Zizhuyuan Park is located at Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, adjacent to the National Library of China in the north and Beijing Institute of Technology in the east. It is a comprehensive municipal park in Beijing and a national 4A-level scenic area. The park covers an area of approximately 47.35 hectares, including a water area of about 15.89 hectares, green space of about 26.94 hectares, and a green coverage rate of over 90%.
The park features bamboo culture and water scenery, integrating sightseeing, recreation, science education, and entertainment. With over 100 species of bamboo, approximately 100,000 plants, it forms the largest bamboo landscape garden in North China. The park is divided into four major areas: Bamboo Culture Exhibition Area, Natural Ecology Area, Entertainment Activity Area, and Service Management Area, boasting more than 30 attractions and recreational facilities such as Fuyin Purple Bamboo Courtyard, Moonlight Island, and Yuanhua Pavilion. It is an important leisure destination for Beijing residents.
History and Culture
The history of Zizhuyuan Park dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. During the Ming Dynasty, this area was a tributary of the Gaoliang River, with reeds lining the banks and lotuses blooming in the water, earning it the reputation of a "water town in western Beijing." In the Qing Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, a royal palace was built here for the emperor's southern inspections. However, it was destroyed during the invasion of the Anglo-French Allied Forces.
During the Republic of China era, the area gradually fell into disrepair and became a reed marsh. After the founding of New China, in 1953, the Beijing Municipal Government began to renovate this area to improve the urban environment. They dug lakes, planted trees, especially a large number of bamboo species, and gradually built a park featuring bamboo landscapes. In 1954, the park was initially completed and opened to the public, named "Zizhuyuan Park."
In the 1980s, the park underwent a large-scale expansion and renovation, adding many new attractions and facilities to further enhance its bamboo culture display and leisure entertainment functions. Today, Zizhuyuan Park has become an important window to showcase Beijing's bamboo culture, attracting numerous tourists every year.
Main Attractions
Fuyin Purple Bamboo Courtyard
Located in the northwest of the park, it is one of the core attractions. Originally part of the Qing Dynasty royal palace, the existing buildings were reconstructed on the original site in 1992, including the mountain gate, main hall, and side halls, with an elegant and ancient architectural style. The courtyard is planted with various rare bamboo species, offering a quiet environment for visitors to appreciate bamboo scenery and learn about bamboo culture.
Moonlight Island
Situated in the central water area of the park, it is a small island covering about 1 hectare, surrounded by water on all sides. The island is shaded by green trees and bamboo, with scenic buildings such as the Moon-viewing Pavilion and Moon-walking Corridor. Visitors can reach the island via a winding bridge to enjoy the lake view and bamboo shadows, experiencing the artistic conception of "the bright moon shining on bamboo shadows."
Yuanhua Pavilion
Located in the east of the park, it is an antique pavilion with a unique design. The pavilion is surrounded by ornamental bamboo, and stone tables and benches are provided inside for visitors to rest and chat. It is an excellent spot in the park for appreciating bamboo scenery and photography, especially at sunset when the bamboo shadows and the pavilion create a charming contrast.
Green Bamboo Mist
Located in the south of the park, it is a bamboo-themed scenic area. More than 20 species of bamboo, including mottled bamboo, purple bamboo, and golden-inlaid jade bamboo, form a dense bamboo forest. When misty rain falls, the bamboo forest is shrouded in a veil of mist, resembling an ink painting, hence the name "Green Bamboo Mist."
South of the Yangtze River Bamboo Charm
Located in the northeast of the park, it is built in the style of a southern Chinese garden, covering an area of about 2 hectares. The area features small bridges over flowing water, pavilions, and terraces, combined with various southern bamboo species such as filial piety bamboo and tea-stem bamboo, creating the artistic conception of a "water town in the south of the Yangtze River" and allowing visitors to experience the bamboo charm of the south in the north.
Deep Bamboo and Tranquil Lotus
Located in the northwest water area of the park, it is a scenic area where bamboo and lotus coexist. The water area is planted with a large number of lotus flowers, and tall moso bamboo is planted along the shore, forming a unique landscape of "deep bamboo and tranquil lotus." When the lotus flowers bloom in summer, the bamboo shadows and lotus fragrance create a pleasant scenery, making it a summer resort in the park.
Purple Bamboo Fishing
Located in the western water area of the park, it is a dedicated area for fishing enthusiasts. Covering about 3 hectares, the water is clear with abundant fish resources, mainly including crucian carp, carp, and grass carp. Visitors can enjoy the fun of fishing here, experiencing the artistic conception of "an old fisherman in a lonely boat, fishing in the cold river snow."
Children's Playground
Located in the southeast of the park, it is an entertainment area designed specifically for children, covering about 1.5 hectares. The playground is equipped with more than 20 kinds of amusement facilities such as carousels, small trains, and trampolines, as well as parent-child interaction areas like sand pits and climbing frames, making it a great place for parents to bring their children.
Food
Snacks in the Park
There are several snack stands in the park, mainly selling common snacks such as grilled sausages, ice creams, and cotton candies, priced between 5 and 15 yuan. In addition, there are beverage stalls offering mineral water, cola, juice, etc., with prices similar to the market, providing convenience for visitors to replenish energy at any time.
Surrounding Food
The area around the park offers a rich variety of food. Near the east gate of the park, there is the "Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant," specializing in Sichuan and Beijing cuisine. Recommended dishes include Dongpo Pork Knuckle and Kung Pao Chicken, with an average consumption of about 80 yuan per person. Opposite the south gate is "Wei's Cold Noodles," offering Shaanxi snacks such as cold noodles, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and rice noodles, with an average consumption of about 20 yuan, suitable for a quick meal.
Near the west gate of the park, there is a "Old Beijing Zhajiangmian Restaurant" specializing in traditional Beijing cuisine such as zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) and lu zhuhuoshao (stewed pig offal), priced at 15 yuan per bowl for zhajiangmian and 25 yuan per serving for lu zhuhuoshao, making it a good choice to taste Beijing snacks. In addition, there are fast-food brands such as McDonald's and KFC, as well as various cafes and dessert shops, meeting the diverse tastes of different visitors.
Admission Tickets
The park is free of charge. However, some amusement facilities inside the park, such as the Children's Playground and boat rentals, require separate fees.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "紫竹院公园" to get the latest updates.
Opening Hours
The park is open all year round from 6:00 to 21:00, with the ticket office closing at 20:30. The opening hours of some attractions and amusement facilities inside the park may be adjusted according to seasons and actual situations. Please refer to the announcements inside the park for specific details.
Tour Routes
Bamboo Culture Exploration Route
Enter through the east gate of the park. First, visit "Fuyin Purple Bamboo Courtyard" to learn about the history of bamboo culture. Then proceed to "Green Bamboo Mist" to appreciate various bamboo sceneries. Next, go to "South of the Yangtze River Bamboo Charm" to experience the bamboo charm of the south. Then, head to "Deep Bamboo and Tranquil Lotus" to enjoy the coexistence of bamboo and lotus. Finally, exit through the west gate. This route provides a comprehensive understanding of the park's bamboo culture features.
Leisure Sightseeing Route
Enter through the south gate. Start by visiting the "Children's Playground." Then go to "Moonlight Island" in the central water area to enjoy the lake view. Next, rest and enjoy the scenery at "Yuanhua Pavilion." Then, experience the fun of fishing in the "Purple Bamboo Fishing" area. Finally, exit through the north gate. This route is suitable for family leisure and sightseeing.
Photography Route
Enter through the west gate. First, go to "Green Bamboo Mist" to photograph the bamboo scenery in the mist. Then, proceed to "Deep Bamboo and Tranquil Lotus" to capture the interaction between bamboo and lotus. Next, go to "Moonlight Island" to photograph the lake and bamboo shadows. Then, capture the bamboo shadows and pavilion at sunset at "Yuanhua Pavilion." Finally, exit through the east gate. This route allows you to photograph the most distinctive landscapes in the park.
Transportation
- Bus: You can take buses No. 87, 114, 334, 347, 360, 362, 534, 563, 608, 634, 689, 714, Special Line 10, or Yuntong Line 104 and get off at Zizhuyuan Park Station.
- Subway: Take Subway Line 4 to National Library Station and exit from Exit D. It's about a 10-minute walk to the park. Alternatively, take Subway Line 9 to National Library Station and transfer to Line 4.
- Self-driving: There are several parking lots around the park, such as the Zizhuyuan Park Parking Lot and the National Library Parking Lot, with a parking fee of about 10 yuan per hour. However, parking spaces are limited, so green travel is recommended.
Must-visit Attractions
- Fuyin Purple Bamboo Courtyard: The core attraction of the park, a relic of the Qing Dynasty royal palace. The reconstructed ancient buildings and rare bamboo species complement each other, making it an important place to understand the history of bamboo culture.
- Moonlight Island: A small island in the central water area, surrounded by green trees and bamboo. Buildings such as the Moon-viewing Pavilion and Moon-walking Corridor add to its beauty, creating a serene and picturesque environment.
- Green Bamboo Mist: A bamboo-themed scenic area where over 20 species of bamboo form a dense forest. In the misty rain, it resembles an ink painting, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
- Deep Bamboo and Tranquil Lotus: The Bamboo-Lotus Symbiotic Landscape Area, where bamboo and lotus coexist, becomes a perfect summer resort and scenic spot when lotuses are in full bloom. The swaying bamboo shadows and fragrant lotus flowers create a pleasant and refreshing view, ideal for escaping the heat and enjoying natural beauty.
Tour Tips
- Best time to visit: In spring (April - May), the bamboo is fresh and green; in summer (June - August), the lotus flowers are in bloom; in autumn (September - October), the bamboo scenery is serene; in winter (November - March), the bamboo with snow creates a unique view. Each season has its own charm, so you can choose according to your preference.
- What to wear: The park covers a large area, so comfortable sports shoes are recommended. It is windy in spring, so bring a jacket. Pay attention to sun protection and heat prevention in summer. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large in autumn, so keep warm.
- What to bring: You can bring your own water cup as there are drinking fountains in the park. If you plan to have a picnic, bring a picnic mat and keep the environment clean. Photography enthusiasts can bring cameras and tripods.
- Boat experience: There are boats available for rent in the park. It is recommended to check the prices and rental rules in advance, choose a suitable boat type, and pay attention to water safety, especially when traveling with children.
Precautions
- Civilized sightseeing: Please do not climb or break bamboo and flowers, do not trample on the lawn, and put garbage into designated trash cans to keep the park environment clean.
- Safety tips: Pay attention to safety when playing by the lake. Do not approach dangerous areas near the lake. Especially when traveling with children, take good care of them. Wear life jackets when boating and follow the boating regulations.
- Prohibited behaviors: Smoking, flying kites, walking pets, fishing in non-designated areas, and setting up tents on the lawn are prohibited in the park. Please comply with the relevant regulations of the park and follow the guidance of the staff.
- Protect facilities: Take good care of the landscape buildings and amusement facilities in the park. Do not carve or damage them. If any damage is caused, compensation shall be made according to the price.