Sanlihe Park, Beijing

🗣️Sanlihe Park, located on the east side of Qianmen in Dongcheng District, Beijing, is a unique landscape that ingeniously blends the courtyard style of old Beijing hutongs with the charm of a Jiangnan water town. Originally a drainage channel for the old city, its history dates back to the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty. Restored in 2016, it now revives the ancient Ming and Qing Dynasty charm of "a three-li waterway around Qianmen." The park features a meandering river about 800 meters long, with clear water where koi, black swans, and other creatures swim freely. Willow trees line the banks, and traditional courtyard houses with white walls and gray tiles are scattered throughout, creating a rich old Beijing atmosphere. 🚏Tour Route Enter through the east gate of Sanlihe Park and walk along the river. The first thing you'll see is the peach blossoms in full bloom on both banks. Enjoy the vibrant spring flowers and the goldfish and mallards playing in the water. When you come to a small bridge, pause to admire the beautiful scenery. Continue westward and you'll find the popular "Spring Breeze" cafe. Here, you can sit by the river, enjoy a coffee, and bask in the sun. It's very relaxing. Walk further and pass by an area of old courtyard houses to experience the architectural charm of old Beijing. Follow the river bend north to see a white stone bridge. The large pink peach trees on both sides of the bridge are a classic photo spot. Taking pictures on the bridge is especially rewarding. Finally, walk west to Qianmen Street, where you can continue to explore this bustling street and experience the commercial atmosphere and historical culture of old Beijing. 📸Photo Spots 1️⃣Riverside Peach Blossom Grove: Peach blossoms bloom profusely along the riverbanks, their reflections shimmering in the water. Every shot is a spring masterpiece. 2️⃣Ancient-style Small Bridge: From the bridge, you can capture the surrounding peach blossoms, flowing water, and courtyard houses in your camera's viewfinder. It's perfect for taking photos with an ancient feel, especially if you're wearing a Hanfu. 3️⃣Spring Breeze Cafe: The Japanese-style building complements the lake view and peach blossoms outside the window. The unique wood and peach blossom color scheme creates a literary atmosphere. Even just taking pictures of the cafe's exterior is very rewarding. 4️⃣White Stone Bridge: The large pink peach trees on both sides of the stone bridge are covered in blossoms. Standing on the bridge with the peach blossoms and flowing water as a backdrop, you can easily take atmospheric photos. ❤️Tips 1️⃣The park is crowded on weekends and holidays. If you prefer a quieter experience for sightseeing and photography, try visiting on a working day. 2️⃣Light-colored clothing or Hanfu are recommended for photos, as they complement the spring scenery, especially the peach blossoms. 3️⃣There's a cafe in the park where you can rest and recharge, but the prices may be a bit high. You can also bring your own snacks and water. 4️⃣The best time for photos is early morning or evening, when the light is soft and creates a more atmospheric look. 📍Address: East side of Qianmen, Dongcheng District. Navigate to "Sanlihe Park - East Gate." 🎫Tickets: Free. 🚙Transportation 🚇Subway: Take Line 7 to Qiaowan Station, Exit D or Northwest Exit. Walk 300-450m. 🚌Bus: Take Bus No. 23 or 57 to Dongcheng Sanlihe Station. ⏰Visiting Time: 2-3 hours is recommended, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the park scenery and relax at the cafe. If you plan to visit Qianmen Street as well, reserve half a day or more. Mid-March to early April is the peak blooming season for peach blossoms and other flowers in the park, offering the most beautiful views.