Leisurely Walk
Zizhuyuan Park, also known as the Purple Bamboo Forest, is a great place to walk or spend a few hours with the family. Visit The Beijing Olympic Forest Park and Yuyuantan Park for running or jogging.
What is there to see and do at Zizhuyuan Park?
With a name like Purple Bamboo Forest, some might ask where the bamboo is. There are several locations around this park with small bamboo walkways.
This park felt much more relaxed than some of the other parks I had been to. There were fewer people using the park for jogging and running. Rather people were using it for a variety of relaxation activities. There is one main lake that visitors are able to walk around. At many locations there are pavilions to rest and relax in.
One of the primary activities was taking photographs. Many couples were taking photos next to the blooming flowers. Other young women dressed up in traditional Chinese clothing and were using the beautiful backdrop to be photographed. Everyone was taking photos! Couples, friends, parents, brides and grooms, and even models.
The pavilions and bridges have been constructed and arranged in a way that makes the park feel like a garden. People rest in or by the pavilions. The bridges arch over the multiple waterways that line the eastern side of the park. Hence, the creation of an excellent backdrop for photography.
Visitors to the park can also hire small paddle boats, or take a ride in the larger traditional boats. The paddle boats can be found at different points around the main lake. The larger traditional boats take passengers around the waterways found at the edge of the lake.
It was captivating seeing everyone enjoying their leisure time so publicly. Multiple groups could be seen around the park dancing. Both young and old were singing karaoke at different location in the park.
Finally, at the south side of the park, there is also a small amusement park for young children. The activities would be suitable for children under 10 years of age. There are many rides, as well as places to buy snacks. This area could be entered directly from the south entrance to the park.
How is Zihuyuan Park written in Chinese?
The Chinese name for Zizhuyuan Park is: (Purple Bamboo Forest) 紫竹院公园
Attractions close by:
Beijing Art Museum, Beijing Zoo, Zizhuyuan Park
Getting there:
Price: Entrance to the park is free.
Official website: Click here to view the Zizhuyuan Park official website.
Opening hours: April to October: 6:00-21:00; November to March: 6:00-20:00.
Address: Number 18, Wanshou Si Road, Haidian District, Beijing (北京市海淀区万寿寺路18号院).
Closest subway: Wanshousi (万寿寺) and Guojia Tushuguan (国家图书馆), both on Line 16.
Accommodation Close By
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Premium Accommodation
Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing: Rated as No. 20 of Gourmet Hotels in Beijing, it is reasonably priced for the luxury on offer. A 1.3 km walk from Wanshou Temple.
Affordable Accommodation
Homeinn Hotel (Beijing Zizhuyuan Bridge Wanshou Temple Subway Station): Less than 1km away from Wanshou Temple. Convenient location at the right price.
Budget Accommodation
7 Days Premium Hotel (Beijing Huayuanqiao Subway Station): Close to public transportation and easy to reach all the local parks in the area including Wanshou Temple.
