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

Beijing local life

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.

Basic Information
Location and Transportation
Highlights of Yuyuantan Park
Vlog about Yuyuantan Park
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Attractions near Yuyuantan Park
Other Parks in Beijing

Basic Information

Website	http://www.yytpark.com/
Estimated Length of Tour	About 2 hours
Ticket Price	2 RMB
Opening Hours	6.00 – 21.30; Last admission: 21.00 (1st January – 31st May and 1st September – 31st December) 6.00 – 22.30; Last admission: 21.30 (1st June – 31st August)

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.

Vlog about Yuyuantan Park

Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews

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.