Waterfront locations: Gubeikou, Chaoheguan Castle, Bailongtan, Chateau Changyu AFIP Global

The Chao He is an important tributary of the Chaobai He, historically known as "Baoqiu Shui". Its source lies in the southern mountains of Caoniangou in Fengning County, Hebei Province, flowing through Luan County before entering Gubeikou in the Miyun District of Beijing. The He is named "Chao" because of its fast-flowing water, which sounds like the roar of waves.

Historically, the Chao He was prone to flooding due to heavy rainfall. However, after the completion of the Miyun Reservoir, flooding in the lower reaches was largely mitigated. As a result, the Chao He is now divided into two sections: the upper and lower reaches. In Miyun, the upper section is mountainous, while the lower section flows through the plains.

Along the upper reaches of the Chao He lies Gubeikou. Gubeikou is located in the northeastern part of Beijing's Miyun District, nestled among the peaks of the Yanshan Mountains. The twin peaks of Wohu Mountain and Panlong Mountain stand tall, and the Chao He flows through the town. The He cuts through a narrow pass between the two mountains, known as Gubeikou. Gubeikou was also called "Hubeikou", but it is said that Emperor Qianlong thought the name was unsuitable, so it was later changed to Gubeikou. This pass is one of the key points along the Great Wall in China and a vital gateway between Beijing and northeastern China.

At the foot of the Great Wall in Gubeikou, you can witness the historical battles fought between the ancient Central Plains dynasties and the nomadic peoples of Beijing. You can also reflect on the heroic resistance against foreign invasions. Here, you can climb the Simatai Great Wall, which is the only section of the Great Wall that retains its original Ming Dynasty architectural style. Alternatively, you can visit the Gubeikou Battle Martyrs Cemetery to honor the heroes of the War of Resistance Against Japan or visit the Yangling Gong Temple to hear the legendary stories of the "Yang Family Generals."

In Gubeikou, finding delicious food is not difficult. There are many authentic farmhouse dishes to choose from, such as small pot steamed buns, "takeaway rice," tea soup, "Erba Banquet," and large pot stewed chicken. At the same time, as a new landmark for night tours in Beijing, Gubeikou also offers boutique hotels and guesthouses. This "hot" town is truly worth a leisurely stroll.

On the west side of Gubeikou, there is a beautiful mountain village called Chaoguan Village, which is surrounded by the Chao He on three sides. As you enter Chaoguan Village, you will find several ancient streets and alleys leading deep into the village, some running horizontally, some vertically, and others curving in various directions. These streets all exude an ancient and mysterious charm. Walking through the forest park at the village entrance, everyone will find a peaceful spot that suits their mood. The village has preserved much of its traditional appearance, with many distinctive local ancient houses. Notable historical sites include the Plague God Temple, Zhenwu Temple, the ancient opera stage, and the oldest remaining ancient city in the Gubeikou area, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty.

In 1933, during the Anti-Japanese War, the Japanese army brutally massacred villagers here, burning down houses and committing the infamous "Chaohheguan Massacre." A memorial monument to this tragedy now stands to the north of the village, marking this dark chapter in history.

You can also find the Chaoheguan Castle along the source of the Chao He. According to historical records, the Chaoheguan Castle was originally built during the Tianbao period of the Northern Qi Dynasty. It is also known as "Xiao City" and is a small square stone fortress, not of high specifications. Due to its unique geographic location, it became an important pass along the Northern Qi section of the Great Wall, and it is the oldest remaining castle in the Gubeikou area. The castle is generally square, with sides approximately 155 meters long and walls about 5 meters high. The northern wall is the thickest, at about 6.5 meters, and is part of the Northern Qi Great Wall. The western wall, which is about 5 meters thick, is the most well-preserved. The eastern wall was built on a mountain and now only a rubble foundation remains, while the southern wall has disappeared entirely.

Along the Chao He, you will also find Bailongtan (White Dragon Pool). The Bailongtan Scenic Area is located on the eastern shore of the Miyun Reservoir, with the Great Wall to the north. This area is rich in historical and cultural significance and boasts magnificent natural scenery. The legend of the Little White Dragon has been passed down since the Xianping years of the Northern Song Dynasty, attracting many emperors, generals, and scholars who left behind precious inscriptions and poetry. In Longquan Temple, there are inscriptions from historical figures such as Qi Jiguang, Li Hongzhang, and Yuan Shikai. Among these, the inscription by Qi Jiguang is a rare authentic example of his handwriting, and the plaque outside the mountain gate, reading "Longquan Temple," was written by Li Hongzhang. On a large stone at the foot of the mountain to the south of the pool, there is an inscription by Kang Youwei, reading "Divine and Majestic." On the two boulders flanking the waterfall, there is an inscription by Emperor Qianlong that reads: "Flying to the Sacred Realm, then the Spiritual Pool." Every summer, the Bailongtan Scenic Area hosts a summer retreat and fishing festival, along with rural picking tours.

Also located here is the famous Chateau Changyu AFIP Global. The winery is situated in the Jugezhuang Township of Miyun County, Beijing. Under the bright blue sky, the creamy white European-style castle stands proudly, surrounded by lush green grass, tall and upright hawthorn trees, and neatly arranged, dense vineyards. In the distance, you can enjoy expansive mountain and forest views, scenic water areas, and a thousand-meter-long grapevine corridor. Walking through the area feels like stepping into a European castle.

Here, you can not only take beautiful photos but also visit the wine culture museum to learn about the stories behind the wine. In the tasting room, you can discover the basics of wine tasting, savor a sip, and indulge in the delightful fragrance and enchanting allure of the wine. You can also try drawing wine from an oak barrel, sealing the bottle with a hammer, labeling it with your own name, and even fill a 100ml bottle of brandy as a souvenir. Surrounded by the rich aroma of wine, you'll have the unique experience of feeling like a winemaker yourself.