In the summer of August, accompanied by a gentle evening breeze, the setting sun's afterglow is hidden. Why not embark on a night tour of the gardens in Beijing to experience a different atmosphere in the darkness of night and under the moonlight?

1. Beihai Park

With a history of more than 800 years, Beihai Park is a masterpiece of Chinese royal gardens. Jingxinzhai (Heart-ease Study) is a fascinating garden located inside Beihai Park, renowned as “Qianlong Emperor’s small garden”.

This summer, Jinxinzhai has launched an evening deep culture experience model. From 8:00 pm on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, under guides’ instructions, visitors can enjoy pavilions, gazebos, multistory towers, gurgling brooks beneath small bridges, rock caves, Guzheng performances, Kunqu Opera, and Jiangnan umbrella dance performances. The whole process takes about 40 minutes.

During the summer, the opening hours of boat rides in Beihai Park are extended by one hour. Ticket sale ends at 5:30 pm, and all boats are retrieved at 6:30 pm.

Under nightfall, Jingxinzhai is illuminated with lights, from ancient architecture to the ponds and Taihu lake stones. Visitors can not only appreciate the exquisite royal garden but also experience the endless charm of traditional culture.

Reservation method: “Changyou Gongyuan” WeChat official website

Last entry time: 20:30

Address: No. 1 Wenjin Street, Wicheng District, Beijing   

2. Jingshan Park

Located on the Central Axis of Beijing, Jingshan Park used to be the royal garden of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Standing in the “Wanchun Pavilion”, the highest point of the Central Axis, a visitor can get a full and clear view of the Forbidden City. Jingshan Park has set up more than 100 sets of landscape lights and projection lights at many places, such as the east gate, the south gate of Guande Hall, the main road of the back mountain, and the south gate. When night falls, the 15 themed mini landscapes of heritage sites will be illuminated, creating a dreamlike phenomenon along the Central Axis.

Besides, the park has newly added a program to experience lights and shadows in Beijing culture. At the east gate and the main road of the back mountain, visitors can see the dynamic projection of the Central Axis landscapes and scenes of the city’s memory, all of which are based on Beijing culture. It creates a unique night-visiting atmosphere, contributing something new and interesting to the park.

Reservation method: “Changyou Gongyuan” WeChat official account

Last entry time: Jingshan Park’s Summer Culture Season ends on August 16, 2023. Visiting is prohibited at 20:30.

Address: No. 14 Jingshanxi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing  

3. Temple of Heaven

On Friday and Saturday nights, the Qinian Pavilion of the Temple of Heaven, which has a history of over 600 years, is illuminated by lights together with the surrounding architecture. Seen from afar, they are like splendid palaces in the heaven.

Tips for taking night pictures in the Temple of Heaven:

Arrive at the location from the north gate of the park. Due to the inaccessibility of tourist attractions at night, you can walk along the west-north wall of the inner altar to find a spot. The best ones are on both sides of Qinian Pavilion, or the check-in at the west side of the building.

Reservation method: “Temple of Heaven Official Ticket Buying Platform” WeChat official account

Last entry time: 17:30 (tourist attractions); 21:00 (facade of the Temple of Heaven)

Address: No. 1 Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing

4.Yuyuantan Park

At 8 PM, as night falls, enter Yuyuantan Park from the south gate. Cross the small bridge and arrive at the Cherry Blossom Valley. The "Wonderful Light" gate, a colorful outdoor art space spanning 19,000 square meters, opens from here. Fifteen immersive scenes create a fantastic light planet.

Pass through a magical time tunnel and enter a romantic midsummer night's dream. In the "Cloud Mirror" space, clusters of "clouds" float in the air. Follow the "Mystery Light" path to reach a "Glass Forest." Stop in front of the Wonderful Light Tower and watch a magical light and shadow show. There are also clouds that rain, swings in the water, and sparkling "fireflies" in the sky... Every corner is a perfect spot for taking photos.

Reservation method: "Changyou Gongyuan" WeChat official account

Last entry time: Yuyuantan Light Show until October 31, 2023, last entry at 21:30

Address: No. 10 West Third Ring Middle Road, Haidian District, Beijing

5.Longtan Zhonghu Park

On August 13, the Idle Goods Collection returns to Longtan Zhonghu Park. There will be a large-scale market with plenty of second-hand goods. It's a lucky opportunity for those who come to browse, as each item has its own story.

Here, you can not only find good and affordable items but also have the chance to hear interesting stories from the stall owners.

Reservation method: "Longtan Zhonghu Park" WeChat official account

Last entry time: 22:30

Address: No. 19 Zuo'anmennei Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

6.Garden of World's Flowers

From July 22nd to September 1st, Garden of World's Flowers launches the "Enchanted Forest" Dream Light and Shadow Night. When night falls, the entire garden will turn into a magical forest. Follow the fragrance, listen to the singing of insects, watch the dancing lights and shadows, and encounter the night elves, experiencing the changes of wind, rain, thunder, and mist.

A high-tech fantasy and romantic night tour show will take you into the natural world, breathing together with petals, water droplets, leaves, light, fog, and soil, and feeling the pulse of life.

Reservation method: "Changyou Gongyuan" WeChat official account

Last entry time: Until September 1, 2023, 20:30

Address: No. 235, South Fourth Ring Middle Road, Fengtai District, Beijing

7.China Garden Museum

From July 12th to August 31st, the China Garden Museum launches the "Midsummer Night's Dream" summer event. With the rich garden resources and the exhibition space of the "Changwu·Juyuan" themed exhibition, the China Garden Museum will hold the "Meet the Future Orators" overnight museum activity every Wednesday.

Teenagers can play the roles of famous historical figures such as Wang Xizhi and Bai Juyi, participate in concentrated study courses, and present themselves to other teachers and students using the character clues they have collected and the knowledge they have learned. The drama with the background of "Qushui Liushang" immerses in the witty and elegant life of ancient literati. Through a day and night of activities, participants can deeply perceive the 24 solar terms of gardens, the harmonious coexistence of garden culture and human-nature relationship.

Reservation method: "Changyou Gongyuan" WeChat official account

Last entry time: 20:30

Address: No. 15 Shejichang Road, Fengtai District, Beijing