Beijing Yuyuantan Early Autumn Guide, Super Healing

Dear friends! Autumn at Yuyuantan is so comfortable～ The late summer and early autumn breeze brings a chill, the lotus flowers haven't fully withered, and the willow leaves are quietly turning yellow. This seasonal guide helps you catch the tail end of summer and unlock autumn romance early～

🌿 Little joys hidden in the season
Although it’s late summer now, Yuyuantan’s historic water system holds seasonal secrets! During the Liao and Jin dynasties, it was known as the "Fish and Algae Pond," a place where the royal family observed phenology. Ancient people perceived the seasons by the reflections of clouds on the water and changes in the plants along the shore. Now, in late August, the willows by the lake begin to quietly change into their "autumn clothes." The evening breeze sweeping over the lake carries a chill ten times softer than midsummer, perfect for a stroll～

⏰ Opening Hours
Currently still peak season (March to November) 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM). This timing is super friendly! Enter after 6 PM to avoid the scorching sun and watch the sunset dye the river red～

🎫 Ticket Booking
Buy directly on the "Yuyuantan Park" WeChat official account, 10 RMB per person, use immediately with no waiting! In August, visitors are half as many as during cherry blossom season, so no queues for tickets on-site either, a blessing for the lazy～

🚗 Transportation Guide
The first choice is Metro Line 16 "Yuyuantan East Gate Station" (newly opened and super convenient!), exit D and walk 3 minutes straight to the East Gate; or Line 1 "Muxidi Station" exit C, 10 minutes to the West Gate.
Bus 78 to "Yuyuantan East Gate" stop, right at the park entrance～ For those driving, you can park at the South Gate parking lot, parking spaces are not tight in August, 10 RMB per hour～

🗺️ Recommended Routes
1️⃣ Evening Stroll Route (1.5 hours): Enter East Gate → Lotus Pond (the withered lotus has a unique charm) → Water Diversion Lake Viewing Platform (watch the sunset) → Wetland Boardwalk (listen to the insects) → Exit West Gate. Plenty of shade along the way, the lake breeze is super pleasant～
2️⃣ Family Fun Route: Enter South Gate → Children's Playground (swings and slides are very complete) → Boat Dock (evening boating without sun exposure) → Yuyuan Pavilion (feed the pigeons) → Exit North Gate. Tiring out the kids? There are sightseeing cars in the park, 10 RMB per person, hop on and off as you please～

🌟 Scenic Highlights
1️⃣ Lotus Crossing: Although it’s not peak bloom, the withered lotus under the sunset is very poetic! There are also late-blooming water lilies in pink, purple, and white decorating the water, perfect for photos with ancient-style architecture, naturally adding an "autumn whisper" filter～
2️⃣ Boat Sightseeing: Rent an electric boat in the evening (80 RMB/hour), row to the center of the lake, and watch the lights of the CCTV Tower slowly turn on. The moment the evening breeze lifts your hair, every snap feels like an atmospheric masterpiece～
3️⃣ Wetland Birdwatching: August is the "rest period" before migratory birds move on. In the reeds beside the boardwalk, you can find hoopoes and egrets. Bring binoculars (sold at the park’s convenience store for 30 RMB each) to observe these super healing bird moments～
4️⃣ Yuyuantan Pier Coffee: A newly opened lakeside café, order an iced Americano (28 RMB) and sit in the outdoor area, watching the sunset on the lake change from orange-red to pink-purple. Even zoning out here feels blissful～

💡 Early Autumn Tips
Remember to bring a light jacket when entering in the evening! The lakeside wind is strong, and it gets dark quickly after sunset, short sleeves might feel a bit chilly～
Don’t miss the park’s "autumn preview": watch the cherry tree leaves, their edges are already turning yellow and feel thicker than summer leaves, preparing for the red leaves in October～
Bring a picnic mat! The large lawn near the West Gate is perfect for lying down. The grass is still green in August, and lying on a mat watching clouds drift by is 100 times more comfortable than binge-watching at home～
Pick up a "Yuyuantan Cultural Creative Popsicle" (20 RMB), the new lotus flavor this year is not only pretty but delicious, perfect for photos with the withered lotus～

🚀 Nearby Attractions
From the North Gate, walk 8 minutes to the China Military Museum (free, but requires a reservation one day in advance). After watching the sunset, check out tanks and planes for a hardcore romantic experience～ Or visit the nearby Century Altar, which often hosts free art exhibitions in August, perfect for art lovers!