A large park west of the city centre built around two artificial lakes, pleasant for cycling and walking but best known for its Cherry Blossom Festival each spring. For two weeks in late March and early April, the park's cherry trees — over 3,500 of them — bloom simultaneously, drawing huge crowds for picnics and photography. If cherry blossoms are your interest, book accommodation well in advance; the festival is one of the most popular seasonal events in the city.
Outside blossom season, Yuyuantan is uncrowded and useful as a green escape from the central city. Rowing boats can be hired on the lake in summer. The park is near the Military Museum subway station (Line 1) and makes a good complement to the Capital Museum nearby.