With the arrival of hot summer days, air conditioning and a cold cola are small pleasures. But summer truly calls for waves and sandy beaches! Here's a tip: Beijing has several beaches where you can soak up the sun and play on the sand without leaving the city or the country.

Wenyuhe Park

Wenyuhe Park is home to many attractions, but today I want to introduce the most beloved spot for children – Qifeng Beach (Sunshine Beach).

The history of the Wenyu River is a reflection of the thousand-year changes of the river. Qifeng Beach was originally the ancient riverbed of the Wenyu River, where sand and gravel accumulated over millennia. People settled along the river, forming Shaziying Village and establishing a gravel yard. Now, the area has seized a historic opportunity, giving rise to the Qifeng Beach attraction. Wenyuhe Park "preserves the original sand and gravel, keeps the historical memory, and retains the villagers' nostalgia," creating a beach recreation area that harmonizes with the local environment.

Qifeng Beach spans an area of 3,000 square meters, with a shoreline extending 300 meters. Nestled against Xishan to the west and facing Qin Lake to the east, its main attractions are playing in the sand and viewing the lake, offering visitors an experience akin to "facing the sea, with spring flowers blooming."

Address: South of the intersection of Laiguangying North Road and Binhe Road, Chaoyang District

Admission: Free

Dongxiaokou Forest Park

Dongxiaokou Forest Park combines leisure, entertainment, and fitness functions, featuring several activity areas such as a sports park, children's play space, forest theater, and fitness grounds.

The park's artificial beach has become a popular "hot spot" for children, as nothing brings them more joy than digging in the sand.

Entering through the east gate of the park, you'll see an artificial lake, with a 3,000 square meter beach right by its edge. Bring a small shovel and bucket, and kids can happily dig in the sand for hours. Adults can bring a picnic mat, find a shady spot, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.

Address: Dongxiaokou Forest Park, Lijun Road, Changping District

Admission: Free

Eastern Suburb Wetland Park

Eastern Suburb Wetland Park is part of the Eastern Suburb Forest Park. Unlike many existing forest parks in Beijing, this park features large wetland areas within the forest, creating a unique landscape where water flows through the trees and trees thrive in the water, forming an interconnected wetland forest.

The dunes are a standout feature of Eastern Suburb Wetland Park. There are three white sand dunes, each with a different theme. Sand-loving plants are cultivated around the dunes, increasing shaded areas. The planted trees, including Yuanbao maple, drought-resistant willows, and oil pines, add depth to the overall landscape. Wooden walkways between the sand and water provide more routes for visitors, while tent areas near the dunes offer better spaces for relaxation.

Aquatic plants that rise above the water are planted along the water areas. This not only enhances the wetland scenery but also provides a visual cue for visitors, ensuring safe recreation.

Admission: Free

Address: Guantou Bridge, Fubi Road, Songzhuang Town, Tongzhou District, Beijing.

Niantan Park

Niantan Park was transformed from the former Niantan Reservoir into a vast park, featuring 150 acres of wetlands and a total water area of 700 acres. The park is designed with five gates and ten scenic spots.

The park's sandy beach is located right by the lakeside. Although it is an artificial beach, the texture closely resembles that of seaside sand, and you can even find tiny shells, making it a delightful surprise for children.

Next to the beach is a children's play area with ocean and fruit themes, creating the atmosphere of a seaside park. Bringing the kids here on weekends to play in the sand and enjoy the lotus flowers makes for a perfect family outing.

Address: Niantan Village, Huangcun West, Daxing District

Admission: Free

This summer, visit these parks in Beijing and enjoy being a happy sand digger!

Translator: DING Hongwei

Reviewer: BAI Jing