Grand Canal Forest Park Beijing
A vast urban oasis blending historical waterways with modern recreation, offering green spaces, running trails, and water sports.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh air
Grand Canal Forest Park Beijing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast urban oasis blending historical waterways with modern recreation, offering green spaces, running trails, and water sports.
"Escape the city bustle with a blend of history, nature, and active fun at Grand Canal Forest Park!"
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Pack your most comfortable shoes for exploring the vast park.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Snack Up
Bring your own water and snacks, especially for longer visits, as options inside can be limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Canal Waterways
Various points along the canal
Explore the historic Grand Canal, a vital artery of ancient China, now a scenic waterway.
Olympic Forest Park
Northern section
A vast green lung offering hiking trails, sports facilities, and a refreshing escape.
Liangma River Waterfront
Southern section
Enjoy modern waterfront activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Pack your most comfortable shoes for exploring the vast park.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Snack Up
Bring your own water and snacks, especially for longer visits, as options inside can be limited.
🛶 Water Sports Fun
Check out the Liangma River for paddleboarding and kayaking if you're looking for active fun.
🏃♀️ Runner's Paradise
Serious runners can find dedicated trails and even track their times.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Pack your most comfortable shoes for exploring the vast park.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Snack Up
Bring your own water and snacks, especially for longer visits, as options inside can be limited.
🛶 Water Sports Fun
Check out the Liangma River for paddleboarding and kayaking if you're looking for active fun.
🏃♀️ Runner's Paradise
Serious runners can find dedicated trails and even track their times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Grand Canal Forest Park for its expansive green spaces, historical significance, and diverse recreational activities. The park offers a refreshing escape from the city, with highlights including the ancient Grand Canal and modern water sports on the Liangma River. Some find the park can get crowded on weekends, and amenities can be spread out.
"Although not well known, Dayunhe Forest Park is located where the Grand Canal enters Beijing and is a National Park. The park features cycle and walking paths on both sides of the river and is excellently maintained. Owing to the huge size of the park, the visitors are well spread out so it is not crowded. As the Grand Canal is now used to bring drinking water to Beijing, the water quality in the river is excellent and there is a large quantity of fish and water birds. I really enjoyed spending the day cycling at this park as it was easy to escape from the crowds and get lost in nature, something that it is not possible to do at most of Beijing’s more famous parks."
Aileen Kearney
"The air, water, trees and the whole environment is so wonderful for riding and wandering"
KK Leon
"Beautiful place for recreation and suitable for whole family."
Khek Ming Tong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible by subway. Take Line 8 to Forest Park South Station or Forest Park North Station, depending on which section you wish to visit. Buses also serve the area, with several routes stopping near the park entrances.
Yes, there are parking lots available within and around the park. However, during peak times, parking can fill up quickly, so public transport is often recommended.
Cycling is a popular way to reach the park, and there are bike paths leading to it. You can also find bike-sharing stations nearby.
Exit B of Forest Park subway station is a convenient starting point for exploring the Olympic Forest Park area.
The park is quite large, but well-signposted. Using a navigation app on your phone is helpful for finding specific areas like the Liangma River.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main areas of Grand Canal Forest Park, including the Olympic Forest Park section, is generally free.
While park entry is free, some activities like paddleboarding or kayaking on the Liangma River may have rental fees.
The park is typically open year-round from early morning until late evening. Specific hours can vary slightly by season, so it's good to check locally.
Regulations regarding pets can vary. It's advisable to check the park's official guidelines or local regulations before bringing a pet.
The Grand Canal section is part of the larger park and is generally free to access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking, running, cycling, picnicking, and exploring the historic Grand Canal. The Liangma River offers water sports like paddleboarding. +2
Yes, it's a great place for families with plenty of open space for kids to play, walking paths, and scenic views.
There are some kiosks and small eateries within the park, particularly near popular areas. However, bringing your own food and drinks is recommended for more options.
The park offers restrooms, running stations with water fountains, and some rest areas.
To fully enjoy the park, especially the Olympic Forest Park section, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you plan on water sports or extensive exploration, consider half a day.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic Grand Canal itself offers picturesque views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Olympic Forest Park has scenic trails and open spaces. The Liangma River waterfront provides a modern backdrop.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow.
Drone usage is often restricted in public parks in Beijing. It's best to check the latest park regulations or local laws before flying a drone.
Nature photography, landscape shots of the canal, and lifestyle photos capturing people enjoying the park activities are common. +1
For professional photoshoots, you might need to obtain special permits. It's advisable to inquire with park management beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a bit of adventure, the Liangma River area offers a unique experience with paddleboarding and kayaking, which older children might enjoy with supervision.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
The Liangma River provides an alternative for water-based fitness, with opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Nature Lovers
Complementing the historical aspect, the Olympic Forest Park provides a vast natural landscape. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers to enjoy birdwatching, admire the flora, and simply immerse themselves in a tranquil green environment. The blend of historical significance and natural beauty makes the park a unique destination for diverse interests.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Grand Canal
Visitors can appreciate the engineering marvel of the canal and its enduring legacy. While the park is a modern recreational space, the presence of the canal grounds it in history. It’s a place where nature and heritage intertwine, offering a unique experience that goes beyond a typical city park. The serene atmosphere here is a stark contrast to the bustling city, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful escape.
Active Pursuits at Liangma River
Beyond paddle sports, the area is designed for relaxation and social gatherings. You can find spots to chill on inflatable sofas, enjoy drinks and snacks, making it an ideal place for friends to gather. This modern development highlights Beijing's commitment to enhancing urban green spaces and offering diverse recreational opportunities for both locals and international visitors. It’s a testament to how historical waterways can be revitalized for contemporary enjoyment.
Olympic Forest Park: A Green Oasis
Dominic, a local explorer, highlights the park's accessibility via the subway, making it an easy escape from the urban hustle. He points out the dedicated running stations and even a QR code for serious runners to track their performance, showcasing the park's commitment to fitness. With its extensive trails, the park is perfect for a morning jog, a leisurely walk, or a family picnic, providing a much-needed breath of fresh air and a connection to the natural environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit