Chaoyang Park first opened in 1984 and covers an area of some 320 hectares between the east third and fourth Ring Roads, is larger thanthe Summer Palaceand, indeed, is the largest park in the city.
Construction started in 1984, and new features are still being added. The park hosted the Beijing Olympics beach volleyball competition in August 2008. The sand, shipped in from Hainan, is being used to create an artificial beach after the Olympics. A giant ferris wheel has opened here in early 2009.
There are two large outdoor swimming pools, a 75 meter bungee jumping tower over one of the lakes, boating, sports areas, a wetland area, fun fair and musical fountains. The park also hosts many outdoor music events, including the International Midi Music Festival. Nighttime entertainment has sprung up around both the west and east gates of the park.
Beach Volleyball Ground
As the name suggests, here had held base the volleyball event during the 2008 Beijing Olympic. The volleyball ground contained 17,000 tons of fine sand brought from Hainan of China. The volleyball ground media village had been designed in accordance with the standards set by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). The concept of Green Olympics has been kept in view while developing the site. Previously existing workshops and industrial storerooms on the sites have been temporarily converted into office space rather than having new offices built. This has saved time, effort and the environment.
A sun-chasing solar power generation system had been installed at theChaoyang ParkBeach Volleyball Ground. The mechanism controls a rotating battery which switches according to where the sun shines, thereby maximizing the amount of solar power collected. Efforts have been made to use clean or renewable energy resources. Concepts of ground source heating and sewage heat have been used. Waste water is treated, purified and reused. A rainwater recycling system has also been set up.
Opening Hours: 6:00-22:00 from March 15 to November 14; 6:00-21:00 from November 15 through March 14
Location: No. 1 Nongzhanguan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
