Lovely Weather for a (Free!) Walk in the Park This CNY

Warm weather is on its way, and just in time for the holiday, with temperatures expected to rise in Beijing through the week, giving us a (much) anticipated high of 15 degrees Celsius by tomorrow, Feb 10.

In fact, it's unseasonably warm, at least in northern China. (Southern China, meanwhile, has not been having as toasty a time as they're still plagued with near-freezing temperatures). Even though we are quickly approaching the Spring Festival, it does seem like we're finding ourselves in the thick of spring a bit early this year. To add evidence to this hunch, consider that the temperatures of the first part of February have been the hottest Beijing has seen in a decade during the same time period, topped only by an early warmth in 2010.

However, humidity has not joined the warmth, and we’re still stuck with the dryness of winter – so carry a bottle of water if you go out for a walk, run, or bike ride.

The point is, the weather is expected to be nice enough for a lovely walk in the park, which is especially good news considering that several major parks are opening their gates and waving fees all together over the break.

The following parks will be free to enter from Feb 11-17, but may require real-name registration, so bring your passport or ID!

Summer Palace

What to see:

Take a stroll across the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, a lengthy passageway to the Nanhu Isle, with a heck of a view of Kunming Lake along the way.

Temple of Heaven

What to see:

Extraordinary architecture is all around the temple park, from the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests to the Imperial Vault of Heaven.

Beihai Park

What to see:

Be sure to check out the Nine Dragons Wall, the most famous of its kind in all of China, as well as the picturesque Yueguelou building.

Zhongshan Park

What to see:

Historical altars abound in Zhongshan Park but also be sure to catch the greenhouse that displays flowers year-round.

Fragrant Hills

What to see:

Though the usual time to visit Fragrant Hills is in autumn, a visit over Spring Festival will still allow you to catch a view from the Shuangqing Villa and to check out the Fragrant Hills Pagoda.

Jingshan Park

What to see:

In addition to iconic views of the Forbidden City from above, you can also make your way around to the five pavilions scattered throughout the park.

Botanical Garden

What to see:

Though numerous plants are to be seen in the outdoor gardens, the hothouse exhibition is a must-see, with three rooms dedicated to evergreens and palm trees, aquatic plant life, and commercial plants such as rubber, cocoa, and coffee beans.

Beijing Zoo

What to see:

Um, hello? Go see the pandas, of course! Along with the other 490+ types of animals at the zoo.

Taoranting Park

What to see:

This is a fine park for couples to visit, as it hosts the tomb of famed lovers, Gao Junyu and the Marxist writer, Shi Pingmei.

Yuyuantan Park

What to see:

Take a walk around the sizable Deep Jade Pond as the CCTV Radio and TV Tower overhangs your view.

Additional research by Maria Yao

READ: Stickin' Around: Staycations for Chinese New Year

Images: Mafengwo, Sohu, Tripadviser, Wikimedia, Qianggenwang, Jingshan Park, Shop Beijing, Lvmama