Olympic Forest Park
Spot Introduction
The Olympic Forest Park, with a total area of 680 hectares, is the largest urban forest park in Beijing. As an important supporting project of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it combines modern landscape art and eco-environmental protection concepts under the themes of “ecology, technology, and humanity”.
Planning and construction of the Olympic Forest Park began in 2003, and it was officially opened to the public in July 2008. The park is divided into a southern and a northern section. The southern park focuses on natural landscapes, while the northern park specializes in forest scenery. With over 1 million trees planted, the park forms a unique urban forest ecosystem. A 5km-long plastic track within the park has become a popular spot for Beijing residents to exercise in the morning or evening.
Some of the park’s most distinctive features include Yangshan (a man-made hill), Aohai (the central lake), and Tianjing (a viewpoint). Yangshan, created from excavated soil during the construction of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube for the Olympics, offers panoramic views from its peak. Aohai, covering an area of 30 hectares, features a musical fountain that, combined with a light show, becomes a highlight of the park at night. Tianjing, located on top of Yangshan, provides one of the best vantage points to view Beijing’s central axis.
Serving as the green lung of Beijing, the Olympic Forest Park not only provides a recreational space for citizens but also functions as a significant ecological education base. Multiple ecological exhibition areas, including a wetland ecology zone and a bird habitat, showcase rich biodiversity.
Spot Introduction
Every spring and autumn, the park hosts major cultural events such as the “Forest Concert” and “Flower Sea Festival,” attracting a large number of visitors.
In recent years, the park has also introduced a smart management system, allowing visitors to access navigation information and make reservations for activities through a mobile app. The park features multiple sports fields, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and extreme sports fields, catering to the athletic needs of different groups. As an important legacy of the Beijing Olympics, Olympic Forest Park not only witnesses the history of the Olympics but also serves as a significant window showcasing Beijing’s urban development.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Olympic Cultural Area
- Olympic Landscape Avenue
- Olympic Theme Sculptures
- Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
- South Park Landscape Area
- Ecological Wetland
- Bird Watching Platform
- Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
- Forest Activity Area
- Forest Trail
- Leisure Square
- Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
- Olympic Tower
- Viewing Platform
- Panoramic City View
- Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes
Visiting Suggestions
- Best Touring Route
- South Gate → Olympic Cultural Area → South Park Landscape Area → Forest Activity Area → Olympic Tower
- It is recommended to visit by region
- Visit Schedule Arrangement
- Morning is suitable for exercise and fitness
- In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset
- You can participate in outdoor activities on weekends
- Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable sports shoes
- Bring sunscreen products
- Prepare drinking water
Transportation Guide
- Subway: Line 8, Forest Park South Gate Station
- Bus: Multiple lines including 82, 538, 656
- Self-drive: Dedicated parking is available
- Shared bicycles: There are multiple stations around the park
Recommended Foods Around
- Forest Park Food Street
- Anli Road Food Plaza
- Kehui Road Snacks
- Specialty Restaurants
Special Reminders
- The park is open all day
- Some items require ticket purchase
- There are more visitors during holidays
- Pay attention to sun and heat protection
- Protect the ecological environment
- Obey park rules
- Suitable for the whole family to visit
- Picnics and camping are allowed.