Zizhuyuan Park, also known as Purple Bamboo Park (紫竹院公园), is a famous park located in the Haidian district of Beijing, China. Covering an area of over 47 hectares, it is one of the largest parks in the city and a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
The park is known for its beautiful scenery and natural landscapes, including bamboo groves, lakes, gardens, and pavilions. One of its main attractions is the Jade Flower Island, which features a large lake with several bridges, islands, and pavilions.
In addition to its natural beauty, Zizhuyuan Park also has a rich cultural history. It was first built during the Ming Dynasty and was later renovated during the Qing Dynasty. It has since become a popular destination for cultural events and performances, including traditional music and dance performances.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The park also has several facilities, including restaurants, teahouses, and a children’s playground.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- History of Zizhuyuan Park
- Highlights of Zizhuyuan Park
- Vlog about Zizhuyuan Park
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Parks in Beijing
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.zizhuyuangongyuan.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 6.00 – 22.00; Last admission: 21.00 (1st April – 31st October) 6.00 – 21.30; Last admission: 21.00 (1st November – 31st March) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-010-88412894 |
Location and Transportation
Zizhuyuan Park is situated on the western side of the city, near the National Library and Beijing Zoo. The exact address is No. 45 Baishiqiao Road, Haidian District, Beijing. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus:
- Take bus 481 and get off at Zizhuyuan North Gate Stop (紫竹院北门)
- Take bus 87, 114, 334, 347, 481, or 609 and get off at Baishi Bridge West (Baishiqiaoxi, 白石桥西) to reach the south gate of the park.
Subway:
- The nearest subway station to Zizhuyuan Park is National Library (国家图书馆) on lines 4, 9, and 16. After getting out from Exit F, walk about 50 meters to the west to reach the East Gate of the park.
History of Zizhuyuan Park
Zizhuyuan Park, also known as Purple Bamboo Park, is one of the oldest parks in Beijing with a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. The park was originally a royal garden during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) and was later expanded and renovated during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the park was used as a residence for princes and nobles, who would hold parties, performances, and other activities in the park. In 1749, Emperor Qianlong ordered the park to be expanded and renamed Zizhuyuan, which means “the garden of purple bamboo,” after the many bamboo groves that were planted in the park.
After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, the park was opened to the public and became a popular recreational area for the people of Beijing. During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), many of the park’s historical structures were damaged or destroyed, but the park was later restored in the 1980s and 1990s.
Highlights of Zizhuyuan Park
Zizhuyuan Lake
Zizhuyuan Park’s lake is one of the main attractions of the park, covering an area of 28 hectares. The lake is surrounded by lush gardens, pavilions, and bridges, creating a serene and picturesque landscape. Visitors can rent boats and paddle around the lake, taking in the scenic views and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The lake is also home to a variety of fish and aquatic plants, adding to its natural beauty. During the summer months, lotus flowers bloom on the lake, creating a stunning display of color.
Plum Blossom Garden
The Plum Blossom Garden is a popular attraction within the Zizhuyuan Park in Beijing, China. It covers an area of about 15 hectares and is known for its stunning plum blossoms which bloom in late winter and early spring. The garden features over 20,000 plum trees of different varieties and colors, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. In addition to the plum blossoms, the garden also has several pavilions, ponds, and bridges that provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere. It is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Bamboo Garden
The Bamboo Garden is one of the highlights of Zizhuyuan Park. It covers an area of about 10 hectares and is known for its lush bamboo groves, which provide a serene and peaceful environment for visitors. The garden features over 100 species of bamboo, ranging from small bushes to towering bamboo trees, which create a stunning visual display. In addition to the bamboo, the garden also has several pavilions, rockeries, and winding paths that make for a pleasant stroll.
Ice Rink
Zizhuyuan Park features an ice rink during the winter months. It is located in the center of the park and covers an area of about 1,200 square meters. It is a great place for people of all ages to enjoy ice skating, whether they are beginners or experienced skaters. The rink is surrounded by trees and other natural features, creating a picturesque setting. There are also several food and drink vendors nearby, so visitors can warm up with hot drinks and snacks after skating.
Vlog about Zizhuyuan Park
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Boating Options:
- Chengxian Lake Pier: Visitors can enjoy pedal boats and electric boats here, with prices ranging from 140 to 200 RMB per hour.
- Lotus Ferry Pier: Take a human-powered rowboat for a 15-minute tour at a cost of 15 RMB per person.
- Ziyu Bay Pier: Opt for a royal canal cruise to the Summer Palace, with prices of 100 RMB for a one-way trip and 150 RMB for a round trip.
Amusement Park: The park features an amusement area where visitors can enjoy various attractions for around 20 RMB per ride. The rides offer good value for the price.
Footwear and Comfort: Zizhuyuan Park is quite expansive, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes, such as sports shoes or other comfortable footwear, to explore the park comfortably.
Joining in Activities: Visitors might encounter locals engaging in traditional activities like Yangge dancing or stilt walking. Feel free to join in if you’re interested! The locals are usually very friendly and welcoming.
