Address: Jianguomenwai area, Chaoyang District, Beijing
( 北京市朝阳区建国门外 )

Ritan park, one of the oldest parks in Beijing, is an oasis of tranquility in a busy embassy area of the city. This 200 hectare park, originally built as a sacrificial altar, was opened to the public in the 1970s and provides a wonderful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Perfect for strolling or just finding a bench to enjoy some greenery, the park features numerous traditional gardens, rock features and a beautiful lotus garden.  

 

Ritan Park is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts as there is a rock-climbing facility, fishing, a yoga studio, a miniature golf course, and numerous open spaces for playing badmington and other games. For the less active, there are one or two laid back coffee shops and restaurants, as well as the quaint Stone Boat bar, which has an outdoor area that looks out directly onto a lake.  Stone Boat also hosts live music, usually jazz.