Following our discovery of the free outdoor playground that opened up in a cosy neighborhood park across from the MOMA residences, we are thrilled to share that another outdoor playground has opened in a free park, this time southeast of central Beijing in the Guanzhuang neighborhood not too far from Happy Valley.

官庄公园 (Guān zhuāng gōngyuán) Guanzhuang Park just opened late last year, and sports new, clean facilities, including a freshly painted 860-meter fitness trail, a colored pencil wall, and brand new playground areas! The 948-hectare park itself is huge, as attested by our 1.5 hour exploration that covered less than half of it.

According to the park directory, there are designated areas such as “wetlands,” “butterflies garden,” and even a “moonlight forest,” but due to the winter chill, you don’t really see those attractions yet. What you will see is a big lake that’s currently frozen (and which sadly doesn’t allow ice-skating), as well as several new gazebos and sheltered areas for sitting.

Plus, of course the spanking new kids’ playgrounds! Right now, you can only enter through the west entrance of the park, and the quickest way to the playgrounds is to turn right and walk east until you reach the river, then cross the first bridge. There are three locations identified as public restrooms on the map (look for number 19), but we didn’t manage to find them ourselves.

Following the path you’re set on, the first playground you’ll see is the giraffe. It’s a fun one for little kiddos 3 and under. Further east past that one, you’ll find a larger playground that offers some climbing and balancing challenges, which is best suited to slightly older kids up to 7 years old. Close to that is another toddler playground, this one in the form of a airplane. Around the corner there’s also a slide with a sand pit, as well as some fun natural structures like this one that resembles a wooden igloo.

With huge open spaces and multiple playgrounds within city limits, the park is already a massive draw. But one more thing: Guanzhuang park is one of the few parks that lets kids bring their bicycles and scooters in to ride! The park and the playgrounds are definitely worth a visit, even on weekends when the crowds descend － the space is large enough to accommodate most!

Find it: 北京市朝阳区广华大街
běi jīng shì cháo yáng qū guǎng huà dà jiē
Guanghua Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing

KEEP READING: Beijing’s Newest Playground Has Us Tickled Pink

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

The first quarter of 2020 has been a strange time indeed. This year has been defined by quarantines, flight delays, mask shortages, e-learning, constantly asking the question “When will school reopen?”, and for some parents, more time spent with their kids than they could ever wish for.

While we keep those battling on the frontlines of the virus in our thoughts, we can also use this time for a little reflection and creativity.

We’re calling all artists and designers to take part in the COVID-19 T-Shirt Design Contest to show their support for all those fighting COVID-19.

Whether it’s a message of unity and solidarity, the importance of proper hygiene techniques, the power of social responsibility, or showing love and appreciation for the doctors and nurses fighting COVID-19, we want to know what this time has meant to you.

It’s time to unite and show our love and support for one another. Together we’ll overcome COVID-19!

Here is how the contest works:
1. Submit your work here before Mar 29
2. beijingkids readers will have until Apr 3 to vote for their favorite design
3. The winner will receive a set of T-shirts with his or her design, a set of beijingkids quarantine-themed parent/child T-shirts, free entry to all upcoming Beijinger events for the year, and unlimited bragging rights!

Rules:
1. Use whatever medium you choose. it can be watercolor, stick figure, pencil, oil painting, computer drawing and so on.
2. Please paint/design on white paper or background.
3. Participants need to scan or take a photo of their works. Please make sure photos or scanned files are between 1-3M JPG, PNG, or PDF format.
4.  When you’re ready, click here to submit your work.

See you on the other side of quarantine, Beijing! Until then, stay safe and remember to wash your hands!