The 11th Beijing Annual Ocean and Beach Carnival at Chaoyang Park opens on June 29 and lasts until August 31 this year. It’s time to bring all your swim gear to have a big splash and save yourself from the heat!

During the carnival, 20000 square meters of beach and 5000 square meters of swimming pools in the park will be open to all. Visitors can play beach volleyball and football, and take part in other activities. Every day there will be a couple of performances on the main stage, such as incredible kung fu shows performed by kids and street dance shows by professional dancers.

Apart from the massive swimming pool for visitors to splash around in, there will also be vendors serving food and beverages. You can also rent water guns and sunbeds on the spot.

Chaoyang Park 11th Ocean and Beach Carnival, Jun 29 – Aug 31
Daily 9am-9pm. RMB 90 (weekdays), RMB 60 (6-9pm on weekdays), RMB 140 (weekends). Chaoyang Park East Gate 1, 1 Nongzhangaun Nanlu, Chaoyang District (8533 8196，buy tickets here)
朝阳公园沙滩主题乐园：朝阳区农展馆南路1号

Photo: Beijing Chaoyang Park Wechat

Is that the sound of crashing waves? No, but close enough. Instead, it’s the splish-splashing of Beijingers desperately trying to beat the intense July heat at Beijing’s Ocean and Beach Carnival, which is underway at Chaoyang Park until Aug 31.

Aside from a massive 2,000sqm swimming pool and a shallow water playground area, this attraction also boasts an even bigger 20,000sqm beach brimming with fine yellow sand imported from Hainan aka “China’s Hawaii.” The water playground area has water slides, seesaws, and more for kids to enjoy, while grownups can (as long as it’s not raining) wiggle their toes into the sand and imagine they’re lounging on a Hainan resort.

Serious swimmers, meanwhile, will enjoy the adjacent pool suitable for laps. Upon our visit last weekend, the Carnival was relatively quiet due to the overcast weather, meaning that we had the entire deep end to ourselves. What’s more: we found everything from the pools to the changing rooms well maintained and clean.

Overlooking the lake from the standard pool

Every day, there are a couple of 30-minute performances that take place on the main stage, keeping the kids happy while the adults relax the day away under huge sun umbrellas.

There’s enough here to keep all members of the family happy

If you are seeking a less leisurely activity, then head to the beach volleyball courts, which are available for rent, along with volleyballs, sunbeds, inflatables, and water guns.

To fill up after a few rounds of volleyball, there are a few food and beverage vendors bordering either side of the beach as well as a restaurant on the right-hand side of the carnival, near the pool exit. Don’t expect anything too delectable – Beijing classics like zhajiangmian (RMB 25), chuan’r (RMB 20-30), and baozi(RMB 30) – just satisfying enough to fill you up after your afternoon swim. You will need to buy a prepaid card at the door to buy food.

READ: Beijing’s Best Indoor and Outdoor Swimming Pools to Save You From the Summer Heat

The Ocean and Beach Carnival may be one of Beijing’s best-kept secrets, and despite not being the cheapest option for a dip in Beijing, the high price tag means that it stays relatively quiet, making for a great way to while away the weekend in peace.

Chaoyang Park Ocean and Beach Carnival
Daily 9am-9pm. RMB 90 (weekdays), RMB 60 (6-9pm on weekdays), RMB 140 (weekends). Chaoyang Park East Gate 1, 1 Nongzhangaun Nanlu, Chaoyang District (8533 8196 )
朝阳公园沙滩浴场：朝阳区农展馆南路1号

Photos: Laura Zheng