Beijing Botanical Garden
Beijing Botanical Garden, a lush oasis on the city’s outskirts, is China’s premier hub for plant conservation, research, and education. Established in 1956, it spans 564 acres, housing over 10,000 plant species, including rare orchids, ancient trees, and medicinal herbs. Alongside its botanical wonders, the garden preserves historical sites like the Ming Dynasty’s Temple of the Sleeping Buddha, blending nature with cultural heritage.
Historical Overview
The garden’s roots trace to the 13th-century Yuan Dynasty, when Emperor Kublai Khan planted a “Living Buddha Grove” here. In 1956, it formally opened as a botanical research center, later expanding to include the Exhibition Greenhouse (1999) and the World Flower Pavilion (2005). It gained international fame for conserving endangered species like the dawn redwood and for hosting the 2007 International Horticultural Expo. Today, it remains a vital site for biodiversity studies and public environmental education.
Structural Layout
The garden is divided into themed zones:Exhibition Greenhouse: A 13,000-square-meter tropical rainforest with carnivorous plants and desert cacti.
Arboretum: A 300-year-old gingko forest and a bamboo grove with 50+ species.
Themed Gardens: Peony Garden, Rose Garden, and Cherry Blossom Valley.
Key structures include the Temple of the Sleeping Buddha (Ming Dynasty), the Botanical Museum, and the Memorial Hall of Botanists (honoring Chinese scientists).
Major Attractions
Exhibition Greenhouse: Marvel at giant water lilies, kapok trees, and a 40-meter-tall artificial waterfall.
Temple of the Sleeping Buddha: A 15th-century Buddhist temple with a reclining jade Buddha statue.
Peony Garden: Over 600 peony varieties bloom in April–May.
Cherry Blossom Valley: 150 cherry trees (Yoshino and Kwanzan varieties) in early April.
World Flower Pavilion: Seasonal displays of tulips, lilies, and orchids.
Wetland Zone: Observe egrets and herons in a simulated marsh ecosystem.
Suggested Itineraries
- Family Route (2–3 hours):
World Flower Pavilion → Cherry Blossom Valley → Playground → Exhibition Greenhouse.
- Botany Enthusiast Route (4 hours):
Arboretum → Peony Garden → Botanical Museum → Memorial Hall.
- Culture Route (3 hours):
Temple of the Sleeping Buddha → Bamboo Grove → Herb Garden → Ming-era stele garden.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via “Beijing Botanical Garden” WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at all gates; limited queues.
- Prices:
Peak Season (Mar–Nov): ¥10 (adults), ¥5 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (Dec–Feb): ¥5 (adults), ¥2.50 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Exhibition Greenhouse: Additional ¥50 (all visitors).
Transportation
Subway: Line 6 to Xiangshan Station (Exit A), 15-minute walk to West Gate.
Bus: Routes 318, 360, 505, or 698 to Beijing Botanical Garden Stop.
Taxi: Direct to South Gate (closest to Temple of the Sleeping Buddha).
Best Time & Tips
Crowds: Avoid weekends; visit weekdays for quieter trails.
Weather: Spring (Mar–May) for blooms; autumn (Oct) for red maples.
Essentials: Wear comfy shoes (4-hour walks possible); bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
Prohibited: Picking plants, drones, and smoking.
