Beijing is one of the world’s largest cities, with a population of more than 20 million. It’s the second largest city in China after Shanghai, and is the country’s political, educational, cultural, and business capital. Beijing is divided into 16 urban, suburban, and rural districts, and the 2nd through 5th Ring Roads that are auto beltways around the city. Running in Beijing can be a challenge, with the best bets being the numerous & growing network of parks. Runners should note that the city is densely crowded, there’s lots of traffic, and the air quality can be poor.
Some of the best places to run in Beijing are centrally located, inside the Second Ring Road. This includes our ‘runseeing‘ tour of around Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City and historic parks. Nearby are routes along the Ming Dynasty Wall, Temple of Heaven Park, and Ditan Park/Liuyin Park. In the north part of Beijing, Olympic Park and the Olympic sites is popular for running. Several other parks, such as Purple Bamboo Park and Chaoyang (Sun) Park, have well-marked, well maintained running paths or tracks. Just south of Fucheng Rd., Yuyuantan Park has nice running paths and is famous for its 3,000 cherry trees. Good places for long runs on the city outskirts are Binhe Forest Park & Jianhe Park in the Shunyi District, and Dayunhe Forest Park in the Tongzhou area.
Beijing has an extensive public transportation system, consisting of buses and inexpensive subways, with English language signage. Runners should note Beijing’s climate: cold winters and hot, humid summers. The city is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and gorgeous fall foliage in the parks.
Beijing has a humid continental climate. Summers are hot and humid, with highs averaging 30C (mid-80s). Nights stay warm and muggy. Winters are fairly severe. Average January highs are just above freezing, and lows in the teens. Most of Beijing’s precipitation occurs in spring and summer downpours. Winters, though cold, are quite dry. There is snow but not big storms. Ice and footing is an issue in winter months.