Beijing's summer heat may take some getting used to. If you love to swim, or are travelling with children, a day or half a day at a water park may be just what you need to survive the heat. These are Beijing's six best water parks.
1) Water World in the Water Cube
Water World is located in the Water Cube, China's National Aquatics Center, as used during the Olympic Games of 2008. It is allegedly outfitted with the most advanced water recreational facilities in the world, but most certainly the most advanced in China. The water park covers 12,000 square meters, and you can easily fill the better part of a day here on the many different attractions including multiple speedy slides — fun for all ages!
The water park is very busy during national holidays and summer weekends, so it is best to visit this water park during the week. Bring your own swimsuit and towel, but locker facilities are provided for all visitors. Perfectly combined with a visit to Beijing's other Olympic attractions, including the National Stadium (Bird's Nest).
- Olympic Park, Beichen Zhonglu, Chaoyang District
- Open 10am–9pm all year round
- 200 yuan for adults, 160 yuan for children
- http://www.water-cube.com/en/ or http://www.waterpark-watercube.com/english/index.aspx
2) Happy Magic Water Cube
Happy Magic Water Cube is not the same as the Water Cube, and is located on a different side of Beijing in Fengtai District — don't get the two confused! It occupies 33 hectares, and claims to be the biggest water park in the world, able to host 30,000 people at a time. There are over 50 slides and 18 different types of attractions, many with a strong Oriental influence making for a very interesting water park experience.
- 11 Xiaotun Lu, Fengtai District
- Open 10am-7pm between June 16 and June 30, 10am–10pm between July 1 and August 31
- 200 yuan for adults, 160 yuan for children under 1.5 meters
3) Hi Space
Hi Space is an indoor water park with a retractable roof and glass walls. The roof opens up if the weather is good. There are a bunch of different swimming pools, some with wave machines, drifting canals, beaches, and special areas for younger visitors to enjoy. The park has a special lift stage in the water where people have been known to have their wedding ceremony (if you are looking for a highly original wedding setting...) or where fashion shows sometimes take place.
- Zhenggezhuang Village, Beiqijia Zhen, Changping District
- Open 9am–10pm all year
- 168 yuan for adults, 100 yuan for children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters.
4) Tuanjiehu Water Park
Tuanjiehu Water Park is a popular choice during summer — it has a large and popular wave pool, the water is clean, and there are a few different slides for everyone to enjoy. It also boasts Beijing's first artificial beach. The artificial beach is great for those interested in beach volleyball, and gets crowded during national holidays. There are free locker facilities for all visitors.
- 16 Tuanjiehu Nanlilu, Chaoyang District
- Open 6.30am–9pm between May 28 and August 31.
- 40 yuan per person Monday-Friday, 50 yuan per person on weekends
5) City Seaview at Xiedao Resort
City Seaview at Xiedao Resort is the largest man-made seaside resort at 60,000 square meters, and is really more than a water park. It is more like a beach. The resort has a tropical beach setting, complete with waves, sand, coconut trees and umbrellas. The beach is a hub of activity; people surf, sunbathe, play volleyball, or relax and enjoy their surroundings.
The park has a fishpond where children (and adults) can catch fish, there is a self-service barbecue area, and a bar. You can even rent a cabin at the park if you'd like to spend a little bit more time here to escape Beijing's summer heat and city but do not have time to go all the way to China's coast.
- 1 Xiedao Lu, Chaoyang District
- Open 9am–8pm between May 27 and September 4
- 60 yuan per person (extra charges for other activities, for example 30 yuan extra for bungee jumping, 20 yuan for rock climbing, 10 yuan for hot spring massage pool)
6) Water World at Qingnianhu Park
Water World at Qingnianhu Park is a 1.5 hectare outdoor paradise. It features slides in different shapes and at different heights, including special slides for children and other entertainment for them. The pools are open late and lit throughout the evenings. Although smaller than the other parks it is generally less busy, and is cheaper; perfect if you want to spend a few hours cooling down in Beijing's summer, but don't want to spend all day at the park.
- Andingmen, Dongcheng District
- Open 9am–9pm between June 1 and September 1
- 30 yuan for adults, 20 yuan for children under 1.3 meters
Our Beijing Tours Can Include Water Parks!
If you want to visit any of the above water parks, let us know and we can work it into your itinerary, around anything else you're excited to visit. A water park is the perfect way to cool down, especially during Beijing's hot summer months.
