The college entrance exams are over, and the summer heat is in full swing—it's time to escape the city's hustle and bustle and heal your body and mind with a refreshing getaway. This weekend, head to Huangsongyu in Pinggu, where majestic peaks, karst caves, and scenic gorges await. Indulge in local delicacies, explore trendy homestays, and immerse yourself in nature's embrace. Here's a sneak peek—let's dive in!

Scenic Spot

01 Hudongshui Scenic Area

Listen to Nature's "Echoes" Amid Cliffs and Gorges!

Hudongshui Scenic Area is located on the northern side of the Huangsongyu Reservoir. It gets its name from the unique landscape—lakes nestled in gorges, caves hidden in the mountains, and streams that flow year-round. The area boasts striking peaks, deep and serene valleys, dense forests, and murmuring waters. Highlights include a Red Education Base, the "Thread of Sky" waterfall, the legendary "Lady Seeking Her Husband" cave, the Echo Wall of the Arhat Rock, the Dragon Pool guarded by the Sleeping Dragon, the Swallow Wing Cliff that soars into the sky, and the exhilarating waterslide for the adventurous. Together, they weave a magical, poetic, and legendary landscape unique to Hudongshui.

Location: Hudongshui Scenic Area

02 Jingdong Great Limestone Cave

Step into the Cave This Summer and Feel the Chill!

Located in Heidouyu Cun, Huangsongyu, the Jingdong Great Limestone Cave formed around 1.5 billion years ago in the Gaoyuzhuang Formation of the Mesoproterozoic Great Wall System. It is hailed as "the world's oldest cave." The cave stretches for about 2,500 meters with a total area of over 20,000 square meters, including a 100-meter-long underground river. Inside, you'll find eight major scenic spots—such as the Coiled Dragon Jade Wall, Mythical Beast Welcome Hall, Clouds in Chaos, and the Fairyland of Penglai—along with dozens of smaller marvels like the Sacred Flame Lamp and the Kunpeng in Snow. 

The cave's rocks are full of wonder: some resemble floating clouds, others lotus blossoms, giant mushrooms, or fluttering curtains blown by the western wind. Sparkling and dreamlike, this surreal world of stone and light is waiting to be explored.

Location: Jingdong Great Limestone Cave

03 Jingdong Stone Forest Gorge Scenic Area

Soak in the Summer Dopamine Vibes with Friends at the Rainbow Pool

Jingdong Stone Forest Gorge Scenic Area is located in Diaowo Cun, Huangsongyu, Pinggu. It features a winding gorge flanked by majestic stone forest peaks, earning its name "Stone Forest Gorge." The area spans 12 square kilometers and stretches 6 kilometers in length. Its most iconic attractions—the vibrant Rainbow Pool and the titanium-alloy UFO-shaped glass skywalk—have become popular spots on social media. At the foot of the mountain, you'll also find amusement parks and petting zoos, offering plenty of fun for families and children. Whether you're adventuring or relaxing, it's a great choice for a weekend escape.

Location: Jingdong Stone Forest Gorge Scenic Area

04 Lishugou Leisure Valley

A Must-Visit for Family Outings

Lishugou Leisure Valley is located in Lishugou Cun, Huangsongyu, Pinggu. With its serene and elegant natural surroundings, the valley features a crisscross of deep, winding ravines between mountain peaks, connected by the scenic "Ten-Mile Pear Blossom Road." Activities include mountain carts, river rafting, water jetpacks, flower field terraces, musical fountains, and Chestnut Valley. There's also traditional face-changing opera, iron flower performances, and light shows to enjoy. For families, the valley offers a non-powered amusement park filled with safe and exciting facilities where children can play to their heart's content while parents relax and unwind.

Location: Lishugou Leisure Valley

05 Tianyun Shan (Mountain) Scenic Area

The "Zhangjiajie of the North"

Tianyun Shan (Mountain) boasts breathtaking scenery with towering peaks, rugged cliffs, and lush valleys. Known for its grandeur, uniqueness, and natural beauty, it has earned the nickname "Zhangjiajie of the North." Steep cliffs, mist-shrouded ancient peaks, winding mountain paths, bizarre rock formations, and majestic watchtowers create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. Dense forests provide deep shade, adding to the area's mystique.

The highlight is the "Cloud Walk" Glass Bridge, which spans two mountain peaks. Over 200 meters long, 2 meters wide, and perched at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters with a vertical drop of around 300 meters, walking across it feels like stepping into a fairyland. Connected to the bridge is a 600-square-meter glass viewing platform, capable of holding up to 500 people at once. To enhance the visitor experience, the scenic area also features high-wire walking, stunt bike shows, and themed photo spots inspired by Studio Ghibli's worlds and Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child, where visitors can get up close to beloved characters from animation.

Location: Tianyun Shan (Mountain) Scenic Area, Pinggu, Beijing

Delicacies

01 Roasted Lamb in Diaowo Cun

Authentic Mountain Flavors

The roasted lamb in Diaowo Cun is truly legendary! With its crispy skin and tender meat, it's best enjoyed with iron-pot sticky rolls and rustic flatbread—every bite bursting with bold, countryside flavor. You can also savor seasonal delights like reservoir fish and deep-fried prickly ash buds. Signature dishes include saucy braised donkey meat, honeydew avocado with ham, and a gourmet ham and sausage platter—each one more mouthwatering than the last.

02 Qianshan Lisu Restaurant

Highlights: Imperial Whole Fish Feast, Special Tofu Snacks

The Imperial Whole Fish Feast, also known as the "Hundred Fish Banquet," features over 500 exquisite dishes made from river and sea fish using a wide variety of cutting techniques and cooking styles. The ingredients are ultra-fresh, the craftsmanship meticulous. Most dishes use their natural juices and broths to retain the original flavor of the fish, with a perfect balance of nutrition, presentation, and taste. Expect a harmonious blend of the South's delicate freshness and the North's bold spice.

03 Taihou Cun Pancakes

The Pancakes Once Loved by Empress Dowager Xiao

Originating from Taihou Village, these pancakes are said to be a favorite of Empress Dowager Xiao—hence the name "Empress Pancakes." Made fresh on the spot from millet and cornmeal, the golden pancakes come out round like a full moon, with crisp, aromatic edges. They're crunchy but not hard, flaky yet tender. Unroll a hot pancake, dip it in sauce, wrap it with scallions, lettuce, bean sprouts, and a farm-fried egg for the perfect bite. Besides pancakes, the village also offers classic iron-pot stews like chicken with mushrooms, fish stew, or pork with kelp, along with a variety of refreshing cold side dishes—each one worth trying!

Charming Stays

01 Lihua Guesthouse

Nestled in Lishugou Village, Huangsongyu Township, Pinggu District, Lihua Guesthouse is surrounded by scenic spots such as Lishugou Leisure Valley, Stone Forest Gorge, Tianyun Mountain, and Hudongshui. The cozy courtyard features a three-bedroom, one-living-room layout. In spring, enjoy blooming flowers; in summer, kids can splash in the courtyard pool; in autumn, pick seasonal fruits like persimmons, chestnuts, and walnuts; and in winter, unwind indoors in a luxurious floor-standing bathtub. The guesthouse also offers a private dining area, KTV, and a mahjong machine. Guests can even have a self-service barbecue—perfect for a small gathering of three families.

Location: Lihua Guesthouse, Beijing

02 Tawa Renjia Resort Village

Located in Tawa Village, Huangsongyu Township, Pinggu District, Tawa Renjia Resort offers a full package of dining, entertainment, sightseeing, accommodation, and conference services. Guests can choose from spacious and comfortable standard rooms and suites, all equipped with modern amenities. Recreational facilities include billiards, table tennis, badminton, shuffleboard, poker, and mahjong. The resort's restaurant provides flexible dining options with large, medium, and small banquet halls to meet various needs. As night falls, head to the 600-square-meter bonfire area to sing, dance, and let your soul relax under the stars.

Location: Tawa Renjia Resort Village

03 Wansheng Valley Art Park

Located in Diaowo Village, Huangsongyu Township, Pinggu District, the Wansheng Valley Art Park is the result of over 20 years of artistic vision and craftsmanship. Built with a philosophy of "local materials for local needs," the park showcases an artist's unique aesthetic and imagination. It houses an art gallery, boutique guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, teahouses, meeting rooms, and art training facilities. Come here to immerse yourself not just in stylish accommodations, but also in a lifestyle enriched with fine food, creativity, and inspiration.

Location: Wansheng Valley Art Guesthouse (Jingdong Stone Forest Gorge Scenic Area, Beijing)

Walk among the clouds on a glass bridge, touch ancient time inside a karst cave, fall asleep to the mountain breeze in a peaceful courtyard, and let your taste buds dance with nature. With so many unforgettable experiences waiting in Huangsongyu, there's sure to be one that captures your heart. Set off now—meet the mountains, and embrace the beauty that awaits!

Translator: BAI Jing