Lion Chess Fun Garden sits inside Beijing’s Chaoyang Park, right in the heart of the city’s trendy Chaoyang district. To find it, head to Chaoyang Park South Gate (No. 1 Chaoyang Park South Road, Beijing)—it’s the closest entrance. If you’re coming by subway, hop off at Jihe Temple Station (Line 10) or Sidajuncun Station (Line 14), then walk or grab a bike. By car? Plenty of parking near the south gate, but go early on weekends to snag a spot.

Natural Scenery: Green Meets Play

Chaoyang Park is massive—think NYC Central Park but with more lakes. Lion Chess Fun Garden isn’t the park’s main attraction, but it’s a hidden gem. You’ll find it near Olonaya Lake, surrounded by willow trees and flower beds. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom nearby, and autumn brings golden ginkgo leaves. The best part? It’s tucked away from the park’s busier areas, so you can relax under shaded pavilions while kids explore.

Unique Human Touch: Chess & Lions

This spot gets its name from two quirky features: lion statues and giant chessboards. The lions aren’t scary—they’re cartoonish, painted in bright colors, and perfect for photo ops. The chessboards? Life-sized! Locals love watching elders play serious games here, while tourists snap selfies pretending to move oversized pieces. Even if you don’t know chess, the setup feels like stepping into a lively, outdoor version of “Game of Thrones”—but way less intense.

Family-Friendly Extras

Families, listen up: Lion Chess Fun Garden has clean restrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic tables. Nearby, there’s a kid’s playground with swings and slides. For snacks, walk 5 minutes to the park’s central lake area, where food stalls sell ice cream, dumplings, and bubble tea. Pro tip: Rent a paddleboat on the lake after visiting—it’s a chill way to end the day.

Why Visit? A Breathable Escape

Unlike crowded spots like the Great Wall, Lion Chess Fun Garden feels relaxed. It’s ideal for:

  • Lazy afternoons: Bring a book or sketch the lions.
  • Dates: Walk hand-in-hand by the lake, then challenge your partner to a chess duel.
  • Kid fun: Let little ones climb lion statues (carefully!) and “play” with giant chess pieces.

Weekends get busy, so mornings are best. Avoid rainy days unless you love dramatic photos of lions in the mist!

Final Tip: Mix It With Other Stops

Pair Lion Chess Fun Garden with nearby attractions:

  • Olympic Tower (15 min walk) for sky-high views.
  • Sanlitun Taikooli (20 min drive) for shopping and coffee.
  • 798 Art District (30 min drive) if you crave galleries.

Wrap up your day at Chaoyang Park’s night market (open seasonally) for street food and lights. Trust me, Lion Chess Fun Garden might be small, but it’s got BIG charm—especially for escaping Beijing’s hustle without leaving the city.

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