Row Row Row Your Chuan: The Best Places to Go Boating in Beijing

There’s a lot to be said for messing about in boats, and simply drifting lazily on a lake. Boating season in Beijing is now upon us, and many of the boating lakes around the city (mostly located in Xicheng and Haidian districts) have been open since Mar 16.

We’ve rounded up some of Beijing’s best boating options for you to enjoy! We advise to bring cash with you since some of the parks only accept cash for deposit payments.

Please note that we cannot guarantee the complete accuracy of the prices listed below, as there is a variety of boating options.

Tuanjiehu Park

Located just down the road from Sanlitun, Tuanjiehu Park is a great option if you fancy a bit of boating after doing a bit of shopping in Taikooli or perhaps after having brunch there. Compared to some of the other spots on this list it's a bit smaller, however also tends to be less busy. 

RMB 60 per hour for 4-person pedalos, RMB 100 per hour for 4-person electric boats, RMB 120 per hour for 4-person animal electric boats, RMB 120 per hour for 5-person electric boats, RMB 130 for 6-person electric boat plus RMB 300 deposit for all boats.  Daily 8:30am-6pm.
Park Entry: Free

Beihai Park

This centrally-located scenic park is home to a lake that covers an area of around 390 square meters, and surrounds its iconic white tower. The park has over 460 boats for rental, including electric and pedalos, at seven terminals scattered in the park. Professional boatmen are also on-site to offer boating services.

Note for foreigners if you enter from the south gate you need to book a ticket one day in advance to enter, so unless you've planned ahead enter through one of the other entrances.

RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 400 (pedalos)/ RMB 500 (electric boats) for deposit. Daily 6.30am-9pm. 
Park Entry: RMB 10

Houhai

Tucked into one of the city's most famous hutong areas, the artificial lake of Houhai still retains its charm and liveliness nearly 700 years since it was built, and attracts those who fancy a leisurely afternoon out, thanks to its beautiful scenery, the various entertainment it provides, and the wide option of bars and restaurants nearby.

RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 200 as the deposit. Daily 10am-8pm.
Park Entry: N/A

Olympic Park

For something, a bit different Olympic Park offers kayaking on its waterways. But be forewarned, this form of boating is bound to be more of a workout than a relaxing day on the lake. But of course, that goes along with the park's Olympic spirit. 

RMB 150 per hour for a single-person craft, RMB 200 for a double craft.
Park Entry: Free

Taoranting Park

Taoranting Park hosts Taoran Pavilion, one of the top four pavilions in China. There are two separate spots in the park that allow boating, with over 200 boats including pedalos, electric and rowing boats. The vintage boats in the west terminal, however, are the most eye-catching and popular.

RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 300 for deposit. Daily 6am-9.30pm.
Park Entry: RMB 2

Yuyuantan Park

Yuyuantan Park is one of the greenest parks in the city and home to a wide range of beautiful cherry blossom trees. The bank along the lake is heavily planted with photogenic trees, offering a great blossom fix while you drift around on the lake. The park has over 700 boats to choose from, including pedalos and electric boats.

RMB 80 per hour plus RMB 200 as the deposit for 4-person pedalos; RMB 100 per hour plus RMB 300 deposit for 6-person pedalos; RMB 150/180 per hour plus RMB 300/400 deposit for 6-person electric boats; RMB 100/130/150 per hour plus RMB 300/400 deposit for 4-person electric boats. Daily 6.30am-7pm.
Park Entry: RMB 2 (RMB 10 during blossom season late Mar - end of Apr)

Summer Palace

The beautiful traditional royal garden, numerous pavilions, and ancient temples make the Summer Palace a great place to visit all year round. Kunming Lake covers an area of 2.2 square kilometers, which is five times as large as Beihai, and is one of the most popular skating places in winter, and boating places in summer. Pedalos, rowboats, and electric boats are all available.

RMB 60 per hour for 4-person pedalos, RMB 80 per hour for 6-person pedalos, RMB 120 per hour for row boats, RMB 120 per hour for normal electric boats, RMB 180 per hour for antique-style electric boats. RMB 400 deposit for padelos, rowboats and electric boats, and RMB 500 deposit for the antique-style electric boats. Daily 7am-5pm.
Park Entry: RMB 30

Zizhuyuan Park

Located next to Xizhimen, Zizhuyuan (also callled Purple Bamboo Park) is known as “the heaven of bamboos” with pavilions, bridges, and traditional buildings that are all built from bamboo. Entertainments such as bamboo sedan-sitting and diabolo playing, as well as bamboo-made crafts, add extra charm to this long-standing park. Pedalos and electric boats are available.

RMB 80-100 per hour, plus RMB 300 for deposit. Daily 6am-9pm.
Park Entry: Free

READ: Reality Check: Don’t Get Stranded Abroad This Summer

Photos: Unsplash, Beijing.com, Mafengwo.cn