Yuanmingyuan Park (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Yuanmingyuan Park?
What makes it 74% Baby-Friendly: Stroller-rentals, baby rooms and flat paths help caregivers, but distances between toilets are big, some cobbled areas shake strollers and indoor shelter is scarce in rain.
Positives:
- Free Baby Entry: Children under 1.3 m enter at no charge, easing admission costs.
- Stroller-Friendly Paths: Most main walkways are level and smooth for easy pushing.
Challenges:
- Uneven Steps: Some historic sites have stone steps not suitable for strollers.
- Limited Rental Strollers: Small fleet on hand; arrive early to secure a stroller.
What is Yuanmingyuan Park?
- A sprawling 18th-century imperial garden complex in western Beijing that served as the Qing dynasty’s Old Summer Palace, encompassing ornate pavilions, halls, and artificial lakes
- A 350-hectare ensemble blending traditional Chinese rockeries and water features with mid-19th-century European-style palaces, exemplified by the Xiyang Lou ruins
- A designated cultural heritage site preserving the architectural remains and ruins resulting from the palace’s destruction during the Second Opium War of 1860
What is so special about Yuanmingyuan Park for with baby?
- Free entry for baby under 1.3 m
- Wide, flat paths ideal for strollers
- On-site baby care rooms and changing stations
- Sightseeing bus to cut down walking
- Picnic lawns for snack breaks and play
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for stroller-friendly ruins tours, baby care breaks, and a leisure bus ride.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Yuanmingyuan Park
Walk the Main Ruins:
Follow wide paved paths through the Western-Style Palaces (Xiyang Lou) ruins.
Tip: Start at the South Gate near the first baby care room for an early break.
Use the Sightseeing Bus:
Board the 9-stop bus that circles the park to minimize walking with a stroller.
Tip: Hop off at the stop closest to your next garden visit to rest and stretch.
Visit the Baby Care Room:
Find private space to change diapers or feed inside the park.
Tip: Located near the on-site museum; check signage at the East Gate for exact location.
Picnic on South Gate Lawns:
Spread a blanket on open grass near the South Gate for snacks and baby playtime.
Tip: Bring lightweight toys and shade umbrella for sun protection.
Rent a Stroller On-Site:
Get a stroller rental at main entrances to ease longer walks.
Tip: Ask staff for current rates and availability before entering the park.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Yuanmingyuan Park
- Start Early: Beat crowds and heat by arriving when baby is well rested.
- Plan Bus Stops: Check bus map to align stops with shaded rest areas.
Reviews of Yuanmingyuan Park
Hector Lau
Old Summer Palace is now just a bunch of ruins and a grim reminder to what happened in the past. The horse bronze head is the only one that is currently displayed here.
tiffany
Old Summer Palace. Historical park featuring old ruins and shattered monuments from what was once a formidable imperial dynasty - rich in architecture and beautiful gardens.
W Tate
The older summer palace is so huge that we only managed to completed a small area in order to complete the rest of our itinerary for the day. The ruins are magnificent although much has crumpled to ground.
R N
Big park! Lots of historical ruins. Would be great if you have a guide to explain its significance. Not easy to get around with kids as it’s impossible to cover everything in a day. To save your legs, you could take a boat ride. There was quite a queue for the boat ride, however I came on a weekend so that is to be expected. If you only have limited time and have to choose between this and summer ...
Nhi Sorge
This park is especially beautiful in autumn. It’s very close to the subway. But normally in autumn when is the leaves turn yellow it will be full of people. So if you want to go here and take beautiful pictures you should go before 8 o’clock in the morning. Normally in high season, they would ask you to book ticket one day before you go. It’s always check this problem before you decide to visit h...
When is the best time to visit Yuanmingyuan Park (Beijing, China)?
Spring brings peony blooms near the Changchun Garden; summer lotus views peak in July. Avoid midday sun by touring earlier or later in the day. Winter snowfall can turn lawns into gentle play areas for your baby.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Two adult entry tickets | CNY 50 |
| Stroller rental (day) | CNY 30 |
| Sightseeing bus two one-way rides | CNY 40 |
| Locker rental | CNY 30 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 150 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Yuanmingyuan Park
Address: 275X+67P圆明园 Haidian District, China, 100084
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About Yuanmingyuan Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+86 10 6262 8501Explore Popular Things to Do
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