In the running group of the capital, Chaoyang Park and the Olympic Forest Park are the most popular running spots. But besides them, there are still many good choices to keep away from the crowds. Here are the top five places to run in Beijing.

Temple of Heaven Park

Why is here: Suitable environment, fresh air, history and culture

Temple of Heaven Park is located in the south of Beijing. It is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held worship ceremonies. The Temple is divided by two encircling walls into an inner part and outer part. The surrounding park is quite extensive with large coverage of vegetation. Many of them are hundred years old trees. Fresh air, rich in negative oxygen ions, temperature varies greatly between the inside and outside of the park, all of these compose good reasons to run in early morning and evening.

Spaces around the Forbidden City

Why is here: ancient landscape, history and culture

Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is surrounded by a moat. Today, we can go directly through the Meridian Gate, which is what the ancient people can never dream of. The surrounding part is about 3 thousand meters, which is suitable to run in the morning and evening when there are few traffic and pedestrians. If you are lucky to catch flag raising or lowering ceremony, you can get a close touch with the valiant national flag guards.

Beihai Park

Why is here: lake scenery, fresh air

Beihai Park, located in the central area of Beijing, is the longest preserved and most complete imperial palace in China. The park is as colorful as a fairyland with vast water area, tower, green pines and cypresses, fragrant flowers, pavilions, stacked rocks and caves. Jogging lovers could run in the morning and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake with white tower reflection.

Taoranting Park

Why is here: ancient construction, fresh air, moderate pedestrian flow

Taoranting Park is a city garden located in the southern part of the city. Taoran Pavilion, one of China's four famous historical pavilions, is the center of the park. The park is covered by vast vegetation with beautiful scenery and fresh air. It is about 3 kilometers to run along the lake. The visitor flow is moderate here and all day is suitable for running. Distant runners can also take Line No. 4 subway to get here.

Summer Palace

Why is here: garden art, fresh air

Summer Palace, located in the western suburb of Beijing, is the ancient imperial garden. Advanced runners with long-distance running ability can run along the Kunming Lake for 10 kilometers while enjoy the famous Seventeen-Arch Bridge. The bridge, like a rainbow, flies across the east embankment of the Kunming Lake and Nanhu Island. The stone sculpture in the bridge is extremely beautiful. Each pillar is sited with a different demeanor of the lion, a total of 544 lions. There are two vivid stone beasts in the two sides of the bridge.