Chaoyang Beixiaohe Park in Beijing

Chaoyang Beixiaohe Park (北小河公园) is located in the Donghu (东湖) area of Chaoyang District, Beijing. The park covers an area of 22.8 hectares, including 0.7 hectares of water surface. Originally a land acquired for green space, it was developed by the Chaoyang District Government in 2005 as a community project and officially opened to the public on May 1, 2006. In 2024, the park underwent a renovation aimed at enhancing its unique features with new additions like themed gardens, sports facilities, and more.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 156 Shijiafen, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Park Area: 24.8 hectares

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Admission: Free

Public Transportation: Bus lines 130, 593, 657, 311, 421, 617, 567 (Get off at Donghu Station and walk 200 meters west).

Nearest Metro Station: Wangjing West Road and Jingcheng Expressway areas.

Park Features and Layout

Chaoyang Beixiaohe Park is designed with several functional zones to provide diverse recreational experiences:

Riverfront Leisure Zone

The park’s riverfront area is designed for relaxation and outdoor activities, featuring a fitness walking trail and a shaded leisure plaza, making it an ideal spot for both residents and visitors to enjoy a comfortable and health-focused environment.

Vegetation: The riverbank is lined with a mix of sycamore trees (悬铃木), magnolia trees (玉兰), pagoda trees (栾树), ginkgo trees (银杏), and lilacs (丁香), offering seasonal beauty, especially during spring.

Children’s Activity Zone

This area is thoughtfully designed with soft, rubberized flooring to ensure safety and comfort for children. It features various play equipment such as swings, slides, a sandbox, and a fun maze, encouraging family bonding.

Planting: The area is adorned with American ash trees (美国白蜡), Chinese elms (碧桃), and willow trees (垂柳), creating a colorful and child-friendly environment.

Sports and Fitness Area

The park’s sports area caters to different age groups and includes basketball courts, ping-pong tables, and fitness equipment, providing free access for all visitors. It offers a green and refreshing space for outdoor activities, surrounded by lush greenery to promote a natural and healthy lifestyle.

Vegetation: This zone is planted with poplar trees (毛白杨) and peach trees (碧桃), offering shade and a pleasant atmosphere for fitness enthusiasts.

Forest Theater

Located near the central lake area, the forest theater can accommodate over 2,000 people. The natural slope behind the stage creates an ideal backdrop for outdoor performances, while the three-tiered steps make it perfect for hosting large public events. Sculptures of famous poets and musicians around the venue enhance its cultural atmosphere.

Plants: Large acer trees (元宝槭) are planted on the western side, providing a beautiful contrast of foliage for performances and events.

Lake Area

The lake area offers various ways to enjoy the water, from scenic walks to enjoying the peaceful view. The park’s lakeside planting emphasizes ecological balance, with clusters of reed, cattails, water irises, and other aquatic plants creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Mountain Forest Activity Zone

In the park’s northwest section, a small mountain trail has been created using the existing natural terrain to provide a quiet retreat from the city. The highest peak reaches 12 meters. The area is designed to blend nature and wellness, with seasonal plantings that create a vibrant, colorful landscape throughout the year.

Planting: The zone features poplars, willows, and broad-leaved shrubs (光叶黄栌) to add to the beauty of the mountain landscape.

History and Culture

Donghu Guandi Temple (东湖关帝庙): Originally located in Donghu Qu Village, the Guandi Temple was relocated to the park in 2005 after the village was demolished. The temple was first built during the Qianlong Emperor’s (乾隆年间) reign and was funded by the local community.

Development History

In 2005, Chaoyang District launched the construction of Chaoyang Beixiaohe Park to provide more green spaces for the surrounding community. The park was officially opened to the public on May 1, 2006.

2024: The park underwent a major renovation aimed at enhancing its features, including improvements to its landscaping and facilities.

In 2025, the Chaoyang District plans to further upgrade the park, with an expected reopening to the public by October 2025.

Visitor Tips

Facilities: The park includes sports courts, playgrounds, and fitness trails, all of which are free to use. It is an ideal location for family visits and outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit: The park is open year-round, with spring and autumn being the most popular seasons due to the beautiful flowers and foliage.

Public Transport: Easy access by bus or metro, with the Donghu Station being a short walk from the park.