6 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyangmenwai Dajie
10/8563-5038
HOURS: Daily 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
COST: ¥1
METRO: Yonganli (Line 1)
Pretty Ritan Park, close to the Jianguomen embassy area, is one of Beijing’s most pleasant and peaceful (as well as one of its oldest) parks, with something for everyone. There are amusement facilities and activities for children, early morning tai chi lessons for Zen-seekers, and some Ming Dynasty architecture for history buffs.
The rectangular park takes its name from the Temple of the Sun that it surrounds. This is a special altar built in 1530, where the Ming and Qing emperors made offerings to the solar deity. The corresponding Temple of the Moon is farther west in Fuchengmen.
Ritan Park provides a break from the busy CBD and a good spot for children to work off some energy by playing mini-golf or bouncing on inflatable play structures.