The Wizard of Oz is a magical and beautiful wonderland. In the midst of Beijing's urban landscape, these spots truly embody a real-life "Wizard of Oz"—beautiful and soothing. They are perfect for relaxing, exploring, and capturing memorable photos. Not to be missed.

Olympic Forest Park

Recently, the plant Kochia has made its vibrant debut in Olympic Forest Park, transforming the area into a real-life "Wizard of Oz." From afar, the vast expanse of lush, soft greenery brings joy to all who see it. Up close, each round, fluffy tuft resembles a tiny green furball, brimming with charm.

Unlike traditional flowers, Kochia does not bloom with bright, eye-catching petals. Instead, its appeal lies in its unique spherical shape and soft texture. Initially, it emerges in a tender green, but as autumn arrives and temperatures drop, the plant gradually turns pink, red, and purplish-red, creating a stunning mix of red, yellow, and green hues.

Location: Flower Field Fun (Huatian Yequ), North Garden of Olympic Forest Park (West Gate)

Jiangfu Park

The shaded railway in Jiangfu Park is a branch of the Jingbao Line, connecting to the Beijing Textile Warehouse.

During the early years of the liberation and prior to the reform and opening-up period, all textile materials were transported nationwide via this forest railway. Today, the railway remains well-preserved, winding through the park. Poplar trees line both sides, with sunlight streaming through the leaves, casting a patchwork of shadows onto the tracks, as if echoing the passing years that have left their traces behind.

The park's lush trees and grass create a hidden gem, evoking the magical atmosphere of a real-life 'Wizard of Oz.' Actress Bea Hayden (Guo Biting) also visited this picturesque spot, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.

Location: At the intersection of Jiangfu Park and Langyuan Station

China National Botanical Garden

Cherry Valley in the China National Botanical Garden is nestled within lush, forested mountains.

As you follow the boardwalk, a towering grove of dawn redwoods rises overhead, their thick canopy blocking out the sun. To foster the growth of these majestic trees, the garden has installed a misting system in the redwood forest area. This not only increases the air humidity and enhances the ecosystem but also creates a hidden wonderland like "Wizard of Oz".

As visitors wander along the boardwalk, weaving through the towering redwoods, they are occasionally enveloped in a soft mist, as if stepping into an earthly paradise.

Misting Hours:

From July 23 to August 29, the misting system operates every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Location:

Northwest corner of the North Garden, National Botanical Garden

Beijing Xishan National Forest Park

Huaxi, located on the northern side of the entrance to Beijing Xishan National Forest Park, stretches 480 meters. This picturesque water landscape, shaped by natural terrain, features streams, waterfalls, rapids, cascades, and tranquil pools.

The stream is lined with a colorful array of wildflowers, including irises, stonecrops, Rudbeckia, and daylilies, which complement the peaceful and elegant atmosphere of the water.

As you stroll along the winding stream, ancient trees provide cooling shade, towering rocks add a sense of majesty, and hidden paths lead you deeper into the serene forest, where flowers and trees create a quiet retreat. From the railing, you can watch the gentle flow of the water, evoking a sense of poetry and calm.

On weekends and holidays, mist regularly rises from the stream and creates a refreshing atmosphere, as if you've stepped into a scene of misty wonderland.

Misting Hours:

Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location:

North side of the park entrance, Xishan National Forest Park

Beiwu Park

Nestled near the west gate of the Summer Palace and within the Xishan Scenic Area, Beiwu Park is known as the "Jiangnan of the North." Though not part of Jiangnan, its beauty rivals and even surpasses that of the southern region, making it a hidden treasure.

The park's picturesque bridges, flowing streams, and vibrant greenery create the feeling of a peaceful oasis in the city—a real-life "The Wizard of Oz". With its serene atmosphere and fewer crowds, it's perfect for a quiet stroll or a playful splash in the water.

Location:

Outside the west gate of the Summer Palace, Haidian District

Jingshun Park

Situated near Siyuan Bridge, Jingshun Park features a thoughtfully designed landscape with picturesque scenes around every corner. The park boasts a wide variety of plants and green lawns that create a magical, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

You'll find plenty of Instagrammable spots here, including white tents, lounge chairs for camping, wicker swings with flowing sheer curtains, and graffiti walls—easy to capture stunning photos.

Location:

Jingshun Park, No.109 Jingmi Lu(Rd), Chaoyang District

Which of these "Wizard of Oz" would you like to explore first?

Image sources include: Olympic Forest Park, Jiangfu Park, National Botanical Garden, Beijing Haidian, and Beijing Xishan National Forest Park.

Translator: JIANG Yuanqin

Reviewer: DING Zhizhong