Haidian

Haidian combines the historical depth of imperial gardens with the cultural atmosphere of its universities. It also has parks suited to urban walks and restaurants offering a wide range of flavors. The guide below organizes travel suggestions by classic attractions, leisure routes, and practical information.

• Summer Palace: A representative imperial garden. Enter through the East Palace Gate and head to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, visiting Kunming Lake along the way. When taking a boat across the lake, you can also enjoy the reflections on the water.

• Old Summer Palace: The Dashuifa ruins are one of the park's main surviving sites. The ginkgo avenue is especially pleasant in autumn, and you may want to consider buying a combination ticket.

• Haidian Park: Free to enter with no reservation required. Dianyuan Flower Valley and the central lawn are suitable for picnics and photos. The park's underground area also houses the Sanshan Wuyuan Museum.

• Tsinghua University / Peking University: You can experience the campuses of both universities, but reservations through a mini-program are required in advance. If you cannot enter, you can still visit and take photos near the gates.

• Fragrant Hills Park: A good place to see autumn foliage. After your visit, you can have coffee at a bookstore at the foot of the hills and enjoy some leisure time surrounded by nature.

One-Day Tour of Imperial Gardens and Universities

This route is suitable for first-time visitors to Haidian who want to see its signature attractions in one day. The schedule is fairly tight.

• Morning (Summer Palace): It is recommended to enter through the East Palace Gate at 8:30 a.m. Visit the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Long Corridor, and the Marble Boat in sequence, then climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for a view over Kunming Lake. You can have a simple lunch in the park or take a boat across the lake to appreciate the layout of the imperial garden.

• Afternoon (Old Summer Palace): After leaving the Summer Palace, head to the Old Summer Palace and enter through Qichun Garden, visiting the Dashuifa ruins first. In autumn, the ginkgo trees complement the ruins and bring out the site's sense of history.

• Evening (University Visit): Head to Tsinghua University or Peking University. With a successful reservation, you can enjoy the surroundings of Weiming Lake or the Tsinghua Auditorium on campus. If you cannot reserve entry, you can visit and take photos near the West or East Gate.

• Night (Wudaokou / Zhongguancun): In the evening, head to Wudaokou to experience the local nightlife and try Korean barbecue. Alternatively, visit Zhongshuge in Zhongguancun, then have a meal of Beijing cuisine.

Leisure Walk Through Lesser-Known Parks

If you would like to avoid the most popular attractions, choose Haidian's “parks beyond the gardens” and artsy neighborhoods. They are suitable for walking and relaxing, and some locations are free to enter.

• Sanshan Wuyuan Greenway: You can walk from YinghLou Park through Yudong Country Park toward Beiwu Park. The greenways are connected, so there is no need to cross roads along the way. You can also view the Jade Peak Pagoda on Yuquan Mountain from afar and see the Western Hills reflected in the pagoda and autumn leaves.

• Haidian Park Underground Museum: After visiting the Monet Garden and lawn above ground, continue to the underground Sanshan Wuyuan Cultural and Art Center (the new Haidian Museum). Built on the former site of Changchun Garden, about 90 percent of the venue is underground. Admission is free and no reservation is required. The museum houses more than 300 artifacts and immersive light-and-shadow exhibitions.

• Dongsheng Technology Park: The park was converted from old factory buildings. Phase I has a large lawn, while Phase II includes a commercial area. The combination of industrial-style buildings and greenery makes it a good place for an evening walk and coffee.

Guide to Authentic Haidian Food

Haidian has many universities and a wide range of dining choices, from long-established restaurants to popular venues with distinctive styles. Cuisines and prices vary considerably.

Transportation and Practical Information

• Subway travel: North-south travel in Haidian mainly relies on Subway Line 4. It is convenient for reaching the Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace, Zhongguancun, and Wudaokou. To reach Haidian Park, take Line 16 and get off at Wanquanheqiao Station.
• Reservation reminders: The Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace, Tsinghua University, and Peking University all require advance reservations or ticket purchases through their official mini-programs. University visits usually require reservations seven days in advance, so do not wait until you reach the gate to make arrangements.
• What to wear: The Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace are large, and a full day of sightseeing requires at least 20,000 steps. Comfortable athletic shoes are recommended. For photos in the parks, light-colored clothing works well with the autumn scenery.
• Things to note: Some people near university gates claim they can take visitors inside. Do not believe them; the only legitimate way to enter is by reserving through the mini-program. Be cautious with unofficial guides around attractions as well, to avoid being taken to expensive shops.