A Beijing holiday is not complete without a trip to Beihai Park. Located to the west of the Forbidden City, it is the oldest imperial garden in China, and one of its best preserved. It was also the preferred choice of Chinese emperors and officials to admire the full moon during the harvest festival.

The park has an area of 68 hectares, half of which is covered by the Taiye Lake. On Mid-Autumn Day’s evening, you can hop on a boat to take in the night scenery awash by moonlight and dazzling pavilions.

Tip: For the best moon appreciation sites, head to Jade Flower Island or the Five-Dragon Pavilions in Beihai Park.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Summer Palace is one of the key highlights of a holiday in Beijing. Situated in the northwestern outskirts of Beijing, it is known as the most well preserved imperial garden in the world, and was originally built as a summer retreat for China’s past emperors.

During Mid-Autumn Festival, the locals will flock to the Summer Palace to see osmanthus flowers in full bloom. These osmanthus trees are said to be centuries-old, with the oldest plant dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

To soak in the festive vibes, opt for a stroll among the fragrant osmanthus trees, or take a boat ride across the glittering lake.

Tip: Boat rides during the Mid-Autumn Festival are usually in heavy demand, so do make advance bookings.

For the wild at heart, why not view the moon in all its magnificence while camping on the monumental Great Wall of China—one of the seven wonders of the world?

There are various tour packages available, but one particularly well-rated vendor is China Hiking. You can choose from 2- or 3- day camps, covering various sections of the Great Wall. While the hike may be challenging at some parts for the less physically inclined, you may be glad to know that the guides are reliable and knowledgeable. A reviewer even recommended the camping trip as “the only way to get the Great Wall Experience.”

Close to Beihai Park is Shichahai, a historic precinct consisting of three lakes—Qianhai (Front Lake), Houhai (Rear Lake), and Xihai (West Lake)—and known for its ancient temples and bustling nightlife.

Here, you can gaze at the full beauty of the moon while tucking into savoury local delights.

Shichahai is dotted with tea houses, upscale restaurants, and chic bars. Try Kao Rou Ji, a traditional Beijing restaurant selling delicious roast meats. (The lamb dishes are their specialty!) For a taste of the finest roast duck in Beijing, make a beeline for Jingzun Peking Duck Restaurant. The prices are reasonable and the duck is flavourful, with the skin roasted to perfection.

Lugou Bridge (or Marco Polo Bridge) is renowned for its exquisite stone sculptures and spectacular views of the moon, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. You can also participate in activities such as mooncake making while enjoying the carnival festivities.

In his book The Travels of Marco Polo, the famed Italian traveller waxed lyrical about the beauty of Lugou, proclaiming that “over this river there is a very fine stone bridge, so fine indeed, that it has very few equals in the world.”

Originally built in 1189, Lugou Bridge stands at 266.5 metres long and 9.3 metres wide, and is supported by 281 pillars on which stand numerous stone lions. At one end of the bridge, a stone slab bears the evocative inscription “The Moon over the Lugou Bridge at Dawn” in the handwriting of Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799) of the Qing Dynasty.

Need to refuel after miles of ‘moon’ walks? Bring a box of mooncakes to munch along the way. A traditional Chinese symbol of togetherness and reunion, they are a delightfully edible folk tradition.

Indulge your senses in a heavenly medley of delicate handcrafted mooncakes at Pan Pacific Beijing, offered every year.


Planning a Beijing holiday? For your accommodation and travel planning needs, speak to our friendly team at Pan Pacific Beijing.