Galloping Horse: Beijing Trip: Walks in the Parks

We have been to palaces, temples and walls. If you have been doing researches on traveling in Beijing, I believe you will come across a lot of parks to visit. A lot. Even without these parks, major tourist sites in Beijing are surrounded by parks. These parks, nonetheless, are still distinctive in their own ways. Some parks are accessible with fee.

Jingshan Park

Direct translated to "Golden Hill Park", this man-made-hill park is located right behind Forbidden City which is immediately accessible after exiting the palace museum at the north gate. From top of the hill, you can have an overview of Forbidden City.

Pavilion at one of the peaks at the park

Can't help but to be amazed by the symmetrical structure of the city.

This park is also known as the place where the last emperor of Ming Dynasty, Chongzhen committed suicide by hanging himself at one of the trees.

Entrance fee to the park is RMB2. It was only my first day in Beijing when I visited the park (right after touring the Forbidden City) and I came across the rudeness (which didn't came as a surprise as my friends have warned me) of the local worker when she was yelling at the tourists in front of me while I was entering the park.

Olympic Park

I bet no one could forget the grand Olympics opening and closing ceremonies that was held in Beijing back in 2008. This park can be reached using Line 8 to stop at Olympic Green station, The two iconic buildings, Bird's Nest and Water Cube are located within vicinity from each other.

Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

Bird's Nest by night

Olympic Torch

Ling Long Pagoda

Beijing National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube)

It's free to view these sites from the outside. Fee is imposed to enter these buildings.

Beihai Park

"Northen Sea Park" was once one of the imperial gardens (I have to say, there are plenty of imperial palaces back in the ancient days). It is believed to imitate the scenic spots outside of Beijing. The major landmark at this park is the White Pagoda which is located on top of Jade Flower Island. Entrance fee is RMB20. The park is located on the left side of Jingshan Park. Nearest subway station is Beihai North Station on line 6.

You can see the peak of Jingshan Park from here.

Houhai Park

Not to say a real park per se but the lake is surrounded by hutongs. Apparently it is famous for nightlife with all the bars and cafes. This lake is located further north of Beihai Park, after Qianhai Lake. No entrance fee required. Didn't enjoy any beer here but had a quiet time at Starbucks after a long walk for the day.

Sacred Way and Ming Tombs

I am going to be honest about this site. It is one of the places I don't find it's worth going if you cannot appreciate the history.(Or may be because I have been to too many parks prior to this trip). Not to mention it is quite a distance from the city. No subway that can lead you here. Taxi aside, you can use bus to get here with a fare of 6RMB in which you can hop on from Deshengmen Station on line 2. It was quite a scenic place, nevertheless.

This path is known as Sacred Way, the path where Emperor came to Earth from heaven, the same way they used when they returned. That explains the 13 tombs that are scattered at further north of this Divine Road.

There are a number of tombs you could visit in which all are mausoleums of Emperors from Ming Dynasty. I visited Chang Ling with a fee of RMB50. Ding Ling comes with underground chamber, in which I missed that.