[Chaoyang Park, Beijing: An In-Depth Guide｜Unlocking the CBD's Backyard All Year Round]

As the largest urban park within Beijing's 4th Ring Road, Chaoyang Park is much more than just a morning exercise spot for locals. After visiting as a travel blogger, I discovered a poetic escape from the concrete jungle of the CBD. Here's your all-season guide: I. Seasonal Highlights (90% of Tourists Don't Know About This) March–April: Cherry Blossom Train and Skywalk The Cherry Blossom Valley on the west bank of North Lake offers beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Capture the pink early cherry blossoms alongside the white monorail, ideally with backlighting around 4pm. The Skywalk offers a bird's-eye view of the entire flower sea—instant drone-like shots! September–October: The Ginkgo Avenue Light Show The kilometer-long Ginkgo Avenue, stretching from East Gate 5 to the People's Square, is best photographed on a working day before 10am. Bring a picnic blanket, lie down among the golden leaves, and use a wide-angle lens to capture the light filtering through the trees. December–February: Sunset Ice Biking The White Wax Tree Plaza transforms into a 20,000m² ice rink. Rent an ice bike and glide along, chasing the orange sunset. The red telephone booth at the southwest corner of the rink is a hidden gem, especially atmospheric after a snowfall. II. 5 Must-See Hidden Gems (Crowd-Beating Edition) 1. Rainbow Stairs Located near West Gate 4, the macaron-colored steps and geometric lines create an Instagram-worthy backdrop. Solid-colored outfits are recommended. Wedding photo shoots are common on weekend afternoons, so plan accordingly. 2. Central Island Theater Ruins Walk east past the Shell Theater to discover the abandoned Roman column plaza. The weathered pillars and overgrown vines are perfect for moody, dark-themed photos. Overcast days enhance the cinematic feel. 3. European-Style Wedding Chapel This pure white building in the North Forest, with its arched windows and French fountain, evokes a Northern European town. While the interior is not open to the public, the exterior offers plenty of photo opportunities. A straw bag and wide-brimmed hat complete the look. 4. Lakeside Tree Hollow Coffee "Xiao Zhe Coffee" by Wild Duck Lake is a hidden gem within the park. Grab a seat on the outdoor boardwalk, order a sea salt caramel latte, and watch the black swans glide by. Wednesday afternoons feature hand-drip coffee tasting sessions. 5. Sunset Viewing Platform The three-story viewing platform west of the People's Square is a secret spot for sunset views. From 6pm to 6:30pm, watch China Zun light up against the sunset glow. A telephoto lens captures the magical interplay of city and nature. III. Local Insider Tips (The Real Experiential Travel) Jogging Route: South Gate → Lotus Lake → General's Forest → Tennis Center. The 5km rubber track is lined with metasequoia trees. You'll likely encounter professional running groups between 6:30am and 7:30am. Water Adventures: Rent a kayak from the Shell Wharf and paddle through 12 uniquely shaped bridge arches. You might even spot a night heron fishing. Hidden Book Fair: The Chaoyang Park Book Fair (North Lake area), held every spring and autumn, is a treasure trove of rare foreign-language books. A new antique book restoration experience area was added in 2023. IV. Practical Information ⏰Opening Hours: 6am–10pm (April–October) / 6am–9pm (November–March) 🎫Admission: Free (Amusement facilities charged separately) 🚇Transportation: Subway Line 14, Chaoyang Park Station Exit B / Zaoying Station Exit D 🍔Nearby Dining: Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park is an 8-minute walk from West Gate 1. Wood Restaurant's herb-roasted spring chicken is highly recommended. Blogger-Tested Tips: 1. Renting an electric car (60 yuan/hour) is less strenuous than a pedal bike, and the roof provides sun protection. 2. On weekends, enter through East Gate 5 or 7 for fewer crowds. 3. The International Light Festival takes place every October. Check the park's official WeChat account for early bird tickets. Chaoyang Park's beauty lies in its blend of urban vitality and natural charm. Next time you're in Beijing, set aside half a day for this free treasure. You'll rediscover the meaning of the "20-minute park effect."