Occupying a 9km strip between Chaoyang in the east and Haidian in the west, this is Beijing’s longest linear park. ‘Wow! Well now I know!’, you say, and indeed, whatever you seek to gain along such an esteemed strip, you won’t be disappointed.
Scenic tree-lined paths either side of the poetically named Xiaoyue He (Little Moon River), and underpasses at most points where roads intersect the park allow the aspirationally athletic to jog an almost traffic-free 18km loop. There’s no need to worry if your exercise ambitions are a little lower, though – a subway stop every 1km or so along the park means you can hop on and off Line 10 as you please. For those who prefer a slower pace, there’s enough sculptural and botanical eye-candy throughout the park to keep even the most leisurely stroller entertained.
Best spot Don’t miss the earthen remnants of the 13th-century Yuan Dadu city wall, which gives the park its name. You’ll find these in the most easterly section of Yuan Dadu, along with sculptures of Marco Polo, Kublai Khan (the first Yuan emperor), and his concubines.
