As Winter Hits, These Parks Are Taking a Break
Last weekend the first snow of the year descended on Beijing, decidedly plunging the city into a long, cold winter. For outdoor enthusiasts, this can only mean one thing... forests, parks, and recreational areas are officially closed for the season. To save you the trouble of making the trek only to be turned away at the gate, we've put together a list of the sites that are, effectively, hibernating. Stay with us until the end though, and we'll share two spots that won't be closing. See, it's not all doom and gloom.
百里山水画廊 Baili Landscape Painting Gallery
Located in Yanqing district, approximately 110 km north of downtown Beijing, Baili Landscape Painting Gallery has been nominated as one of the “Top 10 Best Road Trip Routes” and “Top 10 Most Beautiful Roads in Beijing’s Countryside.” It is a rare sight to enjoy in Beijing, especially during autumn when the colorful ridges intertwine with their reflections in the river. The park will reopen on Mar 31, eager to welcome visitors with fresh flower buds ready to bloom.
Winter Break Period: Nov 16, 2020 to Mar 31, 2021
Tele: 60188022
Address: Qianjiadianzhen in the northeast part of Yanqing District
青龙峡景区 Qinglongxia Tourism Holiday Resort
For hikers and photographers alike, Qinglongxia is worth a visit given that it's one of the few spots where you can frame the iconic Great Wall, large reservoir lake, and, on a clear day, its waterfall in one shot. Various entertainment and sports facilities are available in the park, not to mention plenty of accommodation and cool breezes, making it a perfect getaway during summer weekends.
Winter Break Period: Nov 16, 2020 to Feb 28, 2021
Tele: 89696781
Address: 500 meters north from Dashuiyucun in Huairou District
翠湖国家湿地公园 Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park
As the only certified national wetland park in Beijing, visitors get to enjoy an immersive experience complete with diverse ecologic systems and aquatic plant viewing areas, bird viewing towers, and a butterfly valley. Incidentally, the park closes during winter to assure that migratory birds won’t be disturbed during their migrating and mating season and to preserve the vulnerable flora and fauna in the wetland.
Winter Break Period: Nov 1, 2020 to Mar 31, 2021
Tele: 62486799
Address: Cuihu North Road, Shangzhuangzhen, Haidian District
龙庆峡风景区 Longqingxia Scenic Area
Unlike other parks, you don’t have to wait till the spring for Longqingxia Scenic Area to reopen, since its winding river and lake will be turned into a frozen palace for curious visitors to admire in mid-January. For the last three decades, the Ice Lantern Festival has been a favorite wintertime pastime for Beijing residents, featuring a natural frozen waterfall that serves as a picturesque backdrop for vibrant, dazzling crystal ice sculptures, and an altogether unique winter experience.
Winter Break Period: Nov 16, 2020 to mid-January 2021
Tele: 69191020
Address: Guchengcun, Jiuxianzhen, Yanqing District
蟒山国家森林公园 Mangshan Mountain National Forest Park
The largest national forest park in town got its name 蟒山 mǎng shān Boa mountain due to its serpentine ridgelines. With diverse vegetation and plenty of hiking trails to explore, it's a beautiful, serene little pocket of suburban Beijing. According to the official Changping District account, this year, Mangshan Mountain National Forest Park will be closed on Dec 1 to prevent winter forest fires and conduct road maintenance, meaning you still have one weekend left to get up there! The reopening date is still TBD, however.
Winter Break Period: Dec 1, 2020 to TBD
Tele: 61770592
Address: No 2. Mangshan Road, Changping District
Major parks that will stay open through the cold
云蒙山国家森林公园 Yunmengshan National Forest Park
Yunmengshan is also frequently referred to as 云梦山 yún mèng shān the Cloud Dream Mountain or 小黄山 xiǎo huángshān the Little Yellow Mountain for its steep cliffs, breathtaking sea of clouds, and mysterious grottoes. Currently, the park has no plan to close during the winter, but certain hiking trails may be closed contingent upon the weather. Make sure you call ahead to confirm your itinerary for the day.
Tele: 61016289
Address: Shichengzhen, Miyun District
大觉寺 Dajue Temple
The history of this temple dates back to 1086 and itss home to ginkgo and magnolia trees that are more than 1,000 years old. Even if you miss ginkgo season, however, it's still a privilege to sip on freshly boiled tea and observe the snow accumulating on the roof of this time-honored temple while rubbing the belly of cats fed by the local monks. All in all, it's the perfect way to leave behind the daily grind and bliss out in a peaceful zen garden.
Tele: 62456163
Address: No. 9 Dajue Temple Road, Sujiatuozhen, Haidian District
Read: 10 Essential Chinese Travel Phrases to Learn This Winter
Images: Visit Beijing, 17qq, Event51, Qunar, Zhihu, Bendibao, Qinglongxia
