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Lesser-known ticket-free summer resorts to pass weekends

2024-07-20

If you want to enjoy cool breezes in the mountains, delicious food and cozy hostels, Yanqing is an excellent choice. Come and spend a weekend in Yanqing for an escape from busy city life.

Yanqing Olympic Zone

Located in the picturesque Small Haituo Valley, the Yanqing Olympic Zone has a main peak with an altitude of 2,198 meters. The area is known for its coolness, seas of clouds, undulating mountains, lush pines, and vibrant wildlife.

The Olympic Zone boasts four major venues: the Winter Olympic Exhibition Center, the National Alpine Ski Center, the National Sliding Center, and the Yanqing Olympic Village, which is known as “the most beautiful Winter Olympic Village”.

At the National Sliding Center, visitors can explore the venue through a sightseeing route called “the Path of Loong”. A special photo spot at the C02 curve allows for a memorable picture with the entire venue, which is shaped like a loong, or a Chinese dragon flying through the snow.

The National Alpine Ski Center provides a downhill track that follows the mountain terrain, offering a thrilling, gravity-powered ride during which visitors can enjoy the scenic mountain views. 

In addition, exciting outdoor activities like ATV, UTV, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also provided in the zone. Admission into the Yanqing Olympic Zone will be free from July 1 to September 30, 2024.

Address: Xidazhuangke Village, Zhangshanying Town, Yanqing District, Beijing

Expo Park

Are you drawn to the hustle and bustle of the streets, or do you prefer chic and cozy city life? Whatever your preferences, the “Night Expo” at the Beijing Expo Park is a perfect spot to spend your night. 

As night falls, the China Pavilion, Wanhua Plaza, and some regions along the China Axis are lit up. Water features also open to visitors. Music fountain shows are put on every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8:30 PM, and the “Yisetai” on the north side of the China Pavilion offering the best viewing spot. Located in Yanqing, which is known as the “summer capital” of Beijing, the park offers an escape from summer heat.

For lovers of art, the “Night Expo” also provides music and dramas. Besides performances by renowned bands, the immersive theater is also a must-see. With the Great Wall as its main theme and drawing from multiple historical stories, it tells the beauty and the cultural significance of the Great Wall for Chinese people. Visitors can enter the theatre from Gate No. 4 of the park.

For dinner, the Yiqi Restaurant inside the park provides a variety of cuisine, including seafood, barbecue, and American-style casual dining. The “Night Expo” runs from July 1 to September 1, daily from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Address: West of Provincial Highway 220, Yanqing District, Beijing

Yudu Mountain

With its lush forests and running streams, Yudu Mountain is an ideal place to get close to nature and to go hiking.

With fresh air, alpine meadows and numerous streams suitable for water play, the Yudu Mountain is an excellent summer resort for families.

If you want an escape from the hustle of city life and an immersive experience of nature, the Yudu Mountain is the perfect choice.

Address: No. 1 Yuhaigonglu(Rd), Zhangshanying Town, Yanqing District, Beijing

Lvyou Agricultural Park

Located in Dayushu Town, Yanqing District, the Lvyou Agricultural Park provides an escape from the summer heat and busy city life. 

Recently opened, the park features a vast expanse of lush meadow, which makes a picturesque scene together with the blue sky and white clouds.

Various activities are offered in the park, including thrilling slides, race karts and pools for water fight. Join the summer carnival and get ready to have fun!

Address: Binhenanlu(Rd), Yanqing District, Beijing

Night Tour on Double-Decker Bus

The “Yanqing Sightseeing Bus” is about to be launched, which provides an opportunity to explore the beauty of nightlife in Yanqing. A special discount is offered for advanced ticket booking. Tickets are priced at 58 RMB per person, or 38 RMB per person for pairs. 

Ticket Booking: 010-69188895

Opening Hours: Daily from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Route: Starting from Yanqing Railway Station, the bus stops at Guishuinanjie(Str), Nancaiyuan Bus Station, Dongguan Bus Station, Zhongta Plaza, Walmart West Gate, Yanqing District Hospital, Yanqing No. 1 High School, Shangshu Garden West Gate, Huizhan Plaza, Wanda Plaza, Jingzhanglukou, Dongwaidajie(Str), Guichuan Plaza, Dongguan Bus Station, Xiadu Bridge, Yanqing Bureau of Communications, Guihe Yehua, Yanqing Nancaiyuan, Bajing Yingbin, and at last back to the starting point. The route offers a panoramic view of the city’s nightscapes, and visitors can board at any stop along the route.

Jingzhuang Town Baolin Temple Night Market

The Baolin Temple Night Market in Jingzhuang Town is located at the southwest corner of Baolinsi Village. The night market boasts over 40 stalls, offering both specialty food and  entertainment facilities. Covers an area of 5,300 square meters, it can accommodate 5,300 visitors simultaneously. Ample parking is provided for citizens and tourists.

Opening Hours: Mid-July to October, Wednesday to Sunday, 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Guihe River Night Fair

Located at Xiadu Wharf (east side of Xiadu Bridge), the Guishui River Night Fair features 12 food trucks shaped like space capsules,  which offer a wide variety of cuisines.

Here, visitors can taste barbecues, malatang(spicy hotpot), refreshing cold dishes, juicy fruits, etc. 

One can not only enjoy delicious food, but also picturesque scenery. As the colorful lights are turned on, the reflections of the Huxin Island and the pagoda decorate the surface of the Guishui Lake at night, creating a beautiful and harmonious sight.

Opening Hours: June 25 to November 30, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Sihai Town Flower Night Fair

Located at the Cultural Plaza of Heihanling Village, the Sihai Town Flower Night Fair offers a wide variety of delicacies coming from different parts of China, including spicy hotpot, Rougamo (meat-filled buns), Kaolengmian(grilled cold noodles), beer, and barbecues, etc. Besides food, wonderful performances are offered every Friday and Saturday.

Opening Hours: June 28 to October 5, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Shan Zha Xiao Yuan(Hawthorn Yard)

Shan Zha Xiao Yuan offers beautiful natural scenery and a glimpse of rural life. With fruits and tea laid on the table before you, and probably a book in hand, one can enjoy the beautiful view of sunset in the courtyard. Whether alone or accompanied, Shan Zha Xiao Yuan is a nice spot to spend some leisurely time.

Address: Xiahujiao Village, Liubinbao Township, Yanqing District, Beijing

Xiansheng De Yuanzi (Gentleman’s Courtyard)

The charming and artistic homestay Xiansheng De Yuanzi (Gentleman’s Couryard) offers an experience of rural beauty. The low red brick walls, ancient trees and corn imitates the sights in a village cottage. The guestrooms features Tatami mats, wooden tables and French doors that offer a panoramic view of the landscape. Besides, the organic food from the countryside is also a must-try.

Address: Xiaoguantou Village, Liubinbao Township, Yanqing District, Beijing

Hyatt Regency Beijing Shiyuan

Just steps away from Expo Park, the Hyatt Regency Beijing Shiyuan is the perfect place for a family vacations. The images of mountains and pavilions blend into the design of the lobby and outdoor spaces. The corridors are adorned with fresh moss, and the walls with botanical patterns, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural design.

Inside the guestrooms, the French windows and terraces offer a panoramic view of Yongning Pavilion and Xiaohaituo Mountain.

Address: No. 1 , Fukangnanlu(Rd), Yanqing District, Beijing

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