As spring comes, everything thrives. Boating opens to the public at Beihai Park and Taoranting Park, magnolia flowers are in full bloom at Jingshan Park, and various animals are bathing in the seasonal winds at Beijing Zoo. These are all interesting spring outing destinations in Xicheng.

Beihai Park: Boating amid Ancient Buildings

In Beihai Park, visitors can find splendid Chinese wild peach blossoms in March, crapapple flowers in April, and lotus in July. A total of 400 boats await tourists who would like to celebrate spring on the lake. Specifically, there are over 10 types of boats, including antique-style boats, lotus boats, and rowboats, at 11 docks, namely the West Bank Dock, the Wulong Pavilion Dock, the Yilan Hall Ferry Dock, the Dragon Boat Dock, the North Bank Dock, the Lotus Boat Dock, the East Bank Dock, the Linguang Hall Dock, the East Gate Rowboat Dock, the South Gate Rowboat Dock, and the South Bank Dock.

Highlights: Reflection of the White Pagoda at the West Bank Dock, ancient architectural aesthetics at Yilan Hall Dock, a rowboat trip from the South Gate Dock for some Jiangnan vibe

Taoranting Park: Lake and Pavilions in Spring

In Taoranting Park, more than 200 boats, including those shaped like cute dolphins and mandarin ducks, as well as plain electric boats, await visitors at the two docks respectively in the east and west of the park. The lake is graced by Zimei Pavilion, Fengyutongzhou Pavilion, Huxin Pavilion and other structures, forming a picturesque view together with the Taoran Pavilion, Yunhui Tower, Qingyin Pavilion and other ancient buildings. A boat ride on the lake is sure to offer a refreshing experience in spring.

How to choose boats: Dolphin boats for kids and mandarin duck boats for couples

Jingshan Park: Blooming Flowers amid Ancient Buildings

During spring, visitors at the park can see white magnolia flowers bloom near the east and west gates and find winter jasmine halfway towards full blossom to the east of Qiwang Pavilion. Along the main road, there are also flowers here and there. Peony, dogwood, and forsythia are also about to bloom. Besides watching the blossoms, visitors may also have a distant view of the Forbidden City.

Highlights: Splendid spring views from Wanchun Pavilion, magnolia flowers near the east and west gates

Beijing Zoo: Fantastic Beasts Awakened

Laughter fills the air at the Children's Playground and the Bouncy Castle to the west of Penguinland. The Carousel, the Jungle Flying Chairs, kiddie rides, and many other indoor and outdoor amusement devices are all widely loved. Children can indulge themselves in joy here, while their parents have seats in the indoor area. In the meantime, pandas, like Menglan and others, which are already Internet celebrities, are enjoying their feast of bamboo shoots. Go and have a look, or you will never know how cute they can be.

Highlights: Pandas having a sunbath, dancing flamingos

Spring Travel Tips:

1.The aforementioned parks have different opening hours. Please check the official online platforms of Jingshan Park, Taoranting Park, and Beijing Zoo, as well as "Changyou Gongyuan" for the latest information before your trip.

2.Boats will not be in operation when the wind (including gusts) is above force 4, for safety reasons. Those who would like to have a boat ride are advised to keep track of the weather conditions.