In Beijing, you can find boating activities in almost any park. But if you're after charm and atmosphere, you’ll want to seek out those with beautiful scenery and real character. Here are some of the most worthwhile spots for a boating adventure.
The Summer Palace — Cruise Through an Imperial Garden
Yuyuantan Park
Located in the easily accessible Haidian District, Yuyuantan Park sits near key city landmarks. Its east gate neighbors the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse; its west side reaches the West Third Ring Road, facing the China Central Television Tower across the street; its south gate lies directly north of the China Millennium Monument, and it borders the Navy General Hospital to the north. As early as the Jin Dynasty, this area was a scenic retreat in the northwestern suburbs of the capital. During the Liao and Jin periods, its winding rivers created idyllic water town views, dotted with secluded getaways like the "Noble Seclusion Grove" and "Fishing Bend" favored by feudal scholars. In the 38th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign during the Qing Dynasty, the renowned Xiangshan River Diversion Project excavated the Yuyuantan lake system, attracting sandpipers and other waterfowl, thus bringing life to the lush, serene landscape. Not only does Yuyuantan offer delightful scenery, tranquil surroundings, and dense woods—making it a popular summer retreat in the western suburbs for swimming and boating—it also plays a vital role in Beijing’s water conservancy system, aiding in water diversion and flood control.