Taoranting Park (陶然亭公园, Taoran Pavilion Park) is a beautiful urban green space located in the southern part of Beijing, China. The park covers an area of 56.6 hectares and has a long history, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. It was once the site of an imperial temple and later became a public park in the 1950s.
The park is famous for its picturesque lake, which is surrounded by weeping willows, cherry blossom trees, and other lush vegetation. Visitors can rent boats to paddle around the lake and enjoy the scenery. There are also several pavilions and bridges that provide great photo opportunities.
In addition to its natural beauty, Taoranting Park has many cultural and historical attractions, including the Cibei Temple, which was built during the Yuan Dynasty and is one of the oldest buildings in the park. There is also a large pagoda that offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding city.
Taoranting Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Beijing.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Taoranting Park
- Map of Taoranting Park
- Vlog about Taoranting Park
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Parks in Beijing
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.trtpark.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 2 RMB per person |
| Opening Hours | 6.00 – 21.00; Last admission: 22.00 (1st April – 31st October) 6.00 – 21.00; Last admission: 21.30 (1st November – 31st March the next year) |
Location and Transportation
Taoranting Park is located in the southern part of Beijing, China. The specific address is No. 19, Taiping Street, Xicheng District, Beijing. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus and subway lines nearby.
Bus:
- To the east gate: take bus 14, 40, 66, 70, 102, or 106 and get off at Taoran Bridge North Stop (陶然桥北).
- To the south gate: take bus 25, 50, 62, 90, 122, 414, 692, 958, or 997 and get off at Taoranting Park South Gate Stop (陶然亭公园南门).
- To the north gate: take bus 40 or 59 and get off at Taoranting Park North Gate Stop (陶然亭公园北门)
Subway:
- Take subway line 4, get off at Taoranting Station (Taoranting), get out from Exit C, and walk about 500 meters to the east to reach the north gate of the park.
Highlights of Taoranting Park
The Lake
The lake in Taoranting Park is one of its main attractions, covering an area of 10 hectares. It is surrounded by weeping willows, cherry blossom trees, and other lush vegetation, making it a picturesque spot for photos and relaxation. Visitors can rent paddle boats and explore the lake while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The lake is also home to several species of fish, which can be seen swimming in the clear water. During the summer months, the lake is a popular spot for locals to gather and enjoy picnics or play games on the grassy banks.
Temple of Mercy (Cibei Temple)
Ci’en Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple that was established during the Yuan Dynasty and has a history of more than 700 years. Its mountain gate faces east, and it has four small courtyards within the temple grounds. This building was originally constructed by Jiang Zao, a supervisor of the Ministry of Works, in the 34th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1695 AD). The main buildings include the Guanyin Hall, Zhunti Hall, Wenchang Pavilion, and Taoranting Pavilion. Since the Qing Dynasty, Cibei Temple has been a gathering place for feudal scholars and literati, who left many works of poetry and prose.
Taoran Pavilion
Taoran Pavilion is a famous landmark within Taoranting Park in Beijing, China. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it is a beautiful two-story wooden structure that sits on the shore of the park’s central lake. With its iconic red columns and elegant rooflines, it is one of the most recognizable structures in the park. Visitors can climb to the second floor and enjoy panoramic views of the park and lake. The pavilion is also known for its historical significance, as it was a popular gathering place for scholars and intellectuals during the Qing Dynasty.
Wenchang Pavilion
Wenchang Pavilion is about 10 meters high and has a total building area of 83.28 square meters. Although it does not have the style of flying eaves and curved brackets, the towering building gives a sense of grace and elegance. It houses statues of the Wenchang Emperor (also known as the Zitong Emperor) and Kuixing. These two deities are revered by scholars as they are believed to govern cultural affairs, official positions, and ranks. Hence, during the feudal era, most aspiring candidates who came to take imperial examinations in Beijing would pray for their blessing.
Cherry Blossom Garden
The cherry blossom garden covers an area of around 2.5 hectares and features more than 200 cherry blossom trees, including various species such as Yoshino, Yaezakura, and Sargent cherry. During the blooming season in early spring, the garden attracts many visitors who come to appreciate the stunning scenery and take beautiful photos. There are also various events and activities held in the garden during the cherry blossom season, such as picnics and concerts.
Children’s Amusement Park
The park offers a variety of attractions for kids, including a merry-go-round, bumper cars, a mini roller coaster, and a climbing wall. There are also several play areas with swings, slides, and other equipment that children can enjoy. The park has a bright and colorful design, with many cartoon characters and animal-themed attractions that will delight young visitors. Additionally, the park offers various food and snack vendors, making it a perfect place for families to spend an enjoyable day together.
Map of Taoranting Park
Vlog about Taoranting Park
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms and Roses: Taoranting Park is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and roses in summer. The park hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, while summer sees the blooming of thousands of roses concentrated on the west side, creating a stunning floral display.
Multiple Entries with Electronic Tickets: Visitors can enter Taoranting Park twice in one day with electronic tickets. Take advantage of this by exiting the park for lunch to replenish energy. Near the north gate, about 200 meters away, there’s a restaurant called “Nancheng Xiang (南城香)” offering affordable meals.
Enter from the South Gate: Since the park is vast, it’s recommended to enter from the south gate, as most of the main attractions are located in Huaxia Garden. This will save time and ensure you don’t miss out on the key sights.
Optimal Photography Time: For the best photography conditions, consider visiting after 4:00 PM, especially on overcast days when the lighting is more favorable. This timing allows for softer light and better captures of the park’s beauty without harsh shadows.
