Yuanmingyuan Park [Photo via tuchong.com]
1. Zizhuyuan Park (Purple Bamboo Park)
Zizhuyuan Park has recently put up an exhibit featuring various picture scrolls. These artworks contain images of mysterious starry skies, mountains and seas, and the growth of all living things, which has made the park very popular on the Internet. The work Starry Sky is located next to the children's playground. Visitors can take a boat to go deep into the lotus pond. Zizhuyuan Park is a natural summer resort that wins the heart of visitors thanks to its landscapes teeming with bamboo. The park will also hold the 28th Cultural Exhibition of Bamboo and Lotus Blossoms in late July. In addition to the lotus flowers in the small lakes in the south and north, the park will also arrange 300 new potted lotus plants along the south gate of the palace.
Address: No. 35 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing
2. Lotus Pond Park
Adjacent to Beijingxi Railway Station, the Lotus Pond Park covers an area of more than 50 hectares, and is a popular walking spot for nearby residents. At present, the 21st Lotus Festival is being held in the park and will last until August 15. The park has opened up 6 lotus ponds totaling 150,000 square meters. It has also set up water lily viewing areas in the east and north squares and planted more than 5,000 pots of different lotus flowers in the squares and other main areas. What's more, signs and promenades promoting popular science have been established to make it more convenient for visitors to both appreciate the beauty of lotus flowers and learn more about them.
Address: No. 38 West 3rd Ring Road, Fengtai District, Beijing
3. Yuanmingyuan Park
Currently, there are over 200 varieties of lotus flowers planted in Yuanmingyuan Park, covering nearly 67 hectares. This year's lotus festival will be held until August 20, with middle and late July being the optimal time for seeing the lotuses. As a "waterscape garden", the scenery in Yuanmingyuan Park puts a primary focus on water. Yuanmingyuan Park has opened an aquatic lotus route, where visitors can take a boat from Haiyue Kaijin Pier in Changchunyuan to enjoy the lotus flowers in full bloom.
Address: No. 28 Qinghua Xilu, Haidian District, Beijing
4. Tongming Lake Park
Tongming Lake Park has cultivated 6 varieties of lotus flowers this year. This not only includes tall-stemmed and full-leaved double lotus flowers such as the “Fairy Spreading Flowers”, “Snow White” and “Green Tip”, but also ornamental lotus flowers such as red, white, and yellow water lilies. The entire area occupies 54,172 square meters, with the delicate flowers being evenly spaced throughout. The lingering fragrance of the lotus flowers in the breeze will make anyone hate having to leave!
Address: Kechuang Shiqi Street, Tongzhou District, Beijing
5. Sunny Park
The Sunny Park is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Yuquan Road and Jingouhe Road. There are more than 10 attractions in the park, including the Bamboo and Stream Garden, Bird's Twittering Forest, Fitness Square, Lake Viewing Corridor and Fountain Square. Inside the park, city dwellers can put aside a little time for themselves from their busy schedule and enjoy some well-deserved R&R.
Address: Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing
6. Sea of Flowers at Qikong Bridge (the Seven-arch Bridge)
Flowers here stretch out as far as the eye can see, making it perfect for Beijing residents who want to be surrounded by flowers in Changping District. The flowers here will be in bloom three seasons of the year. As the breeze gently blows, the ripples created in the sea of flowers create an enrapturing image reminiscent of a brocade. This year will also feature a sightseeing shuttle bus, allowing visitors direct access from the parking lot. With wild flowers blooming everywhere and birds flying in the blue sky, it is a wonderful place where visitors can enjoy the beauty of Northern China, free of charge!
Address: East of Qikong Bridge, Changchi Road, Shisanling Town, Changping District, Beijing
(Source: Visitbeijing.com.cn)