Yuyuantan Park

Introducing Yuyuantan Park

Yuyuantan Park, located in Beijing's Haidian District, is one of the city's largest parks. With a vast expanse and over 95% greenery coverage, it boasts numerous scenic attractions. The two large lakes, East Lake and West Lake, are framed by weeping willows and feature a beautiful reflection of the TV Tower in the distance. It's a popular spot for leisurely strolls, boating, and a snow park in winter.

The park's most famous attraction is the Cherry Blossom Garden, home to thousands of cherry trees imported from Japan. Every year in March and April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom for over a month. Cherry Blossom Viewing Parties and Festivals are also held, attracting large crowds and making this a unique early spring spectacle in Beijing. Standing beneath the cherry blossoms, the sky ablaze with pink and the petals ablaze with color, is a perfect spot for taking photos.

Climate and best time to travel

The northern temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate is characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall in summer and low temperatures and little rainfall in winter.

You can visit in spring, summer and autumn, and the cherry blossom festival in March and April is the best time to visit.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for about 2 hours

Tickets

Affordable ticket: 2 yuan

Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket Price: 10 yuan

Attraction opening hours

06:00-21:30 (June 1st - August 31st)

06:00-20:30 (January 1st - May 31st, September 1st - December 31st)

---

Most Popular FAQs for Yuyuantan Park

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Yuyuantan Park is one of Beijing's largest and most famous parks, known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. It has been a public space since the 1950s and is popular for its peaceful environment, recreational activities, and the annual cherry blossom festival that attracts many visitors each spring.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Yuyuantan Park is located in the western part of Beijing, near the Military Museum. The park is easily accessible by Beijing Metro Line 1, with a stop at Military Museum Station. Taxis or buses are also convenient options.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring, especially during cherry blossom season (early April). Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance to the park is free. However, special areas like the cherry blossom gardens during peak seasons may have a small entry fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is not typically required for general admission, but it is recommended for visits during cherry blossom season or special events. Tickets for these areas can be booked a few days in advance online.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You will need about 2-3 hours to explore the main areas of the park, including walking around the lake, enjoying the cherry blossoms (in season), and visiting the gardens. If you plan to explore more of the surrounding areas, a half-day visit is ideal.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The main highlights include the Cherry Blossom Garden (best in spring), the peaceful lakeside areas, and the many walking paths. The park also has a small pagoda and various bridges that offer great photo opportunities.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

There are no formal guided tours, but you can often find local guides available for hire. Audio guides are not widely available, but you can use mobile apps for a self-guided tour in English.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are by the lakeside, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Cherry Blossom Garden is also a prime spot during the spring season. The bridges and pagodas offer additional picturesque views of the park.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance, walk along the lakeside paths, and explore the Cherry Blossom Garden (if in season). Continue to the central gardens and enjoy the pagodas and bridges. You can end your visit with a relaxing boat ride on the lake.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no light shows or night visits to the park. However, it’s open until 10:00 PM, so you can enjoy the park in the evening, especially when it’s less crowded.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The park can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, particularly in the spring when cherry blossoms are in bloom. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays, early mornings, or later in the afternoon.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The park is equipped with toilets, rest areas, and several small kiosks selling snacks and drinks. There are no large restaurants, but food vendors are available in the park. A few souvenir shops are located at the entrances.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yuyuantan Park is generally accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The main paths are paved, and there are benches and shaded areas for resting. However, some areas may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility due to uneven ground in certain sections.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in the park. Credit cards are accepted in some of the shops, but it's always a good idea to have cash for small purchases.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no large restaurants inside the park, but you can find small cafes and food kiosks. Nearby, you can find many options for dining, including restaurants and cafes offering both Chinese and Western cuisine.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants. Some local eateries offer halal food, particularly in the areas surrounding the park.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near Yuyuantan Park, including the Beijing Xizhimen Hotel and the Park Plaza Beijing West. For a more budget-friendly option, there are also hostels and guesthouses in the area.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Military Museum, the Beijing Zoo, and the Beijing Planetarium. These can easily be combined into a day trip with a visit to Yuyuantan Park.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops near the park entrance selling postcards, local handicrafts, and traditional Chinese goods like tea sets and silk products.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the park, you can take a taxi, use the nearby metro (Military Museum Station on Line 1), or hop on a bus to explore other areas of Beijing. The Beijing Zoo and the Military Museum are both within walking distance.