BJ-BK10: Beijing Taoranting Park to Daguanyuan Cycling

Route: Taoranting Subway Station - Taoranting Park - Temple of Xiannong - Fayuan Temple - Niujie Mosque - Daguanyuan

Distance: around 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles)

This tour starts with Taoranting subway station. You may take subway line 4 to get there. After getting off, rent a sharing bike and ride eastward for about 650 meters (710 yards) to find the north gate of Taoranting Park on your right.  

See more: Bike Sharing in China

In addition to natural scenery, Taoranting Park is also famous for some of its historical sites and cultural relics, including the Longshu Temple, the Black Dragon Pool and the Nezha Temple, as well as tombs of some famous historical figures. The most famous building is definitely the Taoran Pavilion, from which the park gets its name. 

Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 from April to October; 06:00 – 21:30 from November to March
Ticket price: CNY2

Exit Taoranting Park from its south gate, then ride east along the East Youanmen Street then West Yongdingmen Road all together for about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) to reach a traffic light, turn left and ride north for another 650 meters, detouring Xiannongtan Stadium, you will find Temple of Xiannong (Altar of Agriculture) on your left side. 

This was where emperors worshiped and offered sacrifices to the gods of agriculture for good harvests and fine rain in the Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties. The Ancient Chinese Architecture Museum is also located in the temple, which houses exhibits and does researches on Chinese ancient architecture.

Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00
Ticket price: CNY15

From the east gate of Temple of Xiannong, ride north for 450 meters (490 yards) to Beiwei Road, turn left and ride for another 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) to find Fayuan Temple on your right side. 

The temple is classical Qing-dynasty architecture and a quiet retreat in the busy city. With a history of over 1,300 years, it is the oldest temple in Beijing city. The Chinese Buddhist Academy and the Buddhist Library are also located in the temple.

The is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 pandemic and you can only have a look of its exterior and feel the Buddhism atmosphere from its surroundings. 

After visiting Fayuan Temple, ride all the way west from Fayuansi Front Street for about 450 meters, you will reach the famous Niujie Street. This is a Muslim street and renowned for its variety of Muslim food. Here you can either dine at a restaurant or stroll along the street where lots of vendors sell snacks and souvenirs. Niujie Mosque is located on the street, and, as the oldest mosque in Beijing of both Chinese and Islamic architecture styles, it is well worth a visit.

Opening hours: 08:00-16:00
Ticket price: CNY10

Ride southward along Niujie Street and then on Youanmen Inner Street for about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles). Turn right on to West Youanmen Street and you will see Daguanyuan (Grand View Garden) on your right side after about 700 meters (765 yards). The garden is a replica of the one described in the famous Chinese novel "A Dream of Red Mansions" and it was here that the movie of that name was filmed.

Opening hours: 08:30 – 16:30
Ticket price: CNY40

Outside the south gate of Daguanyuan, you can take buses 59, 62, 90, 122, 200 Inner Line, 458, and 474 to leave. 

Outside the west gate, buses 56 and 423 can be easily found.