Daxing 大兴区 — Wildlife Adventures & Aviation Marvel
Daxing (大兴区) is Beijing's rapidly developing southern district, best known for the spectacular Beijing Daxing International Airport — a starfish-shaped architectural marvel. Beyond aviation, Daxing offers one of Beijing's most popular wildlife parks with drive-through safaris, and is famous across China for its watermelons. The district is transforming from agricultural land into a modern hub while maintaining its rural charm and natural attractions.
One of Beijing's top family attractions, featuring over 10,000 animals across 200 species in a 3,600-mu natural setting. The park offers a unique drive-through safari experience where lions, tigers, bears, and wolves roam freely — you view them from the safety of your car or the park's caged bus. The walking zone features giraffe feeding, elephant shows, bird aviaries, and a petting zoo. Special experiences include animal encounters and feeding sessions. The park is well-maintained with clean facilities, multiple dining options, and electric cart rentals. Allow a full day for a thorough visit.
Hours: 8:30–17:00 (summer) / 9:00–16:00 (winter)
Admission: ¥115–160 (adult, varies by season). Drive-through bus ¥50 additional. Children under 1.2m free.
Zaha Hadid's posthumous masterpiece, often called "the starfish airport" for its five-finger terminal design. Opened in 2019, it's one of the world's largest single-terminal airports and an architectural wonder. The vast 700,000-square-meter terminal features a stunning honeycomb ceiling that floods the space with natural light. Even if you're not flying, it's worth a visit just to admire the architecture. The airport also features a duty-free shopping zone, restaurants, and an observation deck. Take the airport express train (Daxing Airport Express) for a scenic connection to central Beijing.
Hours: Airport operates 24 hours. Terminal open 6:00–23:00 for visitors.
Admission: Free to visit terminal. Airport Express ¥40 from Caoqiao Station.
A unique wetland park dedicated to the Père David's deer (麋鹿, milu), a species that was extinct in China for nearly 100 years before being reintroduced from European zoos. The park covers 6,000 hectares and is now home to over 100 wild milu deer roaming freely. The park features wetlands, grasslands, forests, and walking/biking trails. Other wildlife includes peacocks, swans, and various waterfowl. Educational exhibits tell the remarkable story of the milu deer's near-extinction and successful reintroduction. A peaceful nature experience close to the city.
Hours: 8:00–17:00 (Apr–Oct) / 8:30–16:00 (Nov–Mar)
Admission: Free (park). Some exhibitions ¥10.
The world's only museum dedicated to watermelons. Located in Panggezhuang Town, the watermelon capital of China, the museum showcases the history, cultivation, and varieties of watermelons across 2,000 years. Exhibits include watermelon specimens from around the world, ancient agricultural tools, and interactive displays. The surrounding area hosts an annual Watermelon Festival (late May) where you can taste and buy dozens of watermelon varieties. It's a quirky but genuinely interesting stop — and the area's watermelons are among China's finest.
Hours: 9:00–16:00 (closed Mondays)
Admission: ¥20
One of the four great imperial palaces of the Qing Dynasty located outside Beijing's city walls, Tuanhe Palace was built in the 42nd year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1777). Set within a sprawling 20-hectare lake-and-garden complex, the palace served as an imperial hunting retreat and summer residence. The site features traditional Chinese garden design with elegant pavilions, winding corridors, lotus ponds, and ancient pine trees. After years of restoration, the palace and gardens have been beautifully preserved and reopened to the public. A significant cultural site that offers a stark contrast to Daxing's modern airport and wildlife attractions. The on-site museum houses artifacts and exhibits about Qing Dynasty imperial life in the southern suburbs.
Hours: 8:30–17:00 (closed Mondays)
Admission: ¥10. Free for seniors and children under 1.2m.
The largest urban park in Daxing, Niantan Park covers over 200 hectares with a stunning central lake spanning 80 hectares. Opened in 2011, this is Daxing's premier green space and a favorite among locals for weekend outings. The park features a 5-km lakeside walking and cycling path, bamboo groves, willow-lined promenades, and seven uniquely designed bridges crossing the lake. Highlights include the ecological island bird sanctuary, the lotus pond that blooms spectacularly in July-August, a children's playground, and several pavilions for picnicking. Boat rentals are available on the lake (¥40-60/hour for paddle boats and electric boats). The park is especially beautiful at sunset when the lights reflect off the water. Free entry makes it an excellent budget-friendly addition to any Daxing itinerary.
Hours: 6:00–21:00 (daily)
Admission: Free. Boat rentals ¥40-60/hour.
One of the four great imperial palaces built outside Beijing's city walls during the Qing Dynasty, Tuanhe Palace was constructed in 1777 (42nd year of Emperor Qianlong's reign). Set within a sprawling 20-hectare lake-and-garden complex, the palace served as an imperial hunting retreat and summer residence. The site features traditional Chinese garden design with elegant pavilions, winding corridors, lotus ponds, and ancient pine trees. After years of restoration, the palace and gardens have been beautifully preserved and reopened to the public. A significant cultural site that offers a stark contrast to Daxing's modern airport and wildlife attractions. The on-site museum houses artifacts and exhibits about Qing Dynasty imperial life in the southern suburbs.
Hours: 8:30–17:00 (closed Mondays)
Admission: ¥10. Free for seniors and children under 1.2m.
The largest urban park in Daxing, Niantan Park covers over 200 hectares with a stunning central lake spanning 80 hectares. Opened in 2011, this is Daxing's premier green space and a favorite among locals for weekend outings. The park features a 5-km lakeside walking and cycling path, bamboo groves, willow-lined promenades, and seven uniquely designed bridges crossing the lake. Highlights include the ecological island bird sanctuary, the lotus pond that blooms spectacularly in July-August, a children's playground, and several pavilions for picnicking. Boat rentals are available on the lake (¥40-60/hour for paddle boats and electric boats). The park is especially beautiful at sunset when the lights reflect off the water. Free entry makes it an excellent budget-friendly addition to any Daxing itinerary.
Hours: 6:00–21:00 (daily)
Admission: Free. Boat rentals ¥40-60/hour.
A large film and TV production base built in the style of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. Covering 300,000 square meters, the site includes replica streets of old Beijing, imperial palaces, temples, and traditional courtyards. Famous TV dramas including "My Fair Princess" (还珠格格) and "The Legend of Ji Xiaolan" (铁齿铜牙纪晓岚) were filmed here. Visitors can explore the sets, watch live filming (if coinciding with production), and enjoy cultural performances. The adjacent North Putuo Temple adds a spiritual dimension to the visit. While primarily a working studio, the site is open to tourists and offers a glimpse into China's booming TV industry. Great for photography enthusiasts and fans of Chinese period dramas.
Hours: 8:30–17:30
Admission: ¥40.
A unique tropical greenhouse complex in the heart of northern China. Opened in 2010, this "south fruit north planting" demonstration base covers 600 mu (40 hectares) and houses over 1,000 tropical plant species from around the world — including rare palm trees, giant banyan trees, tropical fruit trees (mango, banana, pineapple), and exotic flowers. The garden features themed zones: the tropical rainforest greenhouse, the desert plant zone, the fruit orchard, and the cultural exhibition hall showcasing tropical agriculture. Visitors can taste fresh tropical fruits (in season), participate in fruit-picking activities, and learn about tropical ecosystems. There is also a small animal area with peacocks and parrots. A surprising and delightful escape from Beijing's temperate climate.
Hours: 8:30–17:30 (winter) / 8:00–18:00 (summer)
Admission: ¥60. Fruit picking activities ¥30-80 additional.
The world's largest museum dedicated to the art and history of printing, located in the heart of Daxing's economic development zone. The museum traces the evolution of Chinese printing from ancient oracle bone inscriptions and stone steles, through the invention of movable type by Bi Sheng (1040s), to modern digital printing. Exhibits include a full-scale replica of the world's first movable type printing press, rare woodblock-printed books from the Song Dynasty, interactive displays where visitors can try typesetting, and a gallery of award-winning contemporary print design. The museum is a hidden gem for history buffs and design enthusiasts. English signage is limited — download a translation app beforehand. A fascinating deep-dive into one of China's most influential technological contributions to world civilization.
Hours: 9:00–16:30 (closed Sundays and Mondays)
Admission: Free (bring ID for entry).
Located in Weishanzhuang Town along the southern central axis of Beijing, this is northern China's largest rose and Chinese rose (月季, yueji) garden. Covering 658 mu (44 hectares), the park was the venue for the 2016 World Rose Convention. The garden houses over 1,700 rose varieties totaling nearly 70,000 plants from around the world — including rare heritage roses, miniature roses, climbing roses, and the famous "Beijing Rose" cultivar. The site includes three core zones: the Rose Theme Garden, the Variety Garden, and the Culture Garden, plus a Rose Museum. Best visited in late May to June when the roses are in full bloom — the entire park becomes a sea of colors and fragrances. A paradise for garden lovers and photographers. Admission is free and the park is rarely crowded with tourists.
Hours: 8:00–18:00 (Apr–Oct) / 8:30–17:00 (Nov–Mar)
Admission: Free.
Getting local information: Visit the local tourist information center (usually near train stations or city squares). Free maps and event schedules available.
Using public transport: Most Chinese cities have affordable bus networks (2-3 RMB per ride). Buy a local transport card for convenience.
Evening safety: Chinese cities are generally safe at night. Stick to well-lit main streets after 22:00. Avoid unlicensed taxi services.
Photography etiquette: Ask permission before photographing locals, especially elderly people and children. Temples may prohibit indoor photography.
LocalSIMcards: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all offer tourist SIMs (30-50 RMB/week) at airport counters.
Budget (100-200 RMB/day): Stay in budget hotels near Tiangongyuan metro (¥150-250/night). Use metro + bus to reach attractions. Self-catered meals and street food. Wildlife Park ticket (¥115-160) is the biggest expense.
Mid-range (300-500 RMB/day): 3-star hotel in Huangcun area (¥250-400/night). Mix of taxi and metro. Dine at local restaurants. Full day at Wildlife Park with drive-through bus (adds ¥50).
Family day out (2 adults + 1 child): Wildlife Park tickets ~¥350, taxi round trip ~¥200, lunch ~¥150, snacks ~¥50. Total roughly ¥750 for a great family day.
Money saving tip: Nanhaizi Milu Park is free and offers a unique wildlife experience — an excellent budget alternative to the paid Wildlife Park.
Accommodation note: Most Daxing hotels are in the Huangcun commercial area (near Metro Line 4). Airport hotels near PKX start at ¥350/night but offer shuttle service.