Beijing's summer heat tests even the most tropical of souls. Despite the city's landlocked status, urbanites can still weather the heat wave at the beach. For many Beijingers, Tuanjiehu Water Park ranks as an ideal summer resort, boasting a relatively large sea wave pool, clean swimming pool, a water slide opening to the public from time to time and the earliest artificial beach in Beijing.
Located in the Central Business District, Tuanjiehu Water Park is the most conveniently located cool-off spot in Beijing. Locals and foreigners of all ages gather here to play in the sun, sand and waves.
The water park's artificial beach is dotted with bikini-clad women sunning themselves and children burying their mothers in the sand, just like at any real ocean-side spot. But swimmers heading from the sandy shore into the wave pool must travel through a tunnel that sprays water at all angles. When the waves start, the pool fills with revelers relaxing in inflated tubes and playing with their friends. The waves seemingly come from under two large ships recently constructed to add ambience to the park. A jungle gym equipped for water play and complete with a large bucket that spills water on eagerly waiting children at set intervals means hours of fun for the tikes. All the bells and whistles at this water park can't detract from the popularity of an ordinary pool, and the one set between the park's two waterslides is a popular hangout for teens through adults who are just looking to cool off and joke with their friends.
While Tuanjiehu Water Park is definitely a popular summer spot, the crowds aren't unmanageable, and swimmers can enjoy themselves without being significantly disturbed by other groups. Hungry visitors can visit the snack bar for some kebabs, hot dogs or prepackaged snacks. And there's even a swimsuit shop for forgetful patrons.
Opening Hours: 6:30-21:00, from May 28 through August 31
Admission: 40 Yuan/person from Monday to Friday; 50 Yuan/person on weekends
Address: No. 16, Tuanjiehu Nanli Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
How to get there: Take Subway Line 10 to Hujialou Station and exit from Exit B, or take Bus No. 113, 350, 402, 405, 420, 421, 503, 627, 705, 707 or 801 and get off at the west gate of the park.
