Moon Gazing: Beijing by Boat

Last year the central government made some changes to China's system of public holidays, one of the results is that this is the first time that the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie) has been honored with a public holiday. Beijing residents are making the most of the holiday, with train stations and long distance bus stations reporting huge lines. For those remaining in town, taking to the water to admire the full moon on the evening of Mid-Autumn Festival is also proving to be a popular option.

By the time you read this post, most of the popular boating locations are likely to be booked out, but you might be able to find a space at one of the lesser-known wharfs. As you might expect, prices have been raised to meet the increased demand with Houhai wharves raising their prices by up to 3 times the usual price.

Keep reading below for a selection of places to go to contemplate the full moon, from both land and water:

Sleepless in Shichahai
With multiple docks and a flexible closing time adjusted according to the amount of tourists. Shichahai is likely to be the most popular spot for boating and therefore you're unlikely to be able to find a free boat. Still, they're not accepting bookings, so if you happen to be in the area it might be worth giving it a go. As mentioned above, premium prices of RMB 100 per person per hour are being charged. Boats are available for hire all day until midnight. You can pay an extra 100 kuai to have traditional musical accompaniment. Call 6612 5717 for more details.

Round City of Beihai Park
Large boats are available for hire by groups of 20 people or you can hire smaller 4 or 6 person boats from 7-9pm. There are only about 40 boats available for hire and you have to pre-book by calling 6401 6935. Aside from boating on the lake, you can also enjoy an imperial style Zhongqiu Jie eating royal style mooncakes at the Round City as well as taking in some traditional chime music, just like the Ming emperors did.

Boating on Kunyu River - Yuyuantan Park
Enjoy night views of Yuyuantan Park. RMB 150 per person for a two hour ride. Until 10pm. Call 6852 8720 for more details.

The Grand Canal at Tongzhou
Every evening from 7.30-10.30pm. Only accept parties of 20 people or more. RMB 60 per person. Call 8085 5509 or 8952 0675 for more details.

Lantern Fair at Longtan Park
The annual lantern fair in Longtan park attracts visitors from all over the city. Hundreds of sets of lanterns in various shapes and patterns have been installed by the lakeside. Due to safety regulations, boat hire (RMB 30-60) ceases at 4pm.

Zizhuyuan Park
4,6 and 11 person boats available for hire from 6-10pm. Call 8841 2890 for more details.

Taoranting Park
Despite last year being open to 10pm and reports in the paper to the contrary, this year Taoranting Park will stop hiring boats at 5pm.

Beijing Ancient Observatory
On mid-autumn night, go to Beijing Ancient Observatory to observe craters on the moon surface by astronomical telescope and enjoy the beauty of moon brought by high-tech instruments.

Links and Sources
NetEase：游走北京赏月佳境(组图)
Yahoo: 公园中秋 泛舟赏月