Waterfront locations: Milu Park, Nanhaizi Park, Haihu Renjia

Nanhaizi is a wetland formed by the shifting and erosion of the Yongding River over thousands of years. Through the passage of time, it has evolved into the lush natural wetland we see today at Nanhaizi Park.

Thanks to its unique water sources, Nanhaizi became a royal hunting ground for the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, ultimately developing into the largest royal garden since the Qinhai Han Dynasty's Shanglin Garden. "Nanyou Autumn Breeze" was recognized in the Ming Dynasty as one of the "Ten Scenic Views of Yanqing".

With abundant reeds and muddy marshes, Nanhaizi provides an excellent habitat for the milu deer. The Nanhaizi Milu Park is China's first natural reserve primarily focused on free-range milu deer. This rare species, known as the "four unlike" because it resembles a mix of deer, camel, cow, and horse, is unique to China and is critically endangered. The park currently houses over 200 milu deer, along with other deer species like sika and water deer. Built primarily with blue bricks and stones to mimic ancient city walls, the park creates a harmonious environment where visitors can closely hear the calls of the deer while enjoying distant views of the jade bridge.

Nanhaizi Park is located in the northeastern part of Daxing District, south of the Fifth Ring Road, between Daxing New Town and Yizhuang New Town. It is one of Beijing's four major suburban parks and the largest wetland park in the city, covering over 11 square kilometers upon full completion. The park currently features five main scenic areas: the southeastern main gate landscape area, the southwestern mountainous landscape area, the western wetland landscape area, the northern Nanyou Qiufeng scenic area, and the eastern horticultural and floral landscape area.

Standing in front of the "Nanhaizi" stone map, visitors can appreciate the history of Nanhaizi; with reflections of geese on the pond, the swaying reeds, and flocks of ducks soaring above; the lotus flowers competing for beauty along the winding boardwalk. Strolling along the waterfront paths feels like wandering through a painting, while enjoying the picturesque scenery of the reeds fluttering in the wind and the vibrant autumn foliage.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the laborers in Nanhaizi were referred to as "Haihu". Within the park, there is a traditional ancient commercial street styled after the Ming and Qing Dynasties, called "Haihu Renjia," which integrates dining, flower sales, and tourist shopping into a pedestrian-friendly area. After enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Nanhaizi, visitors can head here to select their favorite flowers, savor simple and healthy local dishes, and experience a return to nature.