Beijing Zhongshan Park Magnolia & Tulip Exhibition: A Complete Guide

In spring, Beijing's Zhongshan Park, with its snow-white magnolias and vibrant tulips, is a romantic destination where classical gardens and flower seas intertwine. This guide will help you efficiently explore the park and leave no regrets! --- **I. Best Viewing Time** - **Magnolia Blossom Season**: Late March to mid-April (peak bloom is about 10 days, it is recommended to visit from late March to early April). - **Tulip Exhibition**: March 17 to April 30 (I visited on March 19, and only a small portion were in bloom. If you want to see a large expanse of tulips, you'll need to wait until April). --- **II. Transportation Guide** - **Subway**: Take Line 1 to Tiananmen West Station, Exit B. Walk 5 minutes to the south gate of the park (recommended! Avoids security checks on Chang'an Avenue). - **Bus**: Take Bus No. 1, 5, 52, etc. to Zhongshan Park Station. - **Driving**: Parking around the park is difficult. It is recommended to park in the underground parking lot of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (about a 10-minute walk). *Note: Bring your ID card. Park tickets must be booked 1 day in advance on the "Changyou Park" WeChat official account (10 yuan/person, half price for students).* --- **III. Magnolia Viewing Route** 1. **Huifang Garden** (core area) - Several century-old white magnolias in the ancient courtyard, with low-hanging branches within reach, complement the blue bricks and gray tiles, creating a strong Beijing flavor. - *Photography Tip*: Fewer people in the early morning. Wear Hanfu or light-colored dresses, and use the corridors for framing. 2. **South Side of the Altar of Earth and Harvests** - Purple magnolias set against red walls and glazed tiles, exuding a rich royal atmosphere. Suitable for shooting upwards to avoid crowds. 3. **West Side of Zhongshan Hall** - Several tall Yulan magnolias (pink and white gradient), with flowers and leaves blooming together, offer a unique charm. --- **IV. Tulip Exhibition Highlights** - **Around Tanghuawu**: The main exhibition area, with over 200,000 tulips forming a rainbow flower belt. Varieties include the rare "Black Parrot" and "Flaming Parrot" double-petal exotic flowers. - **South Gate Entrance Plaza**: Giant flower bed designs (past themes include windmills and Peking Opera masks), suitable for aerial panoramic shots. - **Near Mei Garden**: Tulips interspersed with February orchids and crabapple blossoms, creating a natural and wild atmosphere. *Tip: The light is soft after 4pm, and backlighting creates a stunning translucent effect on the petals.* --- **V. Practical Tips** 1. **Avoid Peak Hours**: Weekends and holidays from 9:00-15:00 have the highest visitor flow. It is recommended to visit before 8:00 am or on a working day. 2. Be sure to bring your ID card, as there will be security checks around the area. --- **Spring waits for no one. Grab this guide and set off now to experience the limited-time blossoms by the Forbidden City!** 🌸🌷