Written by Ruqin
June 18, 2026
Quick Walk Overview
Start: Tiantan Dongmen Station (Exit A2), Subway Line 5
End: Longtan Morning Market (optional extension to Longtan Lake or Longtan Mid-Lake)
Distance: Approx. 2 km
Walking Time: About 2 hours with photo stops
Best Time: Early morning (6:30–9:00 am)
Surface: Flat park paths and city sidewalks
Crowd Level: Quiet to moderate on weekday mornings
On the morning of June 13, 2026, I took the Subway Line 5 south and got off at Tiantan Dongmen Station just after sunrise. It was a warm summer morning, around 25–31°C, with overcast skies and occasional light showers drifting through the city.
I entered Temple of Heaven Park while the morning routines were already in full swing. Most of the people I saw were retirees and older residents. Some gathered around exercise stations doing pull-ups, stretching, or chatting between sets. The park had its usual early rhythm: quiet conversations, birds in the trees, and the steady movement of people who come here almost every day.
From the East Gate of the park, I walked east along Tiyuguan Road toward Longtan Morning Market. The sidewalks were calm.
By the time I reached Longtan Morning Market, the market was already busy. Unlike Beijing’s tourist markets, this one felt entirely local—the kind of place where people know exactly which stall they visit every morning.
Why I Walked This Route
I’m naturally a morning person, and whenever I’m in Beijing, I like to begin the day on foot. A morning walk is exercise for me, but it’s also one of the best ways to understand a city before it fully wakes up.
Walking Route Map: Temple of Heaven to Longtan Morning Market
I chose this route because it connects two very different parts of Beijing’s morning life. Inside Temple of Heaven Park, I could watch the familiar routines that repeat every day: retirees exercising, friends chatting beneath the trees, and regulars moving from one exercise station to the next. A short walk away, Longtan Morning Market offered another side of the morning rhythm—people buying vegetables for lunch, picking up fruit, or deciding what to cook later that day.
What I enjoy most about this walk is that nothing feels arranged or staged. The scenes here are simply part of daily life. If you walk slowly and pay attention, you begin to see Beijing not through landmarks, but through its everyday routines—the quiet, practical moments that give the city its warmth and rhythm.
Step-by-Step Walking Route
Step 1: Tiantan Dongmen Station → Temple of Heaven East Gate
Distance: Approx. 600 meters
Walking Time: About 30–40 minutes (with photo stops)
I took Subway Line 5 and got off at Tiantan Dongmen Station just after 6:00 am. After exiting from Exit A2, I walked back about 50 meters and reached the East Gate of Temple of Heaven at around 6:10 am.
Tiantan Dongmen Station Exit A2
The sky was overcast that morning, with light rain drifting in and out. The weather felt cooler than a typical Beijing summer morning, and the park was quieter than I expected.
The Long Corridor and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
Before wandering through the exercise areas, I walked straight toward the long corridor for a first view of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the distance.
The Long Corridor and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
Even after many visits, I still find myself stopping there for a moment. The blue-tiled roof rising above the trees has a calm presence in the early morning light.
Morning exercise scenes near the East Gate
Normally, the open spaces between the East Gate and the Hall are already lively at this hour. On previous visits, I’ve seen dance groups moving to portable speakers, tai chi practitioners practicing in small circles, and regulars greeting one another as if continuing conversations from the day before.
Morning walkers in Temple of Heaven Park
This morning felt different. Perhaps it was still too early, there were fewer group activities. But the exercise stations were still busy. Older residents moved steadily between pull-up bars, parallel bars, and stretching equipment.
Seniors stretching at the outdoor fitness area
Some exercised quietly on their own, while others chatted between sets. It was clear that for many of them, this wasn’t an occasional workout—it was simply part of daily life.
Seniors using fitness equipment in Temple of Heaven Park
My focus that day was Longtan Morning Market, so I didn’t stay in Temple of Heaven for long. I’ve visited the park many times in the early morning and always enjoy its familiar rhythm. After a short walk through the grounds, I headed back out through the East Gate, crossed the road, and continued east along Tiyuguan Road toward Longtan.
Step 2: Temple of Heaven East Gate → Longtan Morning Market
Distance: Approx. 1.5 km
Walking Time: About 40–50 minutes with photo stops
After leaving the East Gate of Temple of Heaven, I crossed the road and continued east along Tiyuguan Road, starting the morning walk from Temple of Heaven to Longtan Morning Market.
I continued east along Tiyuguan Road
The morning traffic was still light, and the sidewalks felt surprisingly calm for this part of Beijing. Just around the corner stood a Beijing Bread Works ( bakery).
Just around the corner stood a Beijing Bread Works ( bakery)
The smell of freshly baked bread drifted onto the street as local residents stopped by for breakfast on their way to work. If you need a quick bite or a coffee before continuing the walk, this is an easy stop.
Tiyuguan Road
Tiyuguan Road has a different atmosphere from many streets in central Beijing. As I walked east, I passed sports facilities, government compounds, and training centers.
The sideway of Tiyuguan Road
Even the name of the road—“Tiyuguan,” or “Stadium“—reflects the neighborhood’s long connection with sports.
National Sports Genernal Bureau Sports Hospital
Not far along the road, I passed the sports hospital. A few people in tracksuits walked in and out of the gate, adding to the feeling that this part of the city moves to a different rhythm.
A row of temporary public toilets
Midway down the sidewalk, I noticed a row of temporary public toilets—one of those small but practical details that make longer walks in Beijing much easier.
General Administration of Sport of China.
Soon I reached the entrance to the General Administration of Sport of China. Posters of Chinese world champions lined both sides of the gate. Even without entering, the area carries a quiet sense of history, especially for anyone interested in Chinese sports.
Posters of Chinese world champions lined both sides of the gate
The pedestrian bridge above Tiyuguan Road
Just north of the entrance, I climbed the pedestrian bridge ( Flyover ) above Tiyuguan Road. The bridge is well known among local photographers as one of the best places to photograph the famous “hanging sun” alignment, when the setting sun appears to rest above the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
I climbed the pedestrian bridge ( Flyover ) above Tiyuguan Road
Of course, I wasn’t there at sunset. The sky that morning was gray and overcast. Still, I paused on the bridge and looked back toward Temple of Heaven in the distance. Even without the glowing orange sun, the view was worth the short climb.
View from the pedestrian bridge toward Temple of Heaven
From there, I continued east until I reached the railway bridge at the end of Tiyuguan Road. After passing underneath, the road becomes Guangming Road. I walked west to east for another 260 meters before turning south onto Zuoanmen Inner Street (Zuoanmennei Dajie).
Walking south along Zuoanmen Inner Street (Zuoanmennei Dajie) toward Longtan Morning Market
The morning was growing busier now. Cyclists passed by, neighborhood shops were opening, and more people appeared carrying shopping carts and reusable bags. It was a quiet sign that I was getting close to the market.
A small side entrance to Longtan Morning Market
After walking about 300 meters along the east side of Zuoanmen Inner Street, I spotted a small side entrance to Longtan Morning Market on my left. Later, I discovered that the market’s main entrance is on the north side, next to a parking lot.
The side entrance to Longtan Morning Market and local shoppers arriving for the day.
Step 3: Walk Around Longtan Morning Market
Walking Time: About 40 minutes with photo stops
Photography Tip: A mobile phone camera is usually enough here. The market is busy, and quick shots often work better than carrying a large camera.
The side entrance on the east side looked small from the street, but once I stepped inside, the market opened up like a maze. I hadn’t expected it to be so large. The building has three floors, with fruits on the first floor, vegetables and meat on the second, and food stalls above.
Longtan Morning Market is a traditional neighborhood wet market where local residents shop for fresh food and daily necessities.
On the first floor
I started on the first floor. Everywhere I looked, there were piles of fruit stacked high—peaches, cherries, melons, grapes, and berries in every direction. Some vendors specialized in just one or two fruits, while others sold almost exactly the same selection as their neighbors. Competition here must be intense.
I naturally stopped at the blueberry stalls first
Since I love blueberries, I naturally stopped at the blueberry stalls first. There were several domestic brands on display, neatly packed in small boxes. Prices varied slightly, but most were around 35 yuan for half a kilogram. It was interesting to see how popular blueberries have become in recent years.
Trays of tart cherries sat beside colorful local cherries
Nearby, northern peaches were arriving in season. Their soft pink skin and sweet fragrance filled the air. A little farther on, trays of tart cherries sat beside colorful local cherries—red, yellow, even deep brown—adding bright patches of color to the market.
Watermelons were stacked in tall pyramids at several stalls
Watermelons were stacked in tall pyramids at several stalls, while other melons filled entire corners of the floor. To my surprise, I also found avocados, which were almost certainly imported.
Halal food stalls selling cooked beef, lamb, and freshly baked breads.
There were dried fruits too: dates, nuts, and other snacks arranged in neat rows. In another section, I passed several halal food stalls selling naan, baked breads, and savory pastries. The smell of freshly baked dough lingered in the air.
On the second floor
I then climbed to the second floor, which felt like another maze entirely. Vegetables stretched in every direction.
The eggplants immediately caught my eye
The eggplants immediately caught my eye. These northern varieties are large, round, and deep purple—quite different from the long, slender eggplants more common in southern China. They were stacked in neat rows, their glossy skins almost reflecting the market lights.
I noticed plenty of large green scallions too
I noticed plenty of onions and large green scallions too. Beijing cooking often favors bold flavors, and the produce here reflected local tastes.
Nearby, cucumbers lay in tidy rows
The scallions were especially impressive—thick, long, and fresh. Nearby, cucumbers lay in tidy rows. They looked naturally ripened, the kind that still carries a strong cucumber fragrance when sliced open.
Corn, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, mushrooms, beans and more
Corn, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, mushrooms, beans—there seemed to be every vegetable imaginable. The market felt less like a place for browsing and more like a place where people came with a purpose: shopping for today’s meals.
There were halal lamb stalls with neatly cut pieces hanging in display cases
Toward the back of the floor, I found the meat section. There were halal lamb stalls with neatly cut pieces hanging in display cases, as well as pork counters where different cuts were arranged carefully for customers to choose from.
The main north entrance to Longtan Road Morning Market and its parking area.
By then, Longtan Road Morning market was fully awake. Residents moved through the aisles carrying reusable bags, greeting familiar vendors and comparing prices. Longtan Morning Market is busiest in the morning, especially between 6:00 am and 1:00 pm, when much of the neighborhood comes here to shop for the day ahead.
Step 4: Longtan Road Morning Market → Longtan Mid-Lake
After leaving Longtan Road Morning Market, I stepped back outside carrying with me the lingering scents of peaches, herbs, fresh bread, and vegetables. After the busy aisles of the market, I was ready for some open space and fresh air.
The entrance to Longtan Mid-Lake
Just south-west of the market lies Longtan Mid-Lake, only a short walk away. By then, the weather had begun to improve. The clouds were breaking apart, patches of blue appeared overhead, and the morning light felt brighter than when I had started the walk.
Longtan Mid-Lake is open to the public free of charge
The Longtan area is made up of three connected lakes from east to west: Longtan Lake, the largest of the three, and the smaller Mid-Lake and West Lake. While the main Longtan Lake requires an entrance ticket, both Mid-Lake and West Lake are open to the public free of charge.
Walk around Mid-Longtan Lake
As soon as I reached the lakeside path, the atmosphere changed completely. The market had been lively and crowded; here everything felt slower and more open.
People jogging, walking, or exercising before work
Many local residents were already out enjoying the morning. I noticed not only retirees but also younger people jogging, walking, or exercising before work. Parts of the lakeside path are covered with a red running surface, and runners moved steadily around the water at their own pace.
People used exercise equipment much like those in Temple of Heaven
Along the way, I passed outdoor fitness areas where people used exercise equipment much like those in Temple of Heaven earlier that morning. It struck me that exercise in Beijing often feels less like a scheduled activity and more like part of daily life.
Children chased pigeons while parents watched nearby
The paths circle the lake, lined with trees, exercise stations, and small gathering spaces. Near the water, children chased pigeons while parents watched nearby. A few people sat quietly on benches, taking in the cooler air after the rain.
Add photo(s): Lakeside path, red running track, outdoor fitness area, and children feeding pigeons.
A very Beijing kind of morning
Standing by the lake, I felt the city settling into its day. The morning had begun with exercise in Temple of Heaven, continued through the bustle of the market, and ended here beside the water.
Standing by the lake, I felt the city settling into its day
It felt like a very Beijing kind of morning.
One thing I always appreciate about Beijing is how many parks open early and become part of everyday life. By mid-morning, people of all ages are already walking, exercising, shopping, or simply enjoying the outdoors. On mornings like this, the city’s rhythm feels both busy and surprisingly calm at the same time.
A Few Small Notes
- Start early. I began just after 6:00 am. The city feels quieter then, and you can watch Beijing gradually wake up.
- Take your time in Temple of Heaven. Even if you don’t enter the historic sites, the park itself offers some of the best morning scenes—exercise groups, walkers, and regulars following their daily routines.
- Bring a small umbrella in summer. Light showers are common, but they often bring cooler air and softer light for photos.
- A phone camera works well. The market can be busy and narrow, making quick shots easier than using larger equipment.
- Slow down in Longtan Morning Market. I found the most interesting moments not in the stalls themselves, but in the interactions between vendors and shoppers.
- Public toilets are available in Temple of Heaven Park and along Tiyuguan Road.
- Extend your walk to Longtan Mid-Lake or Longtan Lake if you have time. The lakeside paths offer a quieter ending after the energy of the market.
This morning walk from Temple of Heaven to Longtan Morning Market is less about famous landmarks and more about everyday life: morning exercise, grocery shopping, and the small routines that shape a Beijing day.
About the Author
Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has decades of experience in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on work across major destinations throughout the country, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers explore China with confidence.
About the Author
Ruqin is a Beijing-based travel writer and photographer who explores the city on foot through self-guided photo walks. He documents everyday life in Beijing through observation, photography, and repeated walks across parks, markets, hutongs, and local streets.
Further Reading
How to Visit Temple of Heaven: Maps, Tickets, Routes & Tips
Temple of Heaven Spring Blossoms: Map, Best Photo Spots & Tips
Temple of Heaven Autumn Photography: Best Fall Colors Spots
Riverside Walk from Liangma River to Solana in Chaoyang — Beijing Photo Walks
Beijing Second Ring Road Moat Greenway Walk | Beijing Photo Walk by Ruqin
Beijing Ming City Wall Relics Park Morning Walk | Beijing Photo Walks by Ruqin
Beijing Photo Walks: Walk from Dongting Hutong to Dongbi Street
Early March Morning Around Shichahai — Beijing Photo Walks by Ruqin
Where to Run in Beijing: Best Routes, Parks & Running Tips
