Is Olympic Forest Park free and how do I get there?

Yes, it's free; just walk in. Built for the 2008 Games, it's Beijing's largest urban park at 680 hectares. Metro Line 8 stops at both Olympic Green and Forest Park South Gate, making it far more accessible than Fragrant Hills. It's open from early morning, the best time to see locals running and cycling.

What is there to do at Olympic Forest Park?

Walk or run the paved 5 km outer loop, Beijing's premier running route, or rent a bike at the south or north gates (around 30 RMB per hour). There are forested hills, lakes, and rivers across 30+ km of trails, plus views from the central artificial hill, Yangshan. Spring blossoms and autumn ginkgos are highlights.

Can I combine Olympic Forest Park with the Bird's Nest?

Yes, easily. The Bird's Nest stadium is about 1 km south, so you can pair the park with the Olympic district for a full day. Allow 2 to 4 hours in the park itself. It accepts Visa and Mastercard at facilities and has free wifi, unusual conveniences for a Beijing park.

Olympic Forest Park, Beijing: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Beijing's largest urban park (680 hectares) — built for the 2008 Olympics, free, and locals' favorite running/cycling spot.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 奥林匹克森林公园 (Ào Lín Pǐ Kè Sēn Lín Gōng Yuán)
Opening hours: 6 AM – 9 PM
Time needed: 2-4 hours
Best time to visit: Morning, especially in spring and autumn
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 33 Kehui Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing · 朝阳区科荟路33号

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Built as the northern terminus of Beijing's Olympic Green for the 2008 Games, the Olympic Forest Park is the largest public park in the city — 680 hectares of forested hills, lakes, and rivers crossed by 30+ kilometers of running and cycling trails. Free to enter, open dawn to dusk. The 5km outer loop is a Beijing fitness classic — you'll see locals running, cycling, and stretching from 6 AM onwards. Spring (March-May) brings cherry blossoms and peach blossoms; autumn (October-November) brings golden ginkgos. Mountain views from the central artificial hill ('Yangshan'). Combine with a morning visit to the Bird's Nest 1 km south for a full Olympic district day. Less famous than Fragrant Hills but far more accessible — Metro Line 8 stops at both Olympic Green and Forest Park South Gate.

Highlights

Free EntryBeijing's largest park, completely free; just walk in
5 km Outer LoopPaved trail; Beijing's premier running route
Cherry Blossoms (樱花) SpringLate March to early April; quieter than Yuyuantan
Combine with Bird's Nest1 km south; full Olympic district day
Bike Rental AvailableStations at the south and north gates; ~30 RMB/hour

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Come early morning to see authentic Beijing fitness culture; runners and cyclists fill the loop from 6 AM.
▸Late March to early April brings cherry blossoms that are far quieter here than at Yuyuantan.
▸Time an autumn visit for the golden ginkgos in October and November.
▸Rent a bike at the gates; 30+ km of trails make the park much bigger than it looks on foot.
▸Climb the central artificial hill, Yangshan, for a panorama most casual visitors never bother with.
▸Combine with the Bird's Nest 1 km south rather than treating the park as a standalone trip.
▸Unusually for a Beijing park, cards work and wifi is free, so you don't strictly need cash here.

Photos

What travelers say (5 reviews)

Tina K.·TripAdvisor·5/5

Massive free park behind the Bird's Nest. Locals come to run, fly kites, and picnic. Far less touristy than the Olympic plaza.

2026-04-10

奥森常客·Xiaohongshu·5/5

奥森10公里跑道是北京跑者圣地！早上6点就有人来。樱花季和深秋最美。

2026-03-21

Roger M.·Google Maps·4/5

Take Line 8 to Olympic Forest Park station — exits directly into south gate. Bike rentals at the entrance.

2026-02-18

Jennifer L.·TripAdvisor·4/5

Lake in the middle, hills to climb, lots of green. Kids' playground area near the south gate.

2026-01-24

BeijingRunner·YouTube·5/5

10K and half-marathon races held here annually. Free entry, open 6am-9pm.

2026-04-15

Watch creators visit Olympic Forest Park

Each clip is timestamped to the moment the creator arrives at this stop.

Beijing Walking Tour, The Capital Of China | From CBD Area To Olympic Park | 北京 | 前门 | 建外CBD

Walk EastStarts at 74:33

Around Olympic Forest Park

Videos

Park life in China: Beijing - Olympic Forest Park

CGTN

Frequently asked questions about Olympic Forest Park

Is Olympic Forest Park free and how do I get there?: Yes, it's free; just walk in. Built for the 2008 Games, it's Beijing's largest urban park at 680 hectares. Metro Line 8 stops at both Olympic Green and Forest Park South Gate, making it far more accessible than Fragrant Hills. It's open from early morning, the best time to see locals running and cycling.
What is there to do at Olympic Forest Park?: Walk or run the paved 5 km outer loop, Beijing's premier running route, or rent a bike at the south or north gates (around 30 RMB per hour). There are forested hills, lakes, and rivers across 30+ km of trails, plus views from the central artificial hill, Yangshan. Spring blossoms and autumn ginkgos are highlights.
Can I combine Olympic Forest Park with the Bird's Nest?: Yes, easily. The Bird's Nest stadium is about 1 km south, so you can pair the park with the Olympic district for a full day. Allow 2 to 4 hours in the park itself. It accepts Visa and Mastercard at facilities and has free wifi, unusual conveniences for a Beijing park.