Ritan Park (Ritan Gongyuan)

Ritan Park, or Ritan Gongyuan, is one of Beijing's oldest imperial parks, originally built in 1530 during the Ming Dynasty as a site for the emperor to worship the sun. Today, it serves as a peaceful urban oasis in the Chaoyang District, popular with locals practicing tai chi, playing chess, or strolling among ancient cypress trees. The park's centerpiece is the Sun Altar (Ritan), a white marble platform where rituals were once performed. Visitors can also explore the picturesque garden landscapes, traditional pavilions, and a small lake. Unlike the more touristy Temple of Heaven, Ritan Park offers a quieter, more authentic glimpse into Beijing's imperial past and daily life. The park is especially lovely in spring when cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn when the foliage turns golden.

Don't miss

• See the Sun Altar, a three-tiered white marble platform used for imperial ceremonies
• Stroll through the ancient cypress grove, some trees over 500 years old
• Watch locals practice tai chi, calligraphy on the ground, or play traditional instruments
• Visit the small but charming garden with a pond and willow trees
• Explore the park's cultural relics, including stone tablets and carved pillars

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Ritan Park (Ritan Gongyuan)

Cheapest way inForbidden City/ Palace Museum & Tiananmen Sq. Ticket Booking4.7★ · 161 travelers2–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →Best full dayBeijing Essential Full-Day Tour including Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square4.6★ · 749 travelers~9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$99 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleBeijing: Mutianyu Great Wall&Ming Tombs Private Tour with options5★ · 27 travelers8–9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$126 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The park opens early (around 6 AM) and closes at night. Check current hours online.
• Bring water, especially in summer, as there are limited vendors inside.
• Photography is allowed and encouraged. The altar and gardens are great photo spots.
• Join a tai chi or dancing group if invited, it's a fun way to interact with locals.

A bit of history

Constructed in 1530 under the Ming Jiajing Emperor, Ritan Park was one of four altars built for celestial worship. The emperor would make sacrifices here at the spring equinox to ensure a bountiful harvest. It opened as a public park in the early 20th century.