Temple of Heaven, Longtan Lake Park, Taoranting Park

A run in the Temple of Heaven Park/Longtan Lake Park area is a favorite run in central Beijing, and a good alternative to the crowds in the Forbidden City area. Just west is Taoranting Park. Run these parks standalone or combine for 15-20 km! Note: Admission fee required for Temple of Heaven Park & Taoranting Park.

Start at the parking lot/subway station at the east side of Temple of Heaven Park. The park surrounds the renowned temple complex from 1420 featuring distinctive circular buildings. It’s memorable running around the 267-acre park’s paths. It’s a combination of wide, open plazas passing impressive buildings, and some quieter wooded sections. A loop of the perimeter is ~5 km, but several km can be added with interior paths.

For a longer run, combine with Longtan Park just to the east. Exit the east end and use Longtan Rd. Enter Longtan Xihu Park, and do the 1 km loop of the park’s pond. Then use Longtan Rd. again to head east for 0.5 km to enter Longtan Lake Park, where there’s a pleasant 3 km loop on paved paths around Longtan Lake. Use Longtan Rd. to return to the start.

Add-Ons: Just south of Temple of Heaven is Yongdingmen Park, with a 1.5 km path through the park. Just east of there is a 1.5 km path along  the Nanhucheng River. Also, 1.5 km west of Temple of Heaven Park is Taoranting Park, a pleasant park with paths around small lakes and a rose garden. A loop is ~5 km.