Waterfront locations: Jinhai Hu, Shilin Gorge, Diaowo Village, Grand Metropark Jinhai Hu Hotel

Jinhai Hu is located in Pinggu District, Beijing, named for its proximity to the majestic Dajin Mountain to the north and Haizi Village to the south. It is the only large water area in Beijing that can be developed for water-based leisure tourism, and it made the list of Beijing's popular attractions in 2020. In April 2021, the World Leisure Conference was held at the Jinhai Hu International Convention & Exhibition Center on the Hu's shore.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Jinhai Hu features lush peaks, shimmering waves, and reflections of white clouds, creating a picturesque ink wash painting. The area is dotted with numerous natural and cultural attractions. The expansive waters of Jinhai Hu are ideal for various water activities, making it the largest comprehensive water amusement area in Beijing.

Here, visitors can enjoy over 30 diverse recreational activities, including sightseeing boats, speedboats, self-driving boats, water flying, parasailing, pedal boats, kayaking, banana boats, large water slides, dragon boat racing, and more.

Jinhai Hu offers not just water but also caves and mountains. The Jingdong Great Limestone Cave, formed in geological layers dating back 1.5 billion years, is known as the "World's First Ancient Cave." Inside, visitors can find stalactites, stone towers, stone curtains, stone figures, and stone flowers, resembling icicles, jade columns, pagodas, and flowing drapes—making one feel as if they've entered an underwater dragon palace or a fairyland in Penglai.

The cave is easily accessible and offers convenient accommodations and dining options. It features various entertainment activities, including a high-altitude cable car, go-karting, slides, a racetrack, and a fishing area.

Shilin Gorge is the core scenic area of Huangsongyu Geopark, named for its four majestic stone forest peaks within the canyon. The five key characteristics of stone, gorge, water, peaks, and forest create a unique landscape, each with its own charm. The four main attractions of Shilin Gorge are admiring the northern stone forest, viewing the waterfalls, exploring the canyon's perilous peaks, and seeking the three wonders of the stone forest. Additionally, the titanium alloy "flying saucer" glass observation platform, perched atop the mountain, boasts world-leading features and provides thrilling challenges that leave a lasting impression on many visitors.

Enjoying Jinhai Hu, you can relax in the surrounding guesthouses. Diaowo Village, located in Pinggu's Huangsongyu Township, may be small, but it's surrounded by mountains and water, with beautiful scenery, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere concentrated in this quaint spot. Various signature farm dishes are mouthwatering, and every household has opened a farmhouse, making it a kind of "Sanlitun" in the mountains. More importantly, each place has its own unique style: some set up tables and chairs next to small vegetable gardens, cooking in big pots, creating a scene of rustic simplicity; others have constructed European-style windows and low fences, transforming into bars or Western restaurants; and some have built wooden cabins with small fish ponds for goldfish and water lilies, exuding a sense of tranquility.

Having a farmhouse meal or spending a night here would be a delightful experience. Yuzhangmen is about a 15-minute drive from Jinhai Hu, offering both dining and accommodation, reminiscent of the vibe from Yearning for life—a communal "living room" where you can sing karaoke, play cards, drink tea, or play the guzheng, all while watching fish swim by. Occasionally, the calls of peacocks from the courtyard can be heard, adding to the charm.

Daishe Boutique Guesthouse is located by Jinhai Hu, just a three-minute walk to the Huside. It boasts rolling hills, sparkling blue waters, and vibrant autumn leaves, making it a rare retreat away from the city's hustle and bustle—a tranquil paradise. The guesthouse has five rooms, each with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views. You can brew a cup of tea, read a book, play some music, and lazily soak up the sun on a lounge chair on the terrace, closing your eyes and letting your mind wander.

For those who prefer modern high-end boutique hotels, there's also the Grand Metropark Jinhai Hu Hotel, located in Hanzhuang Village. This hotel, the official venue for the 2021 World Leisure Conference, passed its "test" with flying colors. Though not large, it offers views of Jinhai Hu, nearby hills, and even a peach blossom garden. The layout of buildings—Building 1 facing the mountains, Building 2 adorned with flowers, and Building 3 along the water—creates a serene atmosphere that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in relaxation.