Finding urban green space in Beijing: Longtan Park

Sitting right beside the Temple of Heaven, one of the top landmarks in Beijing that are commonly found on the postcards, Longtan Park is a lesser-known destination for tourists. But it is among many urban parks in the bustling city that offer people of all ages a spot for some relaxation, fitness and fun.

The park features beautiful water scenery with the artificial Longtan Lake positioned in the center. Longtan, literally meaning "dragon pool," was named by Liang Sicheng (1901-1972), a renowned Chinese architectknown as the father of modern Chinese architecture.

Recreational boats are lined on the Longtan Lake in Longtan Park, Dongcheng District, Beijing, March 6, 2021. Boating is one of the activities that visitors opt for in spring and summer. /CGTN

The Longyin Pavilion is reflected on the Longtan Lake, March 6, 2021. /CGTN

Turning the clock back, the lake was initially a giant man-made pit formed during Emperor Jiajing's reign in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when a large amount of earth was dug for building the city wall. In later years, it gradually became an abandoned area filled with wastewater.

It wasn't until the 1950s when the country ushered in a new age that it went through a major transformation of water reclamation. The wastewater was treated and replaced by an artificial lake that nowadays attracts many for a leisurely stroll, jogging and boating.

Mandarin ducks are found on the lake side, March 6, 2021. /CGTN

Visitors take pictures of the sunset views in Longtan Park, March 6, 2021. /CGTN

As its name "dragon pool" indicates, the park is characterized by a dragon theme. Many of the constructions and designs are embedded with the legendary creature in Chinese culture.

A dragon statuebeside the lake, March 6, 2021. /CGTN

Travel tips:

Opening hours: Every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission ticket: Two yuan ($0.3)

Special events are often held in the park during traditional festivals, such as the Chinese Lunar New Year and Dragon Boat Festival.

Also, check out the previous episodes of the series: Ditan Park,Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, and Fragrant Hills.

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