Hidden Gem Park Next to the Embassy District

Hidden Gem Park Next to the Embassy District If you're visiting Beijing and tired of popular attractions like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, consider visiting Ritan Park. This hidden gem next to the embassy district offers a peaceful retreat with a rich historical atmosphere. Ritan Park is one of Beijing's five famous ancient altars, originally built in 1530 during the Ming Dynasty. It was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the sun god, and was converted into a public park in 1955. Covering 20.62 hectares, the park features the elegant classical imperial garden in the north and beautiful landscape scenery in the south, combining historical significance with natural beauty. The park preserves nine imperial sacrificial buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking through them, you can almost visualize the grand ceremonies of emperors worshipping the sun. The most notable site is the Circular Altar, where emperors performed sun worship rituals during the spring equinox. After renovation, the ground has been replaced with traditional blue bricks, the walls covered with new glazed tiles, and the spacious interior is surrounded by pine trees and high walls, creating a solemn atmosphere. Standing in the center of the altar, you can see the CBD buildings of Guomao in the distance, experiencing a fascinating blend of ancient and modern. Besides historical architecture, the park also features several scenic spots built in the 1970s and 1980s with southern Chinese characteristics, such as "Peony Garden," "Qinghui Pavilion," and "Quchishengchun Garden." In spring, the peonies in the Peony Garden bloom magnificently; Qinghui Pavilion is surrounded by lush trees, perfect for resting and enjoying the scenery; Quchishengchun Garden has clear lake waters with pavilions and buildings arranged in a poetic layout. Notably, the park emphasizes cultural development by regularly hosting Qing Dynasty sun worship performances and solar culture exhibitions, allowing visitors to gain deeper insights into Ritan's sacrificial culture. Transportation is convenient—take subway Line 1 to Yonganli Station, or Line 2 to Jianguomen or Chaoyangmen Station, then walk about 15 minutes to reach the park. Admission is free. Opening hours are 6:00 - 21:30 from May 1 to September 30, and 6:00 - 21:00 from October 1 to April 30 of the following year. Before it becomes too popular, hurry to Ritan Park to experience this unique beauty!