Flower displays, exhibitions, night tours, markets... This Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Beijing's parks are hosting a lineup of exciting events that blend traditional culture with modern experiences. Don't miss out—join in the festivities!
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is currently hosting its 25th Osmanthus Culture Exhibition (第二十五届桂花文化展), which runs until October 12.
The event features more than 60,000 flowers in a variety of vibrant arrangements, including more than 1,000 large potted plants. Among them are nearly 300 pots of ancient osmanthus trees over 100 years old, premium osmanthus specimens of varying ages, and osmanthus bonsai, along with more than 800 pots of specialty seasonal flowers, filling the park with the delightful fragrance of osmanthus.
The park features five popular photo spots, located at the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, the Summer Palace Museum, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity and East Palace Gate, and the Plowing and Weaving Scenery Area.
Among the floral displays, a special highlight is the "Te the Magical" (特神奇) themed flowerbed, located east of Wenchang Pavilion. Inside the pavilion stands a bronze statue of Wenchang Dijun (God of Literature) and his mount Te (特). Legend has it that this mythical beast could travel 5,000 kilometers in a single day!
The Osmanthus Market, launched alongside the exhibition, offers a variety of cultural and creative products and limited-edition osmanthus-themed sets and merchandise at various scenic spots.
In addition, the "Blooming Summer Palace, Inspiring All Things" (花开颐和 园启万象) cultural and creative market is being held at Bafang Pavilion and the Summer Palace Museum. The market features 25 distinctive stalls offering intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, garden-themed cultural and creative products, trendy pop-up events, and more.
Ritan Park
The Golden Autumn Garden Party is currently underway and will run until October 7.
"Juju Cat" (菊菊猫), the event's exclusive original character, invites you on a heartwarming autumn adventure. With a round head and chubby body, "Juju Cat" features an irresistibly cute design. Its cream-white base is accented with warm orange blush and chrysanthemum-yellow decorations, echoing the golden hues of chrysanthemums in autumn.
The giant chrysanthemum cat topiary "Pengpeng" (蓬蓬) is one of the most adorable camera-friendly attractions at this garden party. Made entirely of potted plants, "Pengpeng" wears a floral wreath adorned with a golden bell around its neck, and gently rests its front paws on a floral ball. Surrounded by beds of colorful chrysanthemums, the sculpture blends beautifully with the sea of flowers.
Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture
The museum invites you to an immersive daytime garden gathering. You can enjoy autumn fragrances, sample seasonal tea, try flower arrangement and flower pressing, and interact with costumed flower fairies. For a modern touch, you can explore digital bonsai installations powered by AR/MR technology.
From September 23 to October 7 (closed on Monday, September 28), special evening activities are held daily from 18:00 to 20:30. Shadow puppetry, traditional opera, and Chinese storytelling will be staged at multiple locations, along with hands-on craft activities and a specialty market featuring refined goods. These events offer a fresh way to experience traditional Chinese garden culture.
Shougang Park
Shijingshan's Shougang Park is hosting its annual garden party. Various lanterns light up the night, creating a spectacular scene beneath the moon. You can admire the lanterns and make wishes. The Xiuchi Water Market features cultural and creative products, delicious food, and picturesque boat-themed settings, making it perfect for strolling and taking photos. Multiple bands will perform rock, folk, and classic hits at the waterside concert. You can also participate in cultural experiences such as making floral hair ornaments and yunjian (literally cloud shoulder, a decorative piece worn over the shoulders), making wishes with river lanterns, and crafting traditional sachets. A range of brands will also host interactive activities and introduce limited-edition perks.
Location: Xiuchi and the South Plaza of No. 3 Blast Furnace, Shougang Park
Time: 15:00–21:00 on September 25–27 and October 1–3
Grand Canal Source Heritage Park
The park offers activities from day to night, with something for everyone!
On September 25, from 15:00 to 17:00, you can paint your own Lord Rabbit, a traditional Beijing folk figure associated with the city's intangible cultural heritage, at the DIY session. At 18:00, a giant mooncake-shaped cake will be prepared, cut, and shared on site. From 18:30 to 20:00, a Mid-Autumn cultural performance will take place at Longquan Temple Square, featuring traditional-style Chinese song and dance, folk music, intangible cultural heritage showcases, and more.
In addition, from September 25 to 27, you can enjoy a variety of fun activities from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00, including check-in tasks, a mooncake rolling challenge and an interactive lantern riddle game with costumed staff. On September 25, the interactive session will be extended until 20:00.
(Sources: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Beijing Daily, Beijing Traffic Radio, Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture, official WeChat account of the Chaoyang District Forestry and Parks Bureau, Beijing Shijingshan)
