Beijing Laffitte Castle Park

Laffitte Castle Park (拉斐特城堡公园) is a grand cultural park located in Changping District (昌平区), Beijing (北京), featuring a beautiful blend of French architecture, wine culture, and scenic landscapes. The park spans 3,000 acres and showcases a Baroque-style design inspired by iconic French landmarks such as Château de Lafayette (麦松拉斐特城堡), Versailles Palace (凡尔赛宫), and Château de Vincennes (子爵堡). The core of the park consists of a 24,000-square-meter castle complex, with two additional wings, and the park is surrounded by lush forests, water bodies, and green spaces.

The park not only offers a visual feast of French elegance but also serves as a cultural hub, celebrating French wine culture with dedicated spaces like the underground Wine Culture Museum (酒文化博物馆). Open to the public year-round, the park offers various leisure and entertainment experiences, such as grape picking in the vineyard and a hotel with a golf course and spa facilities.

Basic Information

Name: Laffitte Castle Park (拉斐特城堡公园)

Location: South of the Beiqijia Town Government (北七家镇政府), Changping District, Beijing (北京市昌平区北七家镇政府南侧)

Area: 3,000 acres

Opening Hours: Open daily, all year round

Facilities: Wine Cultural Square, Underground Wine Museum, Artificial River, European-style bridges, Vineyards, Five-star Hotel

Theme: French culture, Baroque architecture, Wine culture

Cultural Significance: A major site for Sino-French cultural exchange

Historical and Cultural Significance

Laffitte Castle Park was designed as a high-end club and large scenic park that combines French culture, architecture, sculpture, painting, and landscape art. The park reflects the grandeur of French Baroque architecture, inspired by some of the most famous castles in France, such as the Château de Lafayette and Versailles Palace. The main castle, with its stunning floral patterns and Greek mythological sculptures, is the focal point, surrounded by a 10,000-square-meter Wine Cultural Square (酒文化广场). The park also boasts a 3.5-kilometer artificial river that enhances its natural beauty.

Wine Culture Focus

The park is deeply rooted in French wine culture, with an underground Wine Museum (酒文化博物馆) covering over 1,000 square meters. The museum showcases the rich history of French wine through exhibits, photographs, models, and artifacts. The park also highlights the history of Chinese wine, with the Yuchen Group (宇辰集团) operating its own vineyard and winery in Xinjiang (新疆).

Architectural Marvel

The castle architecture, featuring Roman columns and Baroque-inspired designs, is a stunning representation of late Renaissance European style. The main building covers 24,000 square meters, consisting of the main castle and two wings. The grand Wine Cultural Square can accommodate large events, such as concerts, wine tasting parties, and exhibitions.

Park Landscape and Attractions

Greenery and Water Features

The park is predominantly covered by forests, grasslands, and water areas, with 90% of the space dedicated to green zones. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through expansive lawns, while the 3-kilometer artificial river surrounding the castle provides a peaceful atmosphere. The park also features two elegant European-style bridges that lead to the castle, adding to the charm of the landscape.

Vineyard Experience

Located on the east side of the park, the vineyard (葡萄园) not only produces grapes for wine production but also offers guests the chance to pick their own fruit, providing a hands-on experience of the winemaking process.

Cultural Events

The Laffitte Castle Park has hosted several prestigious events, including activities during France’s Cultural Year in China. The park’s connection to French culture has led to visits by notable figures such as the French Ambassador to China, media personnel, and Chinese leaders. It has also been featured in French media, including Le Figaro (费加罗报) and Le Point (观点) magazine, as well as on French TV stations.

Park Facilities and Amenities

Main Castle Hall: 1,200 square meters of space, ideal for celebrations, gatherings, and exhibitions.

Restaurants: The park offers French and Chinese cuisine at two restaurants, with renowned chefs from both countries.

Hotel: A luxurious hotel with 400 rooms (五星级城堡式酒店), equipped with all the amenities of a high-end resort, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Golf Course and Spa: The park features a golf course and a spa center, offering visitors a chance to unwind in style.

Practical Information

Entrance Fee

Park Admission: Free for general park visits.

Accommodation & Entertainment: Fees apply for hotel stays and entertainment activities.

Opening Hours

The park is open to visitors all year round, with no specific time restrictions.

How to Get There

Laffitte Castle Park is easily accessible via car, public transport, or subway.

Public Transportation

Subway: Take Line 5 (地铁5号线) to the Tiantongyuan North Station (天通苑北站), then transfer to bus 984 Express (曹碾) to Cao Nian Station (曹碾站), a short walk to the park’s northern entrance.

Driving Directions

From the North Fourth Ring Road (北四环), take the Beijing-Chengde Expressway (京承高速), exit at Beiqijia (北七家出口), continue straight for 1,000 meters, turn right towards Dadongliu (大东流) and follow the signs to reach the castle.

Address

Laffitte Castle Park: South of Beiqijia Town Government (北七家镇政府南侧), Changping District, Beijing (北京市昌平区北七家镇政府南侧)

A Unique Cultural Bridge Between China and France

Laffitte Castle Park not only serves as a cultural window to showcase French heritage but also acts as a bridge for cultural and economic exchanges between China (中国) and France (法国). Whether you are a wine enthusiast, history lover, or simply seeking a beautiful escape in Beijing, this park offers an exceptional experience that blends elegance, culture, and nature.