Chaoyang Park Travel Guide

Park, cafés, riverside shopping and contemporary art all within easy reach.

• Best for: Families, joggers and people who like parkside cafés
• Vibe: Laid-back by day, lively near Solana by night
• Nearest station: Chaoyang Park (park entrances within easy walking distance)
• Price level: $$ - midrange with some upmarket dining
• To the main sights: About a 20-35 minute taxi to Tiananmen and the Forbidden City
• Safety: Generally safe; busy at weekends around Solana

Great for:

• Families with children
• People who want green space near the city
• Visitors wanting galleries and creative districts nearby
• Casual dining and café culture

Maybe skip it if:

• You want classical Beijing hutong life
• You need budget backpacker nightlife
• You want a compact historic neighbourhood to explore on foot

Chaoyang Park sits east of central Beijing between Chaoyang Park Road and the Chaoyang North Ring; Solana is on the park’s western edge and 798 Art Zone lies a short drive northwest.

• Go early: Mornings are best for peaceful walks and avoiding weekend crowds.
• Bring cashless payment: Most cafés and shops favour mobile payments; carry a card as backup.
• Weekends get busy: Solana and the park attract locals on weekend afternoons.
• Combine visits: Pair a park stroll with a trip to the Solana or 798 Art Zone.

• Chaoyang Park: Walk, cycle or hire a pedal boat on the lake; plenty of open space for picnics and morning exercise.
• 798 Art Zone: Contemporary galleries, studios and cafés set in converted factories, great for gallery-hopping and street art.
• Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park: Riverside mall with boutiques, weekend markets and numerous restaurants and terraces.
• Park promenades and cycle paths: Stretch your legs on long, tree-lined paths used by runners and families.

• Beijing Capital Airport (PEK): Take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen, then transfer into the city metro and complete the trip with one metro change or a short taxi to the park; allow about 45-70 minutes door to door by public transport, fare c. ¥25-50. Taxi or ride-hail is simpler with luggage and takes about 30-60 minutes depending on traffic, roughly ¥100-¥200.
• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): Take the Daxing Airport Express or intercity link into Beijing, then change to the metro and a short ride or taxi to Chaoyang Park; allow about 50-80 minutes by public transport, fare c. ¥30-60. Taxi or ride-hail is straightforward and takes 40-70 minutes, roughly ¥150-¥300.
• From the main sights: From Tiananmen/Forbidden City take the Metro east and change onto lines serving Chaoyang Park/Tuanjiehu or take a direct taxi; metro plus transfer is usually 30-45 minutes, taxi 20-35 minutes depending on traffic.

• Metro: The park is served by nearby metro stations; use the metro for the fastest way across the city and then walk or short taxi to specific park entrances.
• Taxi and ride-hail: Taxis are plentiful and practical for door-to-door trips, especially at night or with luggage.
• On foot and by bike: Paths inside the park are easy to walk; there is cycle hire and long promenades for a relaxed visit.

Accommodation around Chaoyang Park ranges from simple guesthouses to solid mid-range hotels. Most options sit within easy walking distance of the park or a very short taxi ride; the neighbourhood favours comfortable, business-style properties.

Mid-range

• 郡王府酒店: A parkside hotel within easy walking distance of the green spaces; a sensible choice for visitors wanting comfort without the downtown bustle.
• 8号温泉商务酒店: Business-style hotel near the park; convenient for families and travellers looking for straightforward amenities.
• 二十一世纪饭店: Established mid-range hotel a short ride from the park; handy if you want more hotel facilities and space.

Budget

• Home Inn: A familiar budget chain with basic, clean rooms; a practical choice if you want low-cost, no-frills accommodation close to the park.
• 8号公馆: Guesthouse-style lodging offering a more intimate stay close to park entrances and cafés.
• 8号温泉商务会馆: A small guesthouse with simple rooms, suitable for budget travellers who want to be near the green space.

Dining around Chaoyang Park covers casual cafés, international chains and some higher-end steakhouses and seafood restaurants. Head for the Solana riverside, the mall food floors and the streets around the park’s north entrance; prices range from inexpensive cafés to mid-priced restaurants.

• Heytea: Bubble-tea shop, $; quick drinks and snacks popular with locals and visitors.
• Slow Boat Brewery: Brewpub and casual eatery, $$; relaxed atmosphere for burgers, beers and sharing plates.
• PizzaExpress: Pizza restaurant, $$; familiar international chain good for reliable western food.
• Element Fresh: International café/restaurant, $$; salads, juices and light mains in a casual setting.
• Wood: Steak house, $$$; a higher-end option for grilled dishes and a more formal dinner.
• Mokka Bros: Coffee shop and casual café, $$; suitable for brunches and coffee breaks near the park.
• Peet’s: Coffee shop, $; reliable espresso and a calm place to work or rest.
• Red Cuppa: International café/restaurant, $$; casual spot for light meals and coffee close to park entrances.

Nightlife here is concentrated around Solana and nearby Sanlitun, riverside terraces, cocktail bars and brewpubs. Evenings are busiest on weekends; expect mid-range prices and a mix of locals and expat crowds. For quieter nights stick to a parkside café or a hotel lounge.

• NORD Grill & Bar: Riverside bar and grill, $$; good for evening drinks and outdoor seating when weather permits.
• Mokihi Whisky and Cocktail: Cocktail bar, $$$; a focused drinks menu for a more intimate night out.

Shopping is anchored by the Solana complex for boutiques, weekend markets and riverside dining. A few smaller malls and lifestyle centres nearby offer groceries, services and chain stores; expect most browsing to be a relaxed, open-air experience.

• Solana: Riverside lifestyle mall with boutiques, restaurants and weekend markets; the neighbourhood’s main shopping and dining hub.
• 公园大道生活广场: Local mall with everyday shops and dining options a short ride from the park.
• 售票处: Small shopping/market area used for local daytime shopping and ticketing services.