The 4 Best Spots to Float on a Boat in Beijing

At last, warmer days are here, and outdoor activities have resumed in Beijing! What better way to spend a sunny day than chilling on a boat with your friends or family?

With so many places to choose from to get out on the water, you might need some help finding the perfect spot to float around.

Here are a few of our favorite places in Beijing to cruise on the water:

The Summer Palace

Image via Westchinago

The Summer Palace is one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks, and Kunming Lake is a great spot for an aquatic experience.

There are multiple docks to leave from with options ranging from small rowboats to electric boats. There are also private boats available for a classier experience. If you don’t want to pay for a private ride, there are also ferries available for RMB30-40 to take you across the lake. 

Bafang Pavilion Dock:

• Rowboats (4 seats): RMB80/hour with a RMB400 deposit

• Pedal Boats (6 seats): RMB120/hour with a RMB400 deposit

Wenchang Pavilion Dock:

• Antique Electric Boats (6 seats): RMB200/hour with a RMB600 deposit

• Yulan Hall Dock:

• Antique Electric Boats (6 seats): RMB200/hour with a RMB600 deposit

Private boat tours:

• Small Tour Boat (20-30 seats): RMB3000/hour

• Small Luxury Boat (10-12 seats): RMB4000/hour

• Large Tour Boat (75-98 seats): RMB8000/hour

All services are available from 8.30am-5.30pm

Beihai Park

Image via Beijingdeeptours

Beihai Park has 11 docks and more than 400 boats you can enjoy while viewing the White Pagoda off in the distance. You can take ferries around for RMB5-20 or enjoy a leisurely ride on a private boat.

Private boat rentals:

• Duck-Shaped Electric Boat (4 seats): RMB200/hour with a RMB400 deposit *only available at the Lingguang Hall Dock

• Lotus-Shaped Boat (8 seats): RMB320/hour with RMB800 deposit

• Lotus Viewing Rowboat (up to 10 people): RMB40/half-hour per or RMB60/hour

All services are available from 9am-5.30pm

Yuyuantan Park

Image via BJD

Yuyuantan Park is a great place to enjoy sailing during cherry blossom season, when the park turns into a sea of pink. The playful cartoon boats are also popular with children and fun for the whole family!

There are four different docks (Sakura, Nanshan Guanying, Wetland Garden, and Yuanxiang Garden) but the types of boats available and the prices are similar.

Boat rentals:

• Electric Boat (4 seats): RMB180/hour with a RMB400 deposit. 

• Clownfish Electric Boat, Dolphin Electric Boat, or Flamingo Electric Boat (4 seats): RMB200/hour with a RMB600 deposit

• Electric Boat (6 seats): RMB220/hour with a RMB600 deposit

• Dolphin Electric Boat (6 seats): RMB240/hour with a RMB600 deposit

All services are available from 9am-5pm

Zizhuyuan Park

Image via Beijingservice

With nearly 700 years of history, Zizhuyuan Park offers visitors a serene boat ride surrounded by lotus flowers and traditional Chinese architecture.

However, it is a bit tricky to get around the thick patches of growth – so, to avoid people getting tangle, the park typically only offers guided rides for four to eight people for RMB80-150/person

Available from 9am-5pm

[Cover image via CGTN]