1. Badachu Park
Badachu Park is a peaceful 4A-level scenic area located at the foothills of Beijing’s Western Hills. It is named after eight well-preserved ancient Buddhist temples scattered across its forested mountains. With extremely high forest coverage, the park features fresh mountain air, quiet stone hiking trails and charming seasonal scenery. Lingguang Temple, the most famous temple here, houses precious cultural relics. Visitors can enjoy casual hiking, explore ancient temple architecture, or take a cable car and mountain slide to overlook the entire western Beijing suburb.
2. China National Botanical Garden
China National Botanical Garden, situated in Haidian District, is the largest comprehensive botanical garden in Beijing. It is divided into the North Garden and South Garden, collecting thousands of domestic and exotic plant species. The garden features lush woods, themed flower fields, tranquil lakes and professional greenhouse exhibitions. It also contains the historic Wofo Temple with ancient cultural heritage. It is an ideal place for nature appreciation, leisure walking and popular science sightseeing, offering a quiet natural retreat away from urban noise.
3. Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace)
Yuanmingyuan, once known as the “Garden of Gardens”, was a magnificent imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty. Destroyed in 1860, it now serves as a historic ruin park with profound educational significance. The well-preserved Western-style building ruins and zodiac fountain relics record the vicissitudes of history. In addition to historical sites, the park boasts vast lotus lakes, winding waterways and dense greenery, perfectly combining solemn historical atmosphere and elegant natural waterside scenery.
4. Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
The Summer Palace is a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved royal garden in China. Built in the Qing Dynasty, it centers on Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. It features classic imperial landscapes, including the iconic Long Corridor, Tower of Buddhist Incense and Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Integrating hills, lakes, pavilions and corridors, it fully represents the exquisite craftsmanship and unique aesthetic of traditional Chinese classical garden art.
