How beautiful is spring in Yuanmingyuan Park? You have to come and see for yourself.

Preliminary preparations
- Check opening hours: April 1 to October 31, 6:00 am to 9:00 pm (last entry at 7:00 pm); November 1 to March 31, 7:00 am to 7:30 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm).
- What to bring: We recommend bringing snacks and water, and wearing comfortable shoes.
Transportation
- Subway: Take Line 4, get off at Yuanmingyuan Station Exit B, and walk straight for 100m to the South Gate.
- Car: There are parking lots at the South and East Gates. The South Gate parking lot has more spaces.
Tour routes
- 2.5-hour easy highlights tour: Enter through the East Gate, visit the Western Building Ruins, see the iconic sights such as the Grand Fountain and Haiyantang, then take a boat or sightseeing bus to the pier or the intersection of the three gardens, and finally exit through the South Gate.
- 3-hour complete highlights tour: Start from the East Gate, pass the Black Swan Viewing Area and the panoramic sand table, then go to the Western Building Ruins. After the tour, take a boat or sightseeing bus to the pier or the intersection of the three gardens, then go to the South Gate. If time permits, continue to visit Zhengjue Temple.
- 3-hour walking tour: Enter the park from Zhengjue Temple, walk along Hanqiu Hall to the intersection of the three gardens, then pass through Ginkgo Avenue to reach the Western Building Ruins, then visit the Black Swan Viewing Area and the panoramic sand table, and finally leave from the East Gate.
- 1-hour quick tour: Enter through the East Gate, go straight to the Lion Grove, then visit the Western Building Ruins, and finally exit through the East Gate.
Main attractions
- Grand Fountain: The main attraction of the Western Building Scenic Area, it is a man-made fountain, known for its large number of fountains, magnificent momentum, and unique design.
- Haiyantang: The highlight of the building complex is the twelve bronze animal heads of the Chinese zodiac, which tell time with water and are famous all over the world.
- Fangwaiguan: The place where Emperor Qianlong worshipped for the Fragrant Concubine.
- Huang Hua Zhen: A rectangular garden imitating a European-style maze. Emperor Qianlong held lantern parties here during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Xieqiqu: The first European-style water hall in Yuanmingyuan Park, where Emperor Qianlong listened to Western music and enjoyed the fountains.

Post by EMMETT WALSH | Mar 26, 2025