Chaolai Agricultural Garden (朝来农艺园) is a green shelter, specially made forBeijingdwellers and tourists having a break from sightseeing to enjoy a couple of hours learning agricultural science.

Chaolai Agricultural Garden also houses the National Agricultural Museum, the Forest Garden and many other related structures. The construction of the garden begun in September of 1996 and it opened to the public less than a year later, in June of 1997. Colorful peppers which were grown in Chaolai Agricultural Garden won first prize in World Agricultural Expo in 1999.

Chaolai Agricultural Garden covers a wide area and houses growing fields, greenhouses, facilities of vegetable processing, a seed center, ponds, a small farm and many more facilities related to bio growing. It is a well-known destination for educational school trips but also independent visitors interested in the process and the different methods of growing.

GreenhouseThe greenhouse is one of the most visited attractions of the garden. Covering a huge surface and including the latest technology, it is one of the top structures in its field. The visitor can take a walk around the plants and learn how the greenhouse works, what kind of technology is used and how it is able to conserve energy. A series of tropical fruit is grown there as well and visitors can take part in fruit picking activities.

Scientific ExhibitionA scientific exhibition inside Chaolai Agricultural Garden educates children and adults on matters about agriculture and bio products. Interactive displays help you learn about the technology that is being used in growing and processing fruit and vegetables, as well as environment friendly ways of conserving energy and water. The facilities of cleaning and processing vegetables are also open to the public.

Exotic SpeciesSeveral rare exotic species of birds and other small animal can be found in a small farm inside the garden, where visitors have a chance to learn about the breeding of such species. In addition, the garden’s ponds are open for fishing. You can rent a fishing rod for 20 Yuan and then pay 24 Yuan per kilo for the fish you catch! Grass carps, blunt-snout breams and crucians are available for fishing.

Other FacilitiesThe garden also includes accommodation, dinning, entertainment and exercising facilities. After you join in the picking of the fruit and vegetable you can actually taste them in the garden’s restaurant which serves healthy dishes that include the gardens products. A seed center is also available, where visitors can buy quality seeds of their favorite plant and grow it in their own garden or yard.

Ticket price: 20 yuanOpening hours: 8:00 – 17:00 (every day)Address: Xisheng Village West, Laiguangying Township, Chaoyang District, Beijing (北京朝阳区来广营乡新生村西侧)Getting there: Take Bus No. 707 or 966 to the garden.

Source: chinatravel.com