Qingnianhu Park 青年湖公园 Located west of Ditan Park, Qingnianhu Park (literally “Lake of Youngsters”) is named after the teenage volunteers who helped dig up the park’s artificial lake in 1958. Qingnianhu Park Water World is the main attraction here, with its water slides, man-made waterfalls, and shallow pools for kids. At the time of print, the water park was undergoing renovations, but is slated to re-open sometime this month. Visitors can also rent a motorboat for up to six people, play golf at Beijing Youth Lake International Golf Club, or shoot some hoops at the basketball court. Free. Daily 6am-9pm. Ande Beili Jie, Andingmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District (8411 6321 ext 8000) www.qingnianhu.com 西城区安定门外 大街安德北里街
Liuyin Park 柳荫公园 Just north of Qingnianhu Park, there’s a small but well-maintained
park called Liuyin Park (literally “Shade of Willow Trees”). Irreverent touches pepper the grounds, including pig-shaped benches and worried-looking frog sculptures. A “wild duck island” (野鸭岛) in the middle of the pond means that youngsters can spot waterfowl in the summer. For something a bit different, dine at Linhuxuan Restaurant on the lakeshore. This restaurant specializes in guanfu cai (官府菜), a type of Beijing imperial cuisine developed in the kitchens of government officials.
Liuyin Park Free. Daily 6am-9pm. 8 Huangsi Dajie, Andingmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District (8413 1357/1660) 西城区安定门外黄寺大街8号
Linhuxuan Restaurant 临湖轩 Daily 11am-2pm, 5-9.30pm. Liuyin Park Lakeside, 8 Huangsi Dajie, Andingmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District (8412 2679) 东城区安定门 外黄寺大街8号柳荫公园湖畔
Gulou Drum and Bell Towers 钟鼓楼 Located across a square from each other, the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower offer surprisingly great views of the city. Both towers are accessible through a steep flight of stairs, but younger children can make it with Mom or Dad’s help. Atop the Drum Tower, you’ll experience unimpeded views in every direction except the north, which is closed to the public. The Bell Tower isn’t quite as high as its neighbor, but you’ll be able to admire the skyline.
Beihai Park 北海公园 Located northwest of the Forbidden City, Beihai Park has a storied pedigree and an
56
beijingkids
2013 June
Beijing’s Drum and Bell Towers offer a fantastic view of the city
photo: ellis friedman
RMB 30 (through ticket for both Drum and Bell Towers). Daily 9am-5pm. 9 Linzi (near Zhuyuan Hotel), Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District (8403 6706) 东城区钟楼湾胡同临字9 号 (竹园宾馆附近)