Yuyuantan Park, Beijing – Ticket, Opening Hours, Highlights, and Tips

Yuyuantan Park (玉渊潭公园) is situated in the Haidian District of Beijing, covering an expansive area of 129.35 hectares, with 60.66 hectares dedicated to water features. The park is divided into four main areas: the Cherry Blossom Zone, Wetland Zone, Sports and Leisure Zone, and the Cultural Display Zone. Notable attractions within the park include the Cherry Blossom Garden, Wetland Park, Wanliutang Pavilion, the Monument to Young Heroes of China, and the Yuyuan Chunqiu Pavilion.

The park’s distinctive landscape is characterized by its vibrant cherry blossoms. Every spring, Yuyuantan Park hosts cultural events celebrating the cherry blossoms, making it a premier destination for cherry blossom viewing in Beijing. During this season, the park’s entrance fee increases to 10 yuan, and weekends, as well as holidays like Qingming, attract large crowds of visitors.

Aside from its renowned cherry blossoms, Yuyuantan Park features several docks along Yuyuan Lake, offering opportunities for boating excursions. Boats are available in electric and pedal-powered options, accommodating 4 to 6 people. Boat rental prices vary, ranging from 60 to 120 yuan per hour, with a deposit typically required in the range of 200 to 400 yuan. Boating on Yuyuan Lake provides a serene and enjoyable way to appreciate the park’s natural beauty and picturesque surroundings.

Table of Contents

• Basic Information
• Location and Transportation
• Highlights of Yuyuantan Park
  • Cherry Blossoms
  • Yuyuantan Lake
  • Gardens
  • Recreational Activities
• Map and Recommended Route
• Vlog about Yuyuantan Park
• Best Time to Visit YuyuanTan Park
• Photography Spots and Tips
• Different Docks and Boating Choices
• Useful Tips for Cherry Blossom Festival
• Attractions near Yuyuantan Park
• Other Parks in Beijing

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

Yuyuantan Park is located in the Haidian District of Beijing, China, in the western part of the city. It is situated south of the Beijing Exhibition Center and east of the Beijing TV Tower. The park is bordered by Fucheng Road to the north, Diaoyutai to the west, and the Beijing West Railway Station to the south. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus lines and a subway station nearby.

Bus: Take bus 62, 77, 323, 374, 437, or 603 and get off at the west gate of Yuyuantan Park Stop (玉渊潭西门)

Subway: Take subway line 1 or 9, get off at Military Museum Station (军事博物馆站, Junshi Bowuguan), and walk about 300 meters to the north to reach the south gate of the park.

Highlights of Yuyuantan Park

Cherry Blossoms

Yuyuantan Park is famous for its cherry blossoms, which bloom every spring, typically from mid-March to mid-April. During this time, the park is transformed into a stunning pink and white wonderland, with thousands of cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy the blossoms by strolling along the park’s pathways, having a picnic under the trees, or participating in traditional Japanese hanami, or flower viewing. The park is also illuminated at night during the peak of the blooming season (normally in late March or early April), creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.

Yuyuantan Lake

Yuyuantan Lake covers an area of approximately 60 hectares and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, trees, and walkways. It is fed by several springs and is known for its clear water and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can rent paddle boats, rowboats, or electric boats to explore the lake, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the paths. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with a variety of fish species living in its waters. During the spring, the lake is surrounded by cherry blossoms, creating a stunning backdrop for visitors.

Gardens

Yuyuantan Park is home to several beautiful gardens that are worth exploring. The Rose Garden is a popular attraction, especially in the summer when thousands of roses are in bloom. The Peony Garden is another highlight, with over 20,000 peony flowers in various colors and shapes. The Chrysanthemum Garden is a must-visit in the fall, when hundreds of varieties of chrysanthemums are on display. The lotus pond garden, rock garden, and bonsai garden are also worth checking out. Each garden has its unique character and beauty, making them a peaceful and relaxing oasis in the bustling city of Beijing.

Recreational Activities

Yuyuantan Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. It has several walking and jogging trails, perfect for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty and fresh air. The park also has bicycle rental services, allowing visitors to explore the park on two wheels. During the winter season, the park features an ice skating rink, which is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. There are also several playgrounds for children to enjoy. Visitors can also have a picnic or fly a kite on the expansive lawns.

Map and Recommended Route

North Gate ➡️ Dahansakura Area ➡️ Yunxi Deep Place ➡️ Yushu Linfeng ➡️ Yulai Yunhao ➡️ Poetic and Picturesque Cultural Square ➡️ Cherry Blossom Area ➡️ Waterfront ➡️ Cherry Blossom Island in Autumn ➡️ Willow Bridge Reflecting Moon ➡️ Zhiyuxie ➡️ Cherry Blossom Lawn ➡️ Early Cherry Blossoms Herald Spring ➡️ Liying Feiyun ➡️ North Gate

Vlog about Yuyuantan Park

Best Time to Visit YuyuanTan Park

Spring (March to May)

Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom: From late March to mid-April, Yuyuantan Park’s cherry blossoms reach their peak, attracting numerous visitors. The Cherry Blossom Garden becomes a spectacular and enchanting sight. During this season, the park may extend its hours until 9:00 PM or later to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Summer (June to August)

Lotus Blossoms: Summer is the season for lotus flowers in Yuyuantan Park. The lotus ponds are filled with elegant, fragrant blooms, providing a refreshing retreat from the summer heat.

Autumn (September to November)

Chrysanthemum Viewing: Autumn marks the chrysanthemum season in Yuyuantan Park. Various colors and types of chrysanthemums bloom, creating a stunning autumnal landscape.

Winter (December to February)

Winter Scenery: Although winter is colder, Yuyuantan Park still offers beautiful views. Some trees shed their leaves, creating picturesque leaf-fall scenery. The park also hosts events like the Ice and Snow Festival, offering unique winter activities and enjoyment.

Photography Spots and Tips

1. Liuchun Garden

• Location: Near the East Gate.
• Features: The closest peach blossoms from the entrance, blooming along the path. The peach trees here are relatively short, but the background can be cluttered due to nearby fences.
• Tips: Capture close-ups to minimize the distracting background.

2. Yuanxiang Garden

• Location: Within Yuyuantan Park.
• Features: Beautifully blooming flowers, though the area is cordoned off.
• Tips: Focus on landscape shots for stunning results despite the restricted access.

3. Kuiyin Sinong

• Location: Along the central lake.
• Features: Taller peach blossoms, making it challenging to photograph.
• Tips: Move slightly west to find stones to stand on for a better angle. Be prepared to wait as this spot is popular.

4. Zhongdi Bridge

• Location: Across the park.
• Features: Decorated with windmills that create a rustling sound when blown by the wind.
• Tips: Ideal for video shooting to capture the movement and sound.

5. Cherry Blossom Lawn

• Location: Near the TV tower.
• Features: The classic spot for capturing the TV tower with cherry blossoms, best achieved with professional equipment.
• Tips: For smartphone photography, visit spot 7 for a similar effect. Also features late-blooming cherry blossoms, fully open by mid-April.

6. Cherry Blossom Island in Autumn

• Location: Within Yuyuantan Park.
• Features: A highly sought-after photography spot with an annual queue.
• Tips: Stand on the platform next to the stairs, using the lake as the background with a few peach blossoms for a picturesque composition.

7. Friendship Cherry Forest

• Location: On a hillside.
• Features: Low-hanging cherry blossoms.
• Tips: The lighting is not optimal, so bring a supplemental light or reflector for better results.

Different Docks and Boating Choices

Sakura Dock (樱花码头)

Nanshan Guanying Dock (南山观樱码头)

Wetland Garden Dock (湿地园码头)

Yuanxiang Garden Dock (远香园码头)

Ferry Boat (摆渡船)

Useful Tips for Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossom Festival: The cherry blossom season typically runs from mid-March to mid-April. It’s advisable to make reservations online at least a week in advance to avoid long queues for ticket purchases. During the festival, ticket prices may increase to 10 yuan compared to the usual 2 yuan. If purchasing tickets online, remember to bring your ID for verification.

Best Time to Visit for Cherry Blossoms: To avoid crowds, it’s recommended to arrive at the park between 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. During this time, you can enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms with fewer people around.

Exploring Cherry Blossom Spots: Start your visit from the north gate of the park, which is closer to the Cherry Blossom Valley, about a 5-minute walk away.

• As you walk deeper into the park along the Yunxi (Cloud Brook), you’ll encounter a large area of white cherry blossoms and magnolia flowers, perfect for photography.
• After entering the park, turn right towards the west gate to reach the Cherry Blossom Avenue and the iconic Central Television Tower.
• Walking further west, you’ll find a shaded path surrounded by cherry blossoms, offering picturesque views.

Attractions near Yuyuantan Park

White Cloud Temple – a Tang dynasty Taoist Temple

Capital Museum, Beijing – a world class museum

Other Parks in Beijing

Tuanjiehu Park – famous for its serene lake

Zhongshan Park – commemorating Sun Yat-sen

Chaoyang Park – a sprawling urban oasis

Zizhuyuan Park – famous for bamboo groves

Taoranting Park – historic pavilions and bridges

Beijing Botanical Garden – one of the largest botanical gardens in Asia