Lovely Weather for a (Free!) Walk in the Park This CNY
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Warm weather is on its way, and just in time for the holiday, with temperatures expected to rise in Beijing through the week, giving us a (much) anticipated high of 15 degrees Celsius by tomorrow, Feb 10.
In fact, it's unseasonably warm, at least in northern China. (Southern China, meanwhile, has not been having as toasty a time as they're still plagued with near-freezing temperatures). Even though we are quickly approaching the Spring Festival, it does seem like we're finding ourselves in the thick of spring a bit early this year. To add evidence to this hunch, consider that the temperatures of the first part of February have been the hottest Beijing has seen in a decade during the same time period, topped only by an early warmth in 2010.
However, humidity has not joined the warmth, and we’re still stuck with the dryness of winter – so carry a bottle of water if you go out for a walk, run, or bike ride.
The point is, the weather is expected to be nice enough for a lovely walk in the park, which is especially good news considering that several major parks are opening their gates and waving fees all together over the break.
What to see:
Take a stroll across the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, a lengthy passageway to the Nanhu Isle, with a heck of a view of Kunming Lake along the way.
What to see:
Extraordinary architecture is all around the temple park, from the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests to the Imperial Vault of Heaven.
What to see:
Be sure to check out the Nine Dragons Wall, the most famous of its kind in all of China, as well as the picturesque Yueguelou building.
Zhongshan Park
What to see:
Historical altars abound in Zhongshan Park but also be sure to catch the greenhouse that displays flowers year-round.
What to see:
Though the usual time to visit Fragrant Hills is in autumn, a visit over Spring Festival will still allow you to catch a view from the Shuangqing Villa and to check out the Fragrant Hills Pagoda.
What to see:
In addition to iconic views of the Forbidden City from above, you can also make your way around to the five pavilions scattered throughout the park.
What to see:
Though numerous plants are to be seen in the outdoor gardens, the hothouse exhibition is a must-see, with three rooms dedicated to evergreens and palm trees, aquatic plant life, and commercial plants such as rubber, cocoa, and coffee beans.
Beijing Zoo
What to see:
Um, hello? Go see the pandas, of course! Along with the other 490+ types of animals at the zoo.
What to see:
This is a fine park for couples to visit, as it hosts the tomb of famed lovers, Gao Junyu and the Marxist writer, Shi Pingmei.
What to see:
Take a walk around the sizable Deep Jade Pond as the CCTV Radio and TV Tower overhangs your view.
Images: Mafengwo, Sohu, Tripadviser, Wikimedia, Qianggenwang, Jingshan Park, Shop Beijing, Lvmama
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