Step into Beijing’s sprawling green heart, the Olympic Forest Park, a magnificent urban oasis that serves as the city’s vital “green lung”. Located in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, this expansive park covers an impressive 680 hectares , offering a refreshing escape from the urban bustle. Recognized as a National AAAAA-level tourist attraction , it promises a high-quality experience for all visitors.
Accessing this natural haven is straightforward. Entry to the park is completely free , making it an accessible public amenity for everyone. The park operates on a seasonal schedule: from March 15 to November 15 (peak season), it welcomes visitors from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the park cleared by 10:00 PM. During the off-peak season, from November 16 to March 14, hours are from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with the park cleared by 9:00 PM. To reach the park conveniently, the most recommended option is Beijing Metro Line 8, disembarking at Olympic Forest Park South Gate Station (森林公园南门站) and using Exit D.
Must-See Sights & Activities
The Olympic Forest Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, catering to diverse interests.
Nature’s Masterpieces: The park is home to “仰山” (Yangshan) and “奥海” (Aohai), its central mountain and water features that create a harmonious landscape. Explore the expansive artificial wetlands, covering 4.7 hectares, one of Beijing’s largest man-made wetlands. Here, tranquil walks can be enjoyed amidst diverse aquatic plants like lotus and reeds, where wild ducks and water birds often frolic. Don’t miss the “花田野趣” (Flower Field Wild Fun), a scenic area renowned for its seasonal beauty. In summer, from late June to late July, it bursts with 24 varieties of sunflowers, making it the city’s largest sunflower viewing area. In autumn, the vibrant Pink Muhly Grass creates a stunning spectacle.
Active Adventures: For fitness enthusiasts, the park offers dedicated plastic running tracks of 3km, 5km, and 10km, popular among local runners. The vastness of the park also makes it ideal for cycling; bikes, including tandem bikes for couples, are available for rent at 80-100 RMB for an hour. Leisurely boat rides on Aohai provide a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery and observe schools of koi fish. The extensive lawns are perfect for picnicking and setting up tents, offering ample space for relaxation. For those seeking a more relaxed tour, electric sightseeing cars are available, particularly favored by families or elderly visitors.
Art & Architecture: While exploring, visitors may encounter the unique Forest Art Center, nestled within the South Park’s eastern native forest. Its distinct design blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering a space where architecture, art, and nature converge. Various Olympic sculptures are also dotted throughout the park, serving as artistic reminders of its legacy.
Unveiling Olympic Forest Park’s Hidden Charms & Local Secrets
Whispers from the Past: Unofficial Histories & Legends
Beyond its modern facade, the Olympic Forest Park holds subtle echoes of history and fascinating design philosophies. One intriguing aspect is the park’s water system, which is not merely functional but is imbued with geomantic significance. Designed to represent a “dragon,” its body gracefully winds through the park, its “mouth” facing the Qinghe River, and its “tail” encircling the National Stadium. This clever design subtly aligns with traditional Chinese concepts of geomancy (Feng Shui) and pays homage to the sacred dragon totem, transforming a simple water feature into a powerful cultural symbol.
Even the names of certain landmarks carry poetic weight. “朝花台” (Chaohua Terrace) and “夕拾台” (Xishi Terrace), located on the east and west sides of Yangshan’s peak, respectively, are named after Lu Xun’s renowned essay collection Zhaohua Xishi (朝花夕拾). The names evoke the beautiful imagery of “picking flowers with morning dew, their fragrance still lingering at sunset,” inviting visitors to enjoy the park’s sunrises and sunsets from these scenic vantage points. This literary connection subtly weaves Chinese cultural heritage into the park’s fabric.
Perhaps the most unexpected historical tidbit lies in the park’s grounds: the intriguing, almost forgotten site of an imperial tomb. Originally located northeast of Zhaohui’s tomb within the park’s current boundaries, this was the joint burial place of Princess Heshuo Heke, the ninth daughter of the Qianlong Emperor, and her husband Zhalantai. Princess Heshuo Heke married Zhalantai in 1772 and passed away in 1780, with Zhalantai following in 1788. Their shared tomb, however, met an unfortunate fate, being looted and destroyed in the 1930s. This adds a layer of unexpected historical mystery, a whisper of a bygone era beneath the modern landscape.
A Day in the Life: Local Stories & Unique Experiences
The Olympic Forest Park is more than just a green space; it’s a vibrant stage for the daily lives and personal stories of Beijingers, offering international travelers an authentic glimpse into local culture.
The Runner’s Sanctuary: For many locals, the park is a profound sanctuary for physical and mental well-being. It’s a place where personal transformations unfold and stress dissipates. Stories abound of individuals like Sophia, who, despite struggling with running elsewhere, found the park “magical” and successfully completed her first 5km and 10km runs there. Similarly, Qingyuan, a financial professional, describes her journey from poor health to running a 5km in 28 minutes as a “transformation into a ‘goddess’,” viewing her runs as a form of self-competition and a way to break through personal barriers. The inspiring quote found at the 5.5km mark of the running path, “We cannot surpass time, but we can definitely surpass yesterday’s self” , encapsulates the spirit of perseverance many find here. For many, the park serves as an “emergency exit” from the pressures of busy urban life , offering a space for relaxation, contemplation, and “passive movement” during demanding work periods. The park also fosters a strong sense of community, evident in the numerous running clubs and team-building activities that frequently take place.
Nature’s Classroom & Remedy for “Nature Deficit Disorder”: The park plays a crucial role in connecting urban dwellers, especially children, with nature. Families, such as Li Yi’s, a freelancer, choose to reside near the park specifically for its child-friendly environment, where children can “run freely” and “contact flowers and plants”. It functions as an informal outdoor classroom, hosting kindergarten expansion activities and nature classes that teach children practical skills like water purification, pH measurement, and plant identification. The park also offers unexpected discoveries; Li Yi recounted an intriguing encounter after a rainstorm where she and her daughter saw a middle-aged man with a bucket full of white mushrooms he had foraged. This anecdote beautifully illustrates that for those with biological knowledge, the park truly is a “forest” offering unique and different experiences.
A Backdrop for Life’s Milestones: The Olympic Forest Park has become a cherished backdrop for commemorating life’s special moments. It’s a popular photography hub, attracting cosplayers like Liang Na, who travels two hours from Fangshan for photos amidst the park’s cosmos, sunflowers, ginkgo, and reeds, highlighting its diverse natural backdrops. The park also witnesses more intimate milestones. Xiangwang, a book editor, chose a beautiful tree by a lake for his first wedding anniversary photos with his wife, envisioning a tradition of returning annually to document their journey of growing old together. These personal stories underscore the park’s deep significance in the lives of Beijingers, making it a living, breathing part of the city’s fabric.
Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
To make the most of your visit to the Olympic Forest Park, consider these insider tips:
Best Seasonal Timings: For a vibrant floral display, plan your visit from late June to July to witness the sunflowers in full bloom. Autumn transforms the park into a golden wonderland with ginkgo trees and the unique Pink Muhly Grass , offering spectacular photo opportunities.
Navigating the Vast Park: Given its immense size, renting a bicycle or taking an electric sightseeing car is highly recommended, especially if you have limited time or prefer a less strenuous exploration.
Engaging with Locals: Take time to observe the daily routines of Beijingers. Join in a run, enjoy a picnic on the lawns, or simply watch families and friends engaging in their leisure activities to gain an authentic glimpse into local life.
Suggestions for Extending the Visit: For a comprehensive Olympic experience, consider visiting nearby iconic venues like the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), which are just a short distance away.