavilion, one of the top four pavilions in China. There are two separate spots in the park that allow boating, with over 200 boats including pedalos, electric and rowing boats. The vintage boats in the west terminal, however, are the most eye-catching and popular.
RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 300 for deposit. Daily 6am-9.30pm.
Yuyuantan Park
Yuyuantan Park is one of the greenest parks in the city and home to a wide range of beautiful cherry blossom trees. The bank along the lake is heavily planted with the photogenic trees, offering a great blossom fix while you drift around on the lake. The park has over 700 boats to choose from, including pedalos and electric boats.
RMB 80 per hour plus RMB 200 as the deposit for 4-person pedalos; RMB 100 per hour plus RMB 300 deposit for 6-person pedalos; RMB 150/180 per hour plus RMB 300/400 deposit for 6-person electric boats; RMB 100/130/150 per hour plus RMB 300/400 deposit for 4-person electric boats. Daily 6.30am-7pm.
Summer Palace
The beautiful traditional royal garden, numerous pavilions and ancient temples make the Summer Palace a great place visit all year round. Kunming Lake covers an area of 2.2 square kilometers, which is five times as large as Beihai, and is one of the most popular skating places in winter, and boating place in summer. Pedalos, row boats, and electric boats are all available.
RMB 60 per hour for 4-person pedalos, RMB 80 per hour for 6-person pedalos, RMB 120 per hour for row boats, RMB 120 per hour for normal electric boats, RMB 180 per hour for antique-style electric boats. RMB 400 deposit for padelos, rowboats and electric boats, and RMB 500 deposit for the antique-style electric boats. Daily 7am-5pm.
Zizhuyuan Park
Located next to Xizhimen, Zizhuyuan is known as “the heaven of bamboos” with pavilions, bridges, and traditional building that are all built from bamboo. Entertainments such as bamboo sedan-sitting and diabolo playing, as well as bamboo-made crafts add extra charm to this long-standing park. Pedalos and electric boats are available.
RMB 80-100 per hour, plus RMB 300 for deposit. Daily 6am-9pm.
READ: The Best Spots to Enjoy Plum Blossom Season in Beijing
More stories by this author here.
Email: kuang@thebeijinger.com
Photos: Unsplash, Beijing.com, Mafengwo.cn
