Three Places to Hike in Beijing This Spring

Irene Li, Associate Editor | Apr 2, 2022 1:59 pm | Add a comment | 532 reads

Spring is just about here in Beijing. For those looking to see the beauty of the season, we've picked a few places that aren't too well traveled that are great to take a trip out to see.

Old Summer Palace

Most people living in Beijing have heard of Summer palace. The old summer palace, an imperial garden and residence built in Qing dynasty, is a bit less traveled to, but it is historically significant, having been burned to the ground by invading foreign forces during the Second Opium War. Though little of the original palace remains, its easy to fall in love with it. I love to stroll around the exterior of the pavilion and to look at the ruins and to let my imagination run wild, trying to envision how glorious this place once was.

Beijing Botanical Garden

If you want to be embraces by blooming flowers and an abundance of and calm, clear lakes, this is the place to get your fix. The botanical garden boasts 8000 different tropical and sub-tropical flowers. There are also lots of trails for walking or a bit of running to let that spring air really hit the lungs. Now that spring has sprung, this is your chance to take pictures with tulips in full bloom to impress everyone in your WeChat moments!

Jiangfu Park

If you're eager to find a park that's not inundated with too much foot traffic, this place is a must-visit. The park features a lake where you will be able to spot some ducks and gold fish. It also features an old railway track that's a favorite photo op for people getting their wedding photos taken.