Looking for a unique experience in Beijing? Beijing World Park offers visitors to the Middle Kingdom a chance to see the landmarks from around the globe!
This entertaining theme park features over 100 miniature replicas of famous architectural landmarks from around the world, as well as cultural performances and fun souvenirs.
The attractions are arranged by continent, and the scenic area of the park attempts to model the layout of the globe, representing the four major oceans, and focusing on Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Image by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s
The park, built in 1993, includes scaled-down versions of iconic landmarks from 40 countries, including the Eiffel Tower, Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal, and the Statue of Liberty.
The entrance to the park is a towering Gothic castle that leads into a Roman corridor and granite relief sculptures.
Image by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s
Immediately inside the gate is an Italian-style terrace garden with a grand staircase, fountains, and sculptures inspired by famous works from the European Renaissance.
As you move through the park, you’ll find miniatures everywhere you look, with identifying plaques that give you a bit of information about the original and the proportions of the replicas – it is quite a fun game to try and guess the scale of each one.
Image by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s
Incredibly close attention to detail was paid in the creation of each replica – the intricate carvings and ornamentations are quite impressive.
Without something in your photos for scale, you sometimes feel like you are looking at the real thing.
Notre-Dame de Paris. Image by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s
Even the materials used are modeled after their originals to create the most authentic look possible – the miniature Great Pyramids were constructed of 200,000 white marble bricks. And yes, you’ll even find camels wandering in the Egyptian zone of the park.
Image by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s
If you only have a day in Beijing, it’s not a bad way to see the Great Wall and Temple of Heaven together in one stop!
Image by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s
During the peak season, many of the locale-specific areas also feature live entertainment, such as dance performances or parades based on customs from their cultural origins.
This summer, there is a special event series, Midsummer Nights, that features bonfires, theatrical performances, and water activities every Tuesday to Sunday until August 31.
Leaning Tower of Pisa. Image by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s
Although the park is a little rundown – it doesn’t look like many renovations have been made since it opened – this unique spectacle is definitely worth the trip and the cheapest way to see the world in one day!
Hours:
-
High Season (Apr 1 – Oct 31): 9am-6pm
-
Low Season (Nov 1 – Mar 31): 9am-5pm
Tickets:
-
High Season: RMB100/adult; RMB60 for students; Free entry for children under 1.2m
-
Low Season: RMB80/adult; RMB50 for students; Free entry for children under 1.2m
Transportation:
-
Subway: Take the Fangshang Line to Dabaotai Station and follow signs for exit B
-
Taxi: Take a car to the East Gate of Beijing World Park at No.158 Fengbao Lu, Fengtai
-
Bus: Take buses 477, 480, 692, 840, 967, or 969 to Shijie Gongyuan Station
Beijing World Park, No.158 Fengbao Lu, Fengtai 北京丰台区花乡丰葆路158号北京世界公园
[Cover image via China Daily]
