If you're tired of taking a taxi down the capital's crowded ring roads, or even riding the new subway lines, it might be time to considering Beijing by boat.

China's capital doesn't have a major river - the Rhine or the Thames - but there are plenty of small canals and tour-boat operators offering a chance for a late summer cruise.

One recommended route is along the Kunyu River in western Beijing, which runs south to north between Bayi Lake pier and the lovely Summer Palace. The one-hour tour promises you an enjoyable ride past several attractions, including the Millennium Monument, the picturesque Yuyuantan Lake and the landmark CCTV Tower.

People can start from the Bayi Lake dock to the east of the Yuyuantan Park entrance. The lake, along with Houhai Lake, is a favorite of many winter swimmers. The Yuyuantan Park has long been famous for its charming cherry blossoms in spring and is a great retreat from heat in the summer. It is also one of the largest patches of greenery in the city.

Another option is to take a short paddleboat ride on the small lakes near Beihai Park, the Summer Palace and Yuyuantan Park. These small community parks also enable you to see a touch of average Beijingers' life.

Taoranting Park in southern Beijing is allegedly Beijing's earliest-built modern garden, circling the well-known Taoranting Pavilion and Cibei'an Temple. Yet what draws the most attention is a display of a dozen replicas of China's most noted pavilions, such as Zuiwengting and Canglangting. These structures embody architectural genres of different dynasties.

Community gardens also assume a sense of spontaneity and tranquility in early morning and late afternoon, as residents do exercises, stroll and fish.

Other boat tours around the city leave from the Beijing Zoo dock and from a dock behind the Beijing Exhibition Hall. Call 6852-9428 (in Chinese) for more information.