Following our discovery of the free outdoor playground that opened up in a cosy neighborhood park across from the MOMA residences, we are thrilled to share that another outdoor playground has opened in a free park, this time southeast of central Beijing in the Guanzhuang neighborhood not too far from Happy Valley.
官庄公园 (Guān zhuāng gōngyuán) Guanzhuang Park just opened late last year, and sports new, clean facilities, including a freshly painted 860-meter fitness trail, a colored pencil wall, and brand new playground areas! The 948-hectare park itself is huge, as attested by our 1.5 hour exploration that covered less than half of it.
According to the park directory, there are designated areas such as “wetlands,” “butterflies garden,” and even a “moonlight forest,” but due to the winter chill, you don’t really see those attractions yet. What you will see is a big lake that’s currently frozen (and which sadly doesn’t allow ice-skating), as well as several new gazebos and sheltered areas for sitting.
Plus, of course the spanking new kids’ playgrounds! Right now, you can only enter through the west entrance of the park, and the quickest way to the playgrounds is to turn right and walk east until you reach the river, then cross the first bridge. There are three locations identified as public restrooms on the map (look for number 19), but we didn’t manage to find them ourselves.
Following the path you’re set on, the first playground you’ll see is the giraffe. It’s a fun one for little kiddos 3 and under. Further east past that one, you’ll find a larger playground that offers some climbing and balancing challenges, which is best suited to slightly older kids up to 7 years old. Close to that is another toddler playground, this one in the form of a airplane. Around the corner there’s also a slide with a sand pit, as well as some fun natural structures like this one that resembles a wooden igloo.
With huge open spaces and multiple playgrounds within city limits, the park is already a massive draw. But one more thing: Guanzhuang park is one of the few parks that lets kids bring their bicycles and scooters in to ride! The park and the playgrounds are definitely worth a visit, even on weekends when the crowds descend － the space is large enough to accommodate most!
Find it: 北京市朝阳区广华大街
běi jīng shì cháo yáng qū guǎng huà dà jiē
Guanghua Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
KEEP READING: Beijing’s Newest Playground Has Us Tickled Pink
Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush
