The elegant demeanor of the Summer Palace, the serene tranquility of Yanqi Lake, the bright brilliance of Jinhai Lake, and the vast grandeur of Miyun Reservoir… paint a lakeside and mountainous scenery unique to Beijing, radiating a distinctive and enchanting charm. This summer vacation, come and pursue the beauty of nature!

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a gem of Chinese classical gardens, built in the 41st year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1702). The overall layout can be roughly divided into four parts: the palace area, the front area of Longevity Hill, the back area of Longevity Hill, and the Kunming Lake area. The Summer Palace features a complete overall design and ingeniously arranged buildings and landscapes, reflecting the highest level of traditional Chinese garden art.

Entering the Summer Palace, the first thing that catches your eye is the vast and tranquil surface of Kunming Lake. The clear, mirror-like water sparkles like countless diamonds when the breeze blows. In the distance, Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake complement each other, with undulating hills and lush green trees forming a beautiful landscape painting.

Boating on Kunming Lake is an exceptional experience. The boat cuts through the calm water, creating ripples. The weeping willows along the shore sway in the wind, as if telling ancient stories to visitors. The famous Seventeen-Arch Bridge spans the lake like a rainbow lying on the water. The bridge railings are adorned with exquisitely carved stone lions, each with a unique and lifelike appearance.

Climbing Longevity Hill offers a panoramic view of the entire Summer Palace, with the lake and mountains in full view. The distant West Causeway resembles a green ribbon winding across the lake. The pavilions and towers along the shore are harmoniously integrated with the natural scenery, showcasing the unique charm of traditional Chinese gardens.

At dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun casts a golden hue over the entire Summer Palace, creating a dreamy and enchanting scene. The poetic and romantic atmosphere of the lake and mountains at this time is mesmerizing, making it hard to leave.

Address: No. 23, Gongmen Qianjie(St), Haidian District, Beijing

Yanqi Lake

Yanqi Lake is located at the foot of Yanshan Mountain, near the Great Wall. It is named after the flocks of wild geese that come to rest on the lake every spring and autumn.

The lake water is like a giant mirror, clear and serene. When the breeze blows, the water sparkles like countless tiny diamonds. The green lake water reflects the blue sky and white clouds, merging the sky and water into one, making it hard to distinguish where the sky ends and the water begins.

Walking along the lake, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the gentle breeze, it feels like being in a fairyland. The lakeside is covered with lush green grass and blooming flowers of various colors, swaying gracefully in the wind and emitting a charming fragrance. Occasionally, fish leap out of the water, creating ripples. Water birds circle above the lake, sometimes diving to catch fish and sometimes soaring high, adding vitality and energy to the tranquil lake.

At dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun dyes the entire lake golden. The distant mountains are also gilded, creating a dreamy and enchanting picture with the lake.

Address: Yanqi Town, Huairou District, Beijing

Jinhaihu National Tourist Attraction

Jinhaihu National Tourist Attraction is located 15 kilometers east of Pinggu District and 85 kilometers from Beijing. Covering a water area of 6.5 square kilometers, it is the largest comprehensive water entertainment venue in Beijing, now a municipal-level scenic spot and tourist resort.

The scenic spot is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with lush peaks and beautiful scenery. It features the lake and mountain scenery of Qiandao Lake, the rugged rocks of Tu’erling, and numerous natural and cultural attractions such as Huguang Tower, Princess Jinhua’s Tomb, Wanghaiting Pavilion, and Sawtooth Cliff. The vast, clear waters of Jinhai Lake make it an ideal place for water sports and entertainment activities. Here, you can enjoy boating, speedboats, sailing, pedal boats, electric boats, and dragon boat racing.

Walking along the lakeside, you will find soft grass underfoot and blooming flowers around you. The air is filled with the fresh fragrance of flowers and the moist scent of the lake, making you feel refreshed and relaxed. Birds occasionally fly over the lake, their silhouettes drawing graceful arcs between the sky and the water, adding a touch of liveliness to the serene scene.

At Jinhaihu, you can also choose to take a boat tour. As the boat moves slowly, the water is parted by the bow, and the waves gently lap against the sides, as if whispering to you. The distant green mountains gradually approach and then recede, as if telling you ancient stories.

Address: Jinhaihu National Tourist Attraction, Jinhaihu Town, Pinggu District, Beijing

Miyun Reservoir

Miyun Reservoir is located in Miyun District, Beijing. In June 1958, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council decided to build the Miyun Reservoir. Over 200,000 reservoir builders from Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin, and the stationed troops began this massive project, which started in September of the same year and took two years to complete. The reservoir has a total storage capacity of 4.375 billion cubic meters and a maximum water surface area of 188 square kilometers. It is the largest surface drinking water source in Beijing, known as the “Pearl of Yanshan.”

Miyun Reservoir is the largest artificial lake in North China, resembling a jade embedded in the mountains. The natural scenery here is picturesque, with undulating mountains and rippling green waters. The reservoir is surrounded by lush trees, fresh air, and beautiful scenery all year round. In spring, the mountains are dotted with blooming flowers; in summer, the green trees provide coolness and tranquility; in autumn, the fiery red leaves paint the landscape; and in winter, the snow-covered world is pure and white.

The reservoir area is rich in ecological resources and is home to many rare birds and wild animals. Here, you can witness the spectacular sight of hundreds of birds flying together and feel the vitality and energy of nature.

Additionally, there are many unique attractions and folk villages around the reservoir. You can taste authentic farmhouse cuisine, such as reservoir fish, free-range chicken, and wild vegetables, delighting your taste buds. You can also participate in various folk activities and deeply experience the local customs and traditions.

Whether for leisure vacations, photography, family outings, or ecological education, Miyun Reservoir is your ideal choice. This summer, come to Miyun Reservoir to get close to nature and feel its charm and warmth.

Address: Miyun Reservoir Management Office, Xiwengzhuang Town, Miyun District, Beijing