Purple Bamboo Park
Purple Bamboo Park, a tranquil oasis in Beijing’s Haidian District, is celebrated for its lush bamboo groves, serene lakes, and classical Chinese gardens. Established in 1953 and named after the purple bamboo species native to the area, it spans 47.35 hectares, featuring over 50 bamboo varieties, three lakes, and historic pavilions. A beloved retreat for locals and tourists alike, the park blends natural beauty with cultural landmarks like the 17th-century Baoen Temple and the Bamboo Deep Pavilion, offering a peaceful escape from urban life.
Historical Overview
The park’s history dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, with key milestones including:
- 13th Century: The area served as a royal garden for Yuan emperors, featuring lotus ponds and bamboo groves.
- 1653: Construction of the Baoen Temple (Temple of Gratitude), a Ming Dynasty Buddhist site.
- 1953: Officially opened as Purple Bamboo Park, incorporating traditional elements like the Friendship Pavilion and Eight Immortals Bridge.
- 2006: Designated a National AAAA Tourist Attraction, introducing nighttime light shows and cultural festivals.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into four zones:
- North Lake Zone: Dominated by the Friendship Pavilion and a 10,000-sqm lotus pond.
- South Lake Zone: Features the Bamboo Deep Pavilion and a 1.2-km "Bamboo Path" with 30 bamboo species.
- Baoen Temple Zone: Houses the Ming Dynasty temple, a 500-year-old gingko tree, and a bamboo museum.
- Recreation Area: Includes a children’s playground, boat rentals, and open-air teahouses.
Key structures include 9 bridges, 5 artificial islands, and a 3-km jogging trail.
Major Attractions
Bamboo Deep Pavilion (Zhúshēn Táng): A Ming Dynasty-style pavilion surrounded by towering bamboo stalks.
Baoen Temple (Bào’ēn Sì): A Buddhist temple housing scriptures and a 15-meter-tall Buddha statue.
Eight Immortals Bridge (Bāxiān Qiáo): A stone bridge with carved statues of Daoist immortals.
Friendship Pavilion (Yǒuyì Guǎn): A lakeside pavilion hosting calligraphy exhibitions and tea ceremonies.
Lotus Pond: Blooms with pink and white lotuses (June–August), ideal for photography.
Bamboo Museum (Zhú Wénhuà Guǎn): Displays 200+ bamboo artifacts, including crafts and historical tools.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1–2 hours):
East Gate → Bamboo Deep Pavilion → Friendship Pavilion → Lotus Pond → North Gate.
Highlights: Iconic pavilions, lakeside strolls, and lotus blooms.
- Cultural Route (3–4 hours):
South Gate → Bamboo Museum → Baoen Temple → Eight Immortals Bridge → Teahouse.
Highlights: Bamboo history, Buddhist art, and traditional tea.
- Family Route (Half-Day):
West Gate → Playground → Boat Rental → Picnic Area → Ice Cream Pavilion.
Highlights: Recreation, lake cruises, and outdoor dining.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Free entry; book via the "Purple Bamboo Park" official WeChat account for group tours.
On-Site: Free admission; pavilions and museums require no tickets.
- Prices:
Boat Rentals: ¥60–120/hour (pedal boats), ¥180/hour (electric boats).
Bamboo Museum: Free (donations accepted).
Free: All visitors.
Transportation
By Subway: Line 4: National Library Station (Exit C), 10-minute walk to South Gate. Line 9: Baishiqiao Station (Exit D), 15-minute walk to East Gate.
By Bus: Routes 114, 118, or 334 to Zizhuyuan Park Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to any gate (¥25–30 from downtown).
Departure: Buses and subways operate until 11 PM; taxis available 24/7.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (6 AM opening) or late (after 5 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays offer tranquility.
Weather: Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms, autumn (September–October) for maple leaves.
- Essentials:
Comfortable shoes (gravel paths and hill climbs).
Insect repellent in summer (mosquitoes near the lake).
Photography: Best at sunrise (golden light on bamboo) or during the lotus bloom.
Prohibited: Swimming, fishing, and feeding wildlife.
