Beijing Yuyuantan Park

My personal secret autumn viewing guide✨ Not to brag! Missing the ginkgo at Diaoyutai is like missing the entire autumn in Beijing!🔥 📍【Spot Card】 Address: East side of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Sanlihe Road, Haidian District (Beijing CBD's backyard) Status: Beijing's No.1 ginkgo check-in spot💯 Feature: Hundred-meter golden dome corridor + popular photo spot ⌛【Golden Time】 Best viewing: 10.25-11.15 (Remember this!) A little secret: · 🕗 8 AM has the fewest people | soft lighting · ☀️ 2-4 PM | best lighting but most crowded Tip: Remember to check the latest updates before you go~ 🚇【Transportation Guide】 Subway fans👉 Exit A1/B at Muxidi Station on Line 1, 8-minute walk Bus fans👉 Direct to Diaoyutai Station via routes 114/Te5 Driving fans❌ Strongly discouraged! Parking spots are harder to find than a date! 🎬【Check-in Tips】 1️⃣ Classic photo spots are in high demand! Benches and corners always have lines 2️⃣ Look-up shots are great! Easily avoid random passersby 3️⃣ Outfit suggestion: solid white/red/blue 👗 (200% photo success rate) 4️⃣ Must-do poses: scatter ginkgo leaves/spin and capture/fall leaf pile lying down shots 👫【Crowd Profile】 · 📸 Professional photography veterans · 👰 Wedding photo couples checking in · 🧒 Families strolling with kids · 🎀 Hanfu/Lolita fashion ladies 💡【Upgraded Experience】 ✅ Combine visits: Yuyuantan + Ginkgo Avenue = perfect autumn day ✅ Hidden gem: When street lamps light up at dusk, golden + warm light is stunning! ⚠️【Avoid Pitfalls】 · Weekends are super crowded! Midweek visits recommended · Be careful of passing vehicles when lying down for photos🚗 · Enjoy leaves respectfully! No shaking trees or climbing 🌈Bonus: Want a quieter version? Shunyi Nancai Ginkgo Park is also nice! But for the atmosphere, it’s got to be my great Diaoyutai! Chinese people don’t lie to Chinese people!

As an autumn enthusiast, I visited Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue twice, once the northern section and once the southern section. Crowded during the day? Then unlock the night mode with me! But honestly, this route has its tricks~ 🌟 Differences Between North and South Sections: Don’t Get Lost! The northern section is adjacent to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, with softer but more uniform lighting; the southern section is near Yuyuantan Park, with denser tree canopies that are more photogenic. I recommend starting from the southern section and walking northward, about 800 meters in total, perfect for strolling and shooting along the way! 📸 Comparison of Two Actual Shoots: Weather Decides Everything The first time, I ventured alone at 8 PM on a weekday, in heavy fog and -5°C, with no one around. The photos came out grayish and I almost froze into an ice pop❄️—the effect was really... emo. The second time, at 9 PM on a Saturday, after shooting at Ditan Park, I rushed over. That night the starry sky was clear with moonlight, golden leaves twinkling under the lights✨, shadows dancing like stepping into a fairy tale, every shot full of atmosphere! 💡 Night Photography Tips Time: Best after 8 PM, less traffic and low light pollution Settings: ISO 800-1600, wide aperture, shutter speed no less than 1/60 Position: Shoot upward under street lamps, leaves glowing like stars; use tree trunks as foreground to instantly add depth Props: Bring a small LED fill light to enhance the autumn colors on the leaves ⚠️ Blogger’s Heartfelt Advice Never go alone! It’s pitch dark under the trees at night; having a companion is safer and you can help shoot each other Life-saving warmth: sweater + down jacket + scarf + gloves, Beijing’s late autumn nights can be freezing Best on weekend nights: fewer crowds than daytime but more lively than weekdays, not too deserted Don’t bring a tripod: security will ask you to leave it, handheld is stable enough 🌙 Perfect Route Connection I suggest going to Ditan Park at dusk to shoot the red walls and ginkgo, then head to Diaoyutai at 8 PM. Spend about an hour and a half shooting, then go nearby for a hot ginger tea to warm up. This way you get both daytime and nighttime autumn colors in one go! At this season, Diaoyutai belongs to tourists by day and photographers by night! Promise me, dress warmly, find the right companion, pick a good night, and you too can capture a golden dream sparkling with starlight~

Golden ginkgo leaves cover the entire tree-lined avenue, making every snapshot look like a masterpiece. November is the best time to visit~ 📍Super convenient location It’s right on the east side of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Take Metro Line 16 or Line 6 to Ganjia Kou Station, exit at C, cross the street, and you’ll see it. It’s recommended to enter from the north end of Ginkgo Avenue and walk south to the East Gate of Yuyuantan Park, about 1 km in total. Walking and taking photos along the way is especially enjoyable. ✨Accommodation recommendation This time I chose the nearby Northern Langyue Hotel (Beijing Ganjia Kou Metro Station Branch), located at No. 37 Sanlihe Road, super convenient. It’s a 10-minute walk to Ginkgo Avenue, and the metro is direct, making it very easy to get to other attractions. The hotel rooms are clean and tidy, with smart toilets and Tmall Genie adding extra points. The front desk staff were very friendly and even proactively told me about nearby photo spots when they saw me with a camera. There are many dining options nearby, including Da Ya Li and McDonald’s within walking distance, and the breakfast variety is rich. For this location in Beijing, the cost performance is really high~ ⚠️Useful tips 1. Mid-November is the best time to see the ginkgo; it’s recommended to go before 9 AM or on weekdays for fewer crowds and better photos. 2. Wear light-colored clothes, which perfectly match the golden ginkgo leaves. 3. When shooting, try low-angle upward shots to avoid crowds and capture the whole ginkgo canopy. 4. You can also visit Yuyuantan Park nearby for a side trip.

Stop just visiting Yuyuantan and Zizhuyuan! Right between Zhongguancun and the West Third Ring Road, there’s a hidden green corridor treasured by Haidian workers for years, recently going viral on social media for its "ginkgo trees reflecting on the water + egrets flying past weeping willows." It has finally become a sensation! 📍 Nanhan River Waterfront Green Corridor (Wanshousi Bridge—Jinhe Bridge section) No entrance fee, no barriers, no influencer check-in walls, yet it offers a 3-kilometer unobstructed waterfront walkway, century-old shade-giving willows, an autumn ginkgo avenue, wild ducks and swans freely swimming, and a blue hour at dusk that instantly turns into a film scene... Take Metro Line 10 to Bagou Station, then an 8-minute walk, a quick detour on your commute to unwind and let all your fatigue melt away in the river breeze. Why is it called "Haidian people’s spiritual massage belt"? ✅ 1. A truly healing urban riverside! Nanhan River is not a stinky ditch but an ecologically restored living waterway— the water is crystal clear, reeds sway on the banks, egrets, moorhens, and mandarin ducks are permanent residents, and even squirrels dare to sit on the railings nibbling pine cones; the best part is the triple overlay of weeping willow reflections + ginkgo leaves + shimmering ripples, any snapshot looks like a frame from a Studio Ghibli animation. ✅ 2. Autumn perfection! Ginkgo avenue + waterfront benches = Haidian’s most beautiful slow-motion scene Every year from late October to mid-November, the 800-meter ginkgo forest from Wanshousi Bridge to Wanliu Bridge reaches its golden peak, golden leaves cover the walkway, swirling in the wind and falling into the river, paired with the blue-gray stone railings, reddish ancient bridges, and the flying eaves of Wanshousi Temple with white walls and black tiles, the whole path feels enchanted— 📸 Recommended to visit between 7:30–9:00 AM, when it’s less crowded with soft light, leaves untouched, and the atmosphere is at its fullest! ✅ 3. All-age friendly: a secret base for commuters, parents with kids, and photographers alike · The walkway is flat throughout, with tactile paving and accessible ramps; · Multiple resting benches by the river (with phone charging ports!), bird-watching pavilions, and children’s graffiti walls; Under Wanliu Bridge is a small waterside platform where kids can watch little fish while parents enjoy a cup of hot soy milk—so cozy it hardly feels like Beijing; Lights turn on at 6 PM every evening, warm light reflecting on the water, making your walk feel like a gentle filter. ✅ 4. Hidden experience: a "micro-vacation" on your commute · Take a 15-minute detour after work to listen to flowing water and birdsong, more relaxing than scrolling short videos; · On weekends, bring a folding chair and thermos, read half a book under the ginkgo trees, watch clouds drift by; Photographers can stake out the "Wanshousi reflection spot": on sunny mornings at 10 AM, the ancient temple’s flying eaves are perfectly reflected in the water, 360° with no blind spots! 📌 Practical tips: 🕰 Open all day | Recommended 7:00 AM–8:00 PM (night views are beautiful too) · 🚇 Metro: Exit A at Bagou Station on Line 10, walk 800 meters south along Wanliu Middle Road (navigate to "Nanhan River Waterfront Green Corridor Wanshousi Bridge Entrance") · 🚗 Driving: Navigate to "Wanshousi Parking Lot," then a 3-minute walk (parking is tight, metro recommended) · 🎒 Must bring: light jacket (it’s windy by the river), mosquito repellent (summer), camera/phone (fully charged!), folding stool (great for grabbing benches) · 🐶 Pet friendly: leashed pets allowed | feeding wildlife prohibited (but wild ducks will come close asking for food!) In Beijing, we always think poetry is far away, but we forget— true relaxation sometimes hides right by a river you pass on your way home. No need to take leave, no planning, no queues, just wear comfortable shoes, bring a good mood, walk slowly along Nanhan River, watch a ginkgo leaf drift into the water, hear a bird’s call drown out the traffic noise, and wait for the breeze to gently blow all your worries away. This autumn, stop rushing, stop stressing, go to Haidian’s "underrated gentle riverside," and be someone who just breathes, not chases KPIs.

The Beijing CCTV tower is the tallest structure in the city and it offers the best way to see the city from above. Located in the west of the city it features two high level viewing platforms - one inside and one outside. Grab a ticket on trip for about £9 and scan it at the entry, go through security and head to the lift. First is the indoor observation floor that has the revolving restaurant, a cafe, gift shop and some exhibitions about the history of radio and television broadcasting in Beijing. Then there is the higher outside observation deck, with a safety fence around its harder to get photos here but it’s worth it for the experience! Head to Gongzhufen or Xidiaoyutai metro station and walk 15 minutes to the tower. #beijing #china #landmark #tv #tower #travel #travel2026 #thingstodo #myitinerary #citydaytours #familytravel #trip #family

Last night, a cold wave swept through, and the west wind blew down a carpet of golden leaves, marking the end of Beijing's most beautiful autumn viewing season. The ginkgo trees in the Diaoyutai Ginkgo Forest and Yuyuantan Park have mostly shed their leaves, and the fallen autumn leaves on the ground have their own unique beauty. Looking across the lake towards Zhongdi Bridge, the sunlight shining through the bridge's arches creates shadows that evoke the feeling of "silver light passing through holes." Unexpectedly, after exiting the park's south gate, a ginkgo forest on the east side of the gate gave me a small surprise, especially watching children running around in the golden leaves, piling the ginkgo leaves into little hills, adding a lot of vitality and warmth to this chilly early winter day.

#familytravel Yuyuantan Park is a perfect springtime destination for family outings, especially during cherry blossom season. The park's scenic beauty comes alive with vibrant pink and white blooms, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Families can enjoy leisurely walks along the tree-lined paths, paddle boating on the peaceful lake, or simply relaxing on the spacious lawns. The Cherry Blossom Festival offers cultural activities, food stalls, and photo opportunities. Children love the open spaces to play, while adults appreciate the tranquil setting for picnics or photography. The entrance fee is also affordable. The park provides a refreshing and memorable experience, making it a cherished spot for all ages.

Beijing Central Radio & TV Tower (Central TV Tower) travel guide 📍Address: No. 11 Xisanhuan Middle Road, Haidian District, Beijing (west side of Yuyuantan Park) The tower is 405 meters tall. It is a landmark high-altitude viewing 4A attraction in Beijing city, offering a 360° panoramic view of the city, perfect for watching sunsets and city nightscapes. ⏰Opening hours 8:30 AM–10:00 PM. Last entry at 9:30 PM Recommended visit duration: 1.5–3 hours ✅Best time: Enter 1 hour before sunset to experience daytime, dusk, and night views all at once. 🎫Ticket information (real-name system, ID required) · Adult all-day sightseeing ticket: 85–90 CNY (cheaper when purchased online) · Discounted tickets: 50 CNY for seniors 60 and older; 45 CNY for children 1.2–1.4 meters tall · Free admission: children under 1.2 meters · Package options: revolving restaurant buffet package (includes tower admission) Weekday lunch ≈ 258 CNY, weekend lunch ≈ 288 CNY; dinner prices are higher and include a 3-hour parking voucher Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to reduce queue time at the window. Avoid visiting on heavy fog or severe smog days due to poor visibility. 🚇Transportation guide Public transport (recommended) 1. Metro Line 10, Xidiaoyutai Station, Exit C, about a 10-minute walk 2. Metro Line 1, Gongzhufen Station, 12–15 minutes on foot 3. Bus: Hangtianqiao South Station, Yuyuantan West Gate Station, served by routes 300, Special 8, and others Driving Ground parking lot at the park, 8 CNY/hour; dining at the revolving restaurant grants 3 hours of free parking. ⚠️The West Third Ring Road is prone to congestion during evening rush hour. Try to leave early if going in the evening. 🗼Recommended sightseeing route (top-down, no backtracking) Take the high-speed elevator directly to the highest observation floor and tour downward 1. 238-meter open-air circular observation deck [main highlight] Outdoor high-altitude viewing platform with 360° panoramic views of Beijing ✅View directions: East: China Zun, CCTV Headquarters, Guomao CBD North: Bird’s Nest, Water Cube West: Yuyuantan, distant views of Western Hills South: Beijing West Railway Station Highlights: suspended glass walkway, “roar-proof” decibel speakers, free binoculars ⚠️Strong winds at high altitude, temperature is usually 3–5°C cooler than ground level year-round. Bring a light jacket. Selfie sticks are prohibited. 2. 225-meter TV culture hall (indoor observation floor) · Sky post office: buy postcards and send them with the tower’s exclusive postmark · CCTV cultural exhibition: vintage cameras, program archives · Simulated news broadcast studio to experience being a news anchor (photo experience charged separately) · Famous host handprint wall, great for history buffs and family visits 3. 221-meter revolving restaurant (optional purchase) The restaurant completes a full rotation in 90 minutes, offering Chinese and Western buffet-style meals. For window seats with views, it’s recommended to book in advance on weekends and at sunset. 4. Ground floor tower lobby Exhibits on the history of radio and television development, relief murals. Convenient to visit when entering or leaving. 📸Photo spots guide 1. Tower front plaza: ground-level spot for full tower panoramic shots 2. Southeast corner of the open-air observation deck: classic shot with China Zun and CCTV Headquarters in the frame 3. West side of the observation deck: sunset spot overlooking Yuyuantan Lake 4. External alternative: lakeside in Yuyuantan Park for tower reflection shots (no need to enter the tower) 🍜Food and drink 1. Inside the tower: revolving restaurant, observation floor café (drinks and light meals, prices are high) 2. Simple snacks at the park entrance; many dining options concentrated in the Gongzhufen commercial area 3. It’s recommended to bring your own drinking water, as prices at the tower’s small shops are high 💡Practical tips & warnings 1. Security check is mandatory. Avoid carrying large luggage and travel light. The open-air platform is windy; wear comfortable flat shoes. 2. Weekend peak hours are 5:00–8:00 PM, expect long elevator lines. To avoid crowds, visit in the morning when it opens or after 8:00 PM. 3. People afraid of heights should be cautious on the glass walkway. The open-air platform may close temporarily during high wind warnings. 4. Nearby itinerary recommendations: Half-day route: Yuyuantan Park → Central TV Tower Full-day route: Military Museum → Yuyuantan Park → Central TV Tower

Who gets it! Autumn at Yuyuantan is just too beautiful✨ Entering from the West Gate is so convenient, and tickets are only 2 yuan—just book in advance via the mini-program. I've put together a lazy-person's route so you won't waste any steps, and I've mapped out all the photo spots for you! 📍Yuyuantan Park (West Gate) 🎫Ticket: 2 yuan, book via WeChat mini-program 🚗Getting there: Take Subway Line 1 to Military Museum Station, Exit B, and walk for 12 minutes; Take the bus directly to Yuyuantan West Gate Station—you're there as soon as you get off, highly recommended! If driving, there is a parking lot at the West Gate. 📝Simplified photo route (starting from West Gate) Enter at West Gate → Sakura Shop | Fountain, swings, pumpkin harvest decor → Sakura Lawn | The koi flower art is super photogenic → Follow the east bank to the central dike, then take the south bank trail to Nanshan Guanying (South Hill Cherry Blossom Viewing) | Look for the kittens in the flower bushes → Head west to Yujian | Hanging umbrellas, wind chimes, and animal-themed flower landscaping Finally, return to the West Gate the same way or exit from the Southwest Gate 📸Golden hours for photos ✅8:00 AM–10:00 AM: Fewer people, soft and clean lighting ✅4:00 PM–5:40 PM: Warm sunset light, god-tier atmosphere ❌Avoid 11:30 AM–2:30 PM due to harsh overhead light, which can make faces look dark 💡Photo tips ▪️Fountain: Use flowers and plants as a foreground, shoot from the side, don't aim directly at the water jets ▪️Swings: Face the lake, shoot from a low angle to avoid passersby, and capture candid movement for a more natural look ▪️Pumpkin decor: Lower your camera angle and use the small pumpkins as props for great shots 👗Outfit recommendations: Creamy apricot, off-white, light coffee, or pale orange, paired with a beret and a straw bag—it matches the autumn scenery perfectly! The temperature is gradually dropping, and the autumn colors won't last long, so hurry up and plan your visit if you want to take beautiful photos! It's incredibly comfortable to take a slow stroll along the lakeside and feel the breeze. This is undoubtedly a hidden gem of a park for autumn in Beijing~

In midsummer, Yuyuantan Park reveals a quieter kind of beauty. Lotus blossoms sway gently above emerald leaves, willow branches brush the surface of the lake, and soft ripples mirror the blue sky overhead. In the distance, elegant bridges and pagodas complete the timeless scenery, while the fragrance of lotus drifts through the warm summer breeze. Here, the days seem to move a little slower. Whether walking beside the water or pausing to admire the reflections, every moment invites you to savour the calm and beauty of the season. 📍 Location: Yuyuantan Park, Beijing, China 🪷 Highlight: A peaceful lakeside park renowned for its graceful summer lotus ✨ Feature: Lotus ponds, willow-lined lakes, elegant bridges, distant pagoda views, and tranquil garden landscapes 🍃 Atmosphere: Serene, refreshing, and wonderfully poetic 📸 Best for: Lotus photography, lakeside walks, summer landscapes, and quiet moments in nature 💡 Travel Tip: Visit in the early morning when the lotus flowers are fully open and the lake is at its calmest. ✨ Signature feeling: Watching lotus blossoms bloom beneath the summer sun as the breeze carries their delicate fragrance across the water. Summer doesn't rush at Yuyuantan—it lingers gently with every lotus in bloom. 🪷🌿✨

Yuyuantan Park is located at No. 10, West Third Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing. It was officially opened to the public on January 12, 1960. Since 1990, it has been closed for ticket sales and is one of the eleven parks in Beijing. 📖 Name: Yuyuantan Park 📍 Address: No. 10, West Third Ring Road, Haidian District, Beijing 🅿️ Parking: Parking lot at the south gate ⌚️ Business hours: 6:00-21:30, no entry after 21:00 🎫 Ticket: CNY 2/person ⭐️The scenery in the park is super beautiful 🌟Tips: 1. There are many birds in Donghu (mallard, mandarin duck, diving duck...), which are very friendly, but don't feed them with biscuits or bread, they will get sick 2. There are many wild swimming enthusiasts outside the south gate, and occasionally diving

After living in Beijing for a while, many people's impression of this city stops at its grand historical sites and busy commutes🏛️. But as I wandered through the streets and alleys, I discovered that Beijing's livable happiness is hidden in the small, everyday details beyond the grand narrative. It is both a travel destination and a model of life worth immersing yourself in✨ As a travel blogger, I love to measure a city with my own footsteps🚶‍♀️. You don't have to go far on weekends; a one-hour drive can take you hiking in the Western Hills, where you can climb high and overlook the panoramic view of the capital🌄. City parks are scattered like stars; you can take a walk or snap photos at Olympic Forest Park or Yuyuantan Park at any time📸. With flowers in spring and red leaves in autumn, you can easily capture atmospheric photos! Ancient hutongs are connected to trendy shops, and old teahouses, cultural exhibitions, and museums are all over the city. You can arrange to see exhibitions at any time, seamlessly connecting ancient and modern culture. This is the spiritual richness unique to Beijing🎨 The hustle and bustle of daily life is the foundation of its livability🥟. The 15-minute convenient living circle covers the streets and alleys, with wet markets and time-honored shops hiding authentic flavors. Zhajiang noodles, baodu (quick-boiled tripe), pastries... you can discover food spots everywhere! The transportation network is well-developed, with subways reaching all parts of the city, making travel super convenient🚇. Community facilities are complete, with small repair shops and convenient canteens right at your doorstep, making life secure and stable💛 This place balances ambition and relaxation⚖️. You can feel the profound heritage of the capital and enjoy rich cultural resources, or find a quiet corner to enjoy a slow life☕. Travel is not just about checking off attractions, but about experiencing the lives of the locals. In Beijing, you can go hiking and roaming in the mountains and rivers, or dive into the city streets to feel the warmth of human life🌆 The most surprising thing was seeing a lady quietly standing in front of an exhibit in a museum. That immersed expression is the best footnote to the city's cultural heritage🏛️ Prosperity and tranquility coexist, and ancient charm blends with modern trends🌈. This is the livable charm of Beijing—grand but not cold, profound yet full of warmth. Once you've been here, you'll understand this unique sense of happiness~