As one of Beijing's iconic tourist attractions, visiting the Great Wall is a must; otherwise, it would leave a bit of regret for any trip to the city. When tourists think of the Great Wall, Badaling is often the first section that comes to mind. However, in addition to Badaling, there are other famous sections such as Mutianyu and Juyongguan. Besides these restored sections, Beijing is home to several wild Great Wall segments. The three most well-known wild sections are the Jiankou Great Wall, Huanghuacheng Great Wall, and Gubeikou Great Wall.
The scenery of the wild Great Wall is exceptionally beautiful, but climbing can be somewhat dangerous, especially at Jiankou, which is particularly hazardous. Currently, climbing is prohibited at both Jiankou and Huanghuacheng Great Wall, while the Gubeikou Great Wall remains open for visitors. The Gubeikou section offers an authentic wild Great Wall experience, featuring gentle slopes that make it easy and safe to climb.
In Beijing, there is a 4A scenic area that is tucked away by the Great Wall, perfect for taking children out, capturing photos, and enjoying the autumn scenery—though not many people know about it! This 4A scenic spot is called Yanqi Lake. Today, let's explore Yanqi Lake, located at 3 Yan Shui Road, Huairou District, and discover what unique landscapes it has to offer. Yanqi Lake is situated at the foot of the Yanshan Mountains, right by the Great Wall. Every spring and autumn, flocks of wild geese come to rest at the lake, which is how it got its name. It officially opened to the public in 1987 and was rated as a AAAA tourist scenic area in 2002. In 2014, it hosted the Informal APEC Economic Leaders' Meetings.
Yanqi Lake Scenic Area in Beijing is a diverse destination featuring several key sections. The core area includes Yanqi Island, which hosts the conference center, Summer Garden, and luxurious accommodations like the Yanqi Island Hotel and villa complex. Nearby, the Beijing Yanqi Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center and the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing enhance the lakeshore experience. Visitors can enjoy the natural landscapes surrounding the lake, as well as various recreation zones offering different activities. The lakeside area is also home to a charming cultural street and a nearby small town.
Throughout the year, Yanqi Lake showcases breathtaking scenery; in spring, it bursts into life with colorful blooms, the graceful dance of wild geese, and the delightful sounds of birds, all contributing to a vibrant and lively atmosphere. In summer, the lake glimmers under the sunlight, surrounded by lush green mountains, creating a refreshing and enchanting atmosphere perfect for swimming and boating. In autumn, the air is crisp and clear, filled with the fragrance of flowers and fruits. In winter, the landscape transforms into a world of silver, where everything is shrouded in a soft, white mist, resembling a beautiful painting. Yanqi Lake Scenic Area offers a wide range of recreational facilities. Water activities include large cruise ships, traditional boats, dragon boats, rowboats, paddle boats, and leisurely floating on the lake, providing a joyful experience for all. Water parasailing, jet skiing, and speed boating are especially popular for those seeking thrills and excitement. Bumper cars, water slides, and mountain go-karts are fun and novel attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.
Here, we would like to provide a friendly reminder: the ticket price for Yanqi Lake Scenic Area in Beijing is 45 yuan. The opening hours are as follows: from March 1 to November 14, it is open from 08:00 to 17:30; from November 15 to February 28 of the following year, it is open from 08:30 to 17:00 (the latest entry is at 16:00). If you are interested in this place, you might want to save it for future reference. When you have time, consider visiting with someone special or friends and family, and enjoy the unique visual feast and emotional experiences that Yanqi Lake has to offer.
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: NIU Lihua
