Walk, Run, or Admire a Giant Ferris Wheel at Longtan Zhonghu Park

Situated just east of the Temple of Heaven, 龙潭中湖公园 Lóngtán Zhōnghú Gōngyuán is a large oasis in Beijing that has a little bit of everything: ponds, running trails, beautiful summer flowers, and even a giant Ferris wheel.

The park, originally home to Beijing Amuseument Park until it was shut in 2010, was opened after extensive renovations to the site in 2020. Spanning 400,000 sqm, if it weren't for the Ferris wheel being left in the park, it'd be hard to imagine it was ever an amuseument park to begin with. And, as it's reopened after being briefly shut due to Covid, it's the perfect time to go check it out.

It should be noted that when you search Longtan Park online you'll find three separate parks: 龙潭西湖 Lóngtán Xīhú, 龙潭东湖Lóngtán Dōnghú, and Longtan Zhonghu. These are three separate parks and, as such, there are different facilities in each. The following is an overview of what can be found in Longtan Zhonghu Park.

Take a Snapshot the Park's Ferris Wheel

Not only was this Ferris wheel once one of the tallest in Asia (back in1985), it is also one of the few remaining landmarks where visitors can still get a glimpse of the old amusement park. There is a lush, green lawn under the Ferris wheel, making it a perfect location to take an Instagrammable selfie.

Go Kayaking

Longtan Lake Park also offers the opportunity for visitors to partake in kayaking. Prices per hour start at RMB 109 for a single, RMB 149 for a double, and RMB 199 for three people.

Walk Amongst the Trees

In the middle of the lake where the Ferris wheel is located, there is a beautiful little forest where people can surround themselves with old and tall trees.

Observe Beautiful Flowers

Entering the park through the north entrance, visitors will be able to see beautiful summer flowers including daisies, sunflowers and peonies blooming in every corner.

Run or Trek Along Extensive Footpaths

The park is home to 2.6 km of footpaths, with views of the lake, ample trees and flowers all around, it's great for a run or walk followed by a cool down in the fresh lakeside air.

Longtan Zhonghu Park 龙潭中湖公园
19 Zuo'anmennei Dajie, Dongcheng district
东城区左安门内大街19号

READ: Three Waterside Spots Where You Can Escape the Heat 

Images:Dianping