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.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
