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Beijing Residents Embrace Lakeside Parks as July Heat Soars Past 30 Degrees

Beijing residents are shifting to lakeside and park-based outings as July temperatures climb past 30 degrees.

By Beijing Things-to-do Desk · Published July 12, 2026

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Beijing Residents Embrace Lakeside Parks as July Heat Soars Past 30 Degrees — AI illustration

Beijing families have started booking slots at lakeside venues for swimming and boating sessions this month to escape indoor heat.

The timing aligns with school summer breaks that began on July 1 and run through August 20, pushing demand for shaded outdoor spaces after last week's regional weather disruptions.

Park and lake options

Beihai Park in Xicheng District offers pedal boat rentals at 80 yuan per hour on its central lake, while the Summer Palace in Haidian District runs guided evening walks along the Longevity Hill paths that start at 6 p.m. daily. Both sites added extra lifeguards on duty from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through the end of August.

Visitor numbers and costs

Park records show 1.4 million entries at Beihai alone during July 2025, with current weekend crowds already matching those levels. Standard entry tickets remain at 20 yuan for adults at Beihai and 30 yuan at the Summer Palace, though combined boat and entry packages cost 100 yuan.

Visitors should arrive before 10 a.m. to secure boat rentals and carry water bottles, as vendors inside both parks sell chilled drinks for 10 to 15 yuan each. Online reservations through the Beijing Municipal Administration of Parks app open daily at 8 a.m. for the following day.

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