Major Parks and Attractions Reopen Just in Time for May Day Holiday

In yet another sign of the city returning to life in time for the May Day holiday, May 1-5, several of the city’s parks are reopening major attractions that have up until now remained closed since the outbreak of COVID-19. Many of the attractions are even indoors, despite the fact that other indoor sites such as museums and galleries must remain closed.

The park attractions began to reopen as of Apr 29, and all 20 attractions should be open by May 1. Specifically, reopening attractions are as follows:

• Summer Palace (pictured above): The Tower of Buddhist Incense, Garden of Harmonious Interests, Yulan Hall, and Yiyunguan
• Temple of Heaven: The Hall of Prayer and Good Harvests Courtyard, the Imperial Vault of Heaven Courtyard, and the Circular Mound Altar
• Beihai Park: Yong’an Monastery, Prince Gong Mansion, Temple of Bliss Interpretation, Kuaixuetang, Hall of Heavenly Kings, and Yuegulou
• Jingshan Park: Shouhuang Palace
• Botanical Garden: The Reclining Buddha and the Bonsai Garden
• Yuyuantan Park: The Donghu Wetland Area

In addition to these attractions, several parks will open their boating lines and pleasure boats to the public this May Day, including Summer Palace, Beihai Park (but no word on Houhai), Zhongshan Park, Taoranting Park, Yuyuantan Park, and Zizhuyuan Park. Chaoyang Park boating has been open since last week.

However, before you go rushing the gate of every park this holiday, take note: Ten major parks in Beijing now require real-name registration and for these it is recommended that visitors book ahead using the Changyou Gongyuan mini-app. The parks that require real-name registration are:

• Summer Palace
• Temple of Heaven
• Beihai Park
• Zhongshan Park
• Jingshan Park
• Fragrant Hills Park
• Beijing Zoo
• Botanical Garden
• Taoranting Park
• Yuyuantan Park

As has been the case since the outbreak, expect to submit to temperature checks, maintaining a one-meter distance at all times, and the need to wear a mask. Other than that, get out there and have fun!

READ: Here Comes the Sun: Beijing's Best Terraces Are Opening Up

Images: Zhipeng Ya (via Unsplash)