Near the Altar of Agriculture, one of Beijing’s large city parks invites visitors to explore. Taoranting Park, like most large Chinese city parks, is anchored by a central body of water. This lake wraps around islands and peninsulas. This creates a lovely space to wander. Hills border some of the park’s edges offering secluded woodland trails away from the masses. Taoranting Park also boasts some interesting history and artifacts.
Park of the Literati
Many of Beijing’s large city parks once belonged to the royal court. Many of these are north of the Forbidden City because that is where the court resided. However, Beijing also had a large population of educated individuals who were not members of the court. They were known as the literati, and Taoranting Park was their retreat.
The southwest corner of the park has been beautifully designed with a series of garden features. Some of these replicate pagodas or pavilions from other parts of China or Chinese literature and poetry. One building at the top of a hill near this area was transplanted from one of the royal gardens to this park.
Communist History
Taoranting Park hosted many of China’s revolutionaries in the early organizing days. An old nunnery held their meetings. This means the park has a strong connection to the revolution and the ruling communist party. On the same island is a memorial and grave to a pair of early revolutionary leaders.
Outings in the Park
Like most other parks in Chinese cities, this is a living room for most people in the neighborhood. People come here to relax and socialize. There are boats on the lake, people dancing in open spaces, people fishing despite the signs that say not to, and just going for a stroll.
I wouldn’t say this is the best or my favorite park in Beijing. The historical connections and monuments are fascinating, but not worth the trip unless you’ve exhausted other better things to do in the city or you’re in the neighborhood like I was.
