Central Green Forest Park (城市绿心森林公园)
Last Saturday I went with my husband, my mother-in-law, and our niece to Central Green Forest Park in Tongzhou. It is known as the “green heart” of the new city.
The park follows the concept of one river, two banks, six gardens, and eighteen views. The Grand Canal runs through the middle, the two sides give different moods, the six gardens cover sports, flowers, science, and forest, and the eighteen views are scenic spots across the park.
I liked the star-shaped paths, the 24 Solar Terms area that shows seasonal changes, and the open-air plaza for activities. The place feels more like a hub for culture, nature, and community than just a park.
We rented a four-seat bicycle, something like a pedal boat on wheels, though only the two people in the back actually pedaled. The rate was 80 yuan per hour. We returned it at a station that was a bit far but convenient for walking to the Beijing Library afterward.
Since we kept stopping to look at plants along the way, the last ten minutes turned into a race. My husband and I had to pedal as hard as we could so we would not get charged for another full hour, and we made it on the exact 59th minute.
Art Center
By early afternoon we returned the bike and walked to a mall near the Beijing Library for lunch. We were passing by the art museum that has not yet opened. The weather was heavy with clouds and light rain, which I actually liked. After lunch we headed straight to the library.
The Beijing Library, it’s famous for the world’s largest reading room and a collection of around eight million books.
The design is called a “forest of knowledge,” with ginkgo-shaped columns and open, layered spaces. Beyond books, it has exhibitions, children’s areas, and 24-hour zones, making it both a library and a cultural hub. It is truly a place for both children and adults, especially with programs and learning tools inspired by ancient culture alongside high-tech experiences that broaden perspectives, which felt just right for our little niece.
At the Library, there’s an interactive corner where you place your hands on a sensor and it shows your “emotion” through art. Mine came out as "Excited", shown through Edvard Munch’s “Red Apples.” The curves and vivid colors symbolize strong emotions, energy, and the pulse of human relationships. In short, the library turned a simple scan into an artful reflection of mood.
We stayed at the library until evening before heading out. On the way back, we stopped for hotpot at a restaurant near my husband’s office and finally went home. It was a tiring day, but every moment felt worth it.
