Yearning for a vacation getaway amidst mountains, water, flowers, and birds? Each spring, the picturesque lakes and mountains of Beijing’s suburbs beckon with their irresistible charm.

Venturing out for a spring outing, hiking, and enjoying distant views is truly beautiful! The sky is so blue, the breeze is gentle. With every outstretched hand, you grasp the essence of spring itself. Here are some excellent destinations offer easy weekend getaways that you shouldn’t miss!

The Great Wall

In the spring days of Huairou District, the grass is lush, and the birds are singing. In April, Huairou’s spring scenery rivals that of Jiangnan.

In Huairou District lies the Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall. Its name stems from the submergence of a portion of the Great Wall due to rising reservoir water levels. Hence, it has formed a unique landscape of "Great Wall frolicking in water". Whether you choose to watch the mesmerizing phenomenon, go boating or sightseeing, an unforgettable experience awaits.

If you want to "climb the Great Wall and be a hero", don’t miss the Great Wall at Mutianyuin in Huairou District. This section of the Great Wall boasts famous sights like Zhengguantai, Dajiaolou, and Yingfeidaoyang, earning it the reputation of "the most outstanding section of the Great Wall". Some netizens say, "The picturesque scenery of Mutianyu Great Wall, with blue sky, white clouds, green trees, and ancient walls, is a sight to behold, and every snapshot is like a masterpiece".

Route:

Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall → Lunch (Recommended: Xinli Restaurant/Hetang Villa) → Afternoon Tea (Recommended: The Verse Café) → Dinner (Recommended: Yujiaao Restaurant/Lines Restaurant&Bar) → Accommodation (Recommended: Shiran Life Homestay/San Sa) → Mutianyu Great Wall → Lunch (Recommended: Great Wall Home Mountain Top Restaurant/Qunsheng Courtyard) → Return journey

This travel route centers around the Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall and the Mutianyu Great Wall. It offers various dining and accommodation options, allowing tourists to enjoy both the magnificent scenery and authentic local cuisine, as well as comfortable accommodation experiences.

Pinggu District, a good place for water activities

Nestled amidst the foothills of Panshan Mountain in Pinggu District, Beijing, lies Jinhai Lake, just 85 kilometers from the city center. As one of Beijing’s three major reservoirs, Jinhai Lake captivates visitors with its breathtaking scenery, where towering mountains embrace tranquil waters, azure skies mirror in the rippling waves, and emerald meadows stretch far into the distance.

With its three sides enveloped by verdant mountains and one facing the lake, Bibo Island of Jinhai Lake has become a popular destination for celebrities, influencers, as well as a preferred location for many variety shows and TV dramas. It integrates accommodation, entertainment and outdoor experiences. This season, Bibo Island’s expansive meadows transform into a haven for campers. As one netizen aptly remarked, "I've stumbled upon a Windows desktop scene right here in Beijing’s suburbs".

Shilin Gorge is close to Jinhai Lake. You can visit it if time permits. There is a poem praising it "I thought stone forests thrived in the South, now I realize my knowledge is shallow when I arrived here". True to its name, Shilin Gorge is renowned for its towering peaks in the canyon. Here you can immerse yourself in the enchanting whispers of nature, such as the songs of birds and the sound of flowing water.

Route:

Jinhai Lake → Russian Commodities Market → Bibo Island → Grand Metro Park Hotel [or Fish Restaurant/Wanghu Grilled Fish (Dining)] → Jinta Xian Valley [or Wansheng Valley (Dining)] → Shilin Gorge

This route includes attractions such as Jinhai Lake and Bibo Island. Tourists can enjoy swimming at Jinhai Lake, indulge in shopping delights at the Russian Commodities Market, and admire the picturesque scenery of Bibo Island. Additionally, the route offers multiple accommodation and dining options such as Grand Metro Park Hotel and Jinta Xian Valley, allowing tourists to not only enjoy the natural beauty but also taste authentic local cuisine.

Miyun District, a oxygen bar

Longyun Mountain Natural Scenic Area is located in Shicheng Town, Miyun District, upstream of the Miyun Reservoir in Beijing. High rock wall protects the tranquil area. If you're lucky, you can see golden eagles circling above the heron habitat from the highest point in the scenic area. Some netizens commented "The spot discovered by chance unveiled a landscape of unexpected beauty, resembling the scenery of Guilin".

Not only does Zhangjiajie boasts a Tianmen Mountain, Beijing has its own Tianmen Mountain, located in the Miyun Distrct. From Chaoyang Station to Miyun Station, a high-speed train ride takes only 26 minutes. The scenery is beautiful, and you can see Miyun Reservoir from the top of the mountain. Some netizens who have visited the place commented, "You can see the mountains and enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Climbing the mountain is easy and beginner-friendly, making it a great outdoor destination for hiking, sightseeing, and photography. A round trip takes about 3 hours, and most people can handle it".

The valleys on both sides of Penghe Bay are full of forests, with mountain flowers blooming all year round. There are scenes such as Thousand Feet Waterfall and Apricot Flower Pond. The Thousand Feet Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Beijing—108 meters, cascading down with mist flying, incredibly beautiful.

Route:

Longyun Mountain Natural Scenic Area → Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area → Penghe Bay Scenic Area → Chateau Yishi

This route is carefully planned, featuring scenery such as Longyun Mountain Natural Scenic Area and Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area, as well as the picturesque Penghe Bay with flowing water. Additionally, there is an exquisite private winery called Chateau Yishi, where visitors can taste authentic wine and experience the tranquility and elegance of the manor. Not far away is the famous Miyun Reservoir, where the lakes and mountains complement each other, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural charm of Beijing.

Yanqing District, a canvas of tranquility

In Yanqing District, there is a place boasting "the water of Jiuzhaigou", "the mountains of Zhangjiajie", peculiar stones, waterfalls, unique landscapes, and ancient biological relics. The place is called the Baili Landscape Gallery.

The Silicified Wood National Geological Park is a must-visit park for geology enthusiasts. Within the park, you can see massive fossilized tree trunks that were once towering trees in ancient times. Now transformed into hard stone, they still retain the shape and texture of the trees.

Baili Landscape Gallery is home to  the renowned Dishuihu Waterfall. With a drop of about 20 meters, the sound of the water is roaring and the upper part of the waterfall is small, resembling water pouring out of a kettle, hence the name Dishuihu Waterfall. It is surrounded by forests and streams, covered with green moss. The waterfall is high and the water is clear. The long embankments and caves are breathtaking. It’s really amazing to stand under the waterfall and look up.

Not far from Dishui Lake is the Wulong Gorge Scenic Area, originally known as Heilongtan. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge are steep and straight, with strange rocks standing upright in various shapes. As you walk along the gorge, you can feel the unique charm of the green mountains, secluded valleys, and clear pools.

Route:

Silicified Wood National Geological Park → Dishuihu Scenic Area → Wulong Gorge

This route includes the main attractions of the Baili Landscape Gallery such as the largest silicified wood group in North China, the karst waterfall and the winding and mysterious Wulong Gorge. Along the way, you can see natural caves, lake islands, and other landscapes. It’s said that every mile is filled with mountains and water, creating a moving gallery. Here, you can also explore dinosaur footprint fossils from over a hundred million years ago, giving you a unique experience of "walking a hundred miles a day and seeing thousands of years at a glance".

The weather in Beijing in April is perfect for outings. Do these destinations match your preferences?

Translator: LI An

Reviewer: NIU Lihua