Travel Guide to Explore Beijing's Stunning Sunset Glow

Recommended Sunset Viewing Spots (1) Jingshan Park Located on Beijing's central axis, Jingshan Park covers 23 hectares and faces the Forbidden City's Shenwu Gate across the street, with Beihai Park to its west. From the hilltop, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Forbidden City and Beijing, where the golden ancient imperial palace meets the modern cityscape. Best viewing spot: The Wanchun Pavilion at the park's center is the highest point, offering unparalleled views of the Forbidden City and Beijing's central axis. Here, you'll experience unique perspectives in all directions: China Zun tower to the east, Beihai Park's scenery and White Pagoda to the west, the Forbidden City to the south, and the Drum Tower of Di'anmen with the distant Olympic Tower to the north. Ancient relics and modern architecture blend under the sunset glow, creating a timeless atmosphere. Best time: Summer 18:30-19:30, when the sky displays rich colors and bathes ancient structures in gold. Tips: Arrive early and bring a telephoto lens. On a clear day, climb the stone steps (about 10 minutes to Wanchun Pavilion). After sunset, wander through the park listening to traditional Beijing opera, watching tai chi practitioners, and exploring gray-walled hutongs with their lingering dinner aromas. Ticket: ¥2 Hours: Apr 1-Oct 31: 6:00-21:00 (last entry 20:30); Nov 1-Mar 31: 6:30-20:00 (last entry 19:30) Transport: Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station, or buses 101/103/109 to Jingshan Park Station. (2) Summer Palace This former Qing Dynasty imperial garden, originally named Qingyi Garden, was modeled after Hangzhou's West Lake. Centered on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, it's considered China's most well-preserved royal garden, earning the title "Museum of Royal Gardens." Best viewing spots: Seventeen-Arch Bridge: Perfect for summer sunsets reflecting on Kunming Lake with Foxiang Pavilion. Around winter solstice, witness the "Golden Light Through Holes" phenomenon when sunset illuminates all bridge arches. Best shots from South Lake Island (nearest to New Palace Gate). West Causeway: Harmonious views of the lake and Jade Spring Hill Pagoda, with less-crowded Hanxu Hall. Best time: Summer 19:00-19:40; spring/autumn 18:00-18:40. Tips: Enter via West Gate to avoid crowds. Enjoy sunset views along East Causeway after witnessing the golden bridge phenomenon. Ticket: Low season (Nov 1-Mar 31) ¥20; peak season (Apr 1-Oct 31) ¥30 Hours: Peak 6:30-18:00; Low 7:00-17:00 Transport: Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen, Line 16 to Xiyuan, or Western Suburban Line to Summer Palace West Gate. (3) Beihai Park Located northwest of the Forbidden City, this ancient royal garden is among China's oldest and most comprehensive imperial parks, collectively called "Three Seas" with Zhonghai and Nanhai. Best viewing spots: White Dagoba on Qiong Island: Glows at sunset with picturesque lake reflections. Boat to the center for silhouette shots. Five-Dragon Pavilions: Northern shore offers exceptional views, enhanced by summer lotus blooms. Best time: 30 minutes before to 20 minutes after sunset. Tips: Rent a boat for tranquil waterside moments. Nearby cafes enhance the experience. Ticket: Peak season (Apr 1-Oct 31) ¥10 (¥20 combo); Low season ¥5 (¥15 combo) Hours: Peak 6:30-21:00; Low 6:30-20:00 Transport: Subway Line 6 to Beihai North, or buses 13/42/107 to Beihai Park. (4) Olympic Forest Park This 680-hectare "green lung" of Beijing is Asia's largest urban green space in Chaoyang District. Best viewing spots: Wooden boardwalk at Olympic Lake: Sunset turns reeds into golden foil, creating Monet-esque scenes. Head toward South Gate for open views. Yang Mountain: Free summit access for central axis and "dragon-shaped water system" sunset views. Best time: Summer 19:00-19:30; spring/autumn 18:00-18:30. Tips: Lakeside walks or post-sunset sports on tracks/soccer fields. Ticket: Free Hours: Peak (Mar 15-Nov 15) 6:00-21:00; Low 7:00-20:00 Transport: Subway Line 8 to Forest Park South Gate or Olympic Park. (5) Shougang Park This cultural creative zone transformed from a steel factory preserves industrial relics like blast furnaces, blending them with modern art and technology. Best viewing spots: New Shougang Bridge: From Gucheng Subway overpass, capture mountains, lake, and sunset reflections between arches (18:00-18:30). Qunming Lake: Surreal industrial sunset with furnaces and bridge silhouettes. Best time: Summer 19:00-19:30; spring/autumn 18:00-18:30. Tips: Cycle through the park's industrial-natural fusion, then dine at onsite restaurants. Ticket: Free Hours: Open 24/7 Transport: Subway Line 1 to Gucheng, or buses 327/959 to Shougang West Gate. (6) China Zun Observation Deck Beijing's tallest landmark in CBD's core offers 360° city views from its observation deck. Best viewing spot: Unobstructed CBD glass facades and sunset glow, with lit-up Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Best time: Summer 19:00-19:30; spring/autumn 18:00-18:30. Tips: Requires advance booking. Capture city panoramas at sunset. Ticket: Check official website Hours: Check official website Transport: Subway Line 1/10 to Guomao. III. Best Timing & Weather May-September is prime viewing season, with summer "fire clouds" and autumn's pure hues. Ideal conditions: afternoon cumulus clouds breaking before sunset, or post-rain clearing. Golden hour is 30 minutes before to 20 minutes after sunset. Check Liweather APP for forecasts.