Mutianyu great wall

Question

Hi! We're going to Mutianyu great wall with a car and driver next week. Can anyone suggest any good places for kids on the way back? maybe a farm or any other place to play? thanks

Answer

The drive between Beijing city and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall (about 1.5–2 hours each way) passes through scenic countryside and small towns, so there are a few interesting stops that families with kids can enjoy on the way back. Depending on your route and the season, you can combine some relaxing rural experiences, outdoor play areas, or even animal and fruit-picking farms along the way.

Mutianyu itself is already quite family-friendly, with its cable car and toboggan ride, but if you’d like to add a stop for your children on the return to Beijing, there are several options within short driving distance.

Hongluo Temple Scenic Area (红螺寺): Located about 15 minutes from Mutianyu, this area includes walking paths, gardens, and small animals, making it enjoyable for kids to explore. There are shaded trails and places to rest, as well as food stalls and a lake nearby.
Sunshine Valley Leisure Farm (阳光谷农庄): A popular local farm between Huairou and central Beijing that offers fruit picking (strawberries, cherries, or peaches depending on the season), a small petting area, and picnic spots. Kids can run around safely and see some farm animals.
Yanqi Lake (雁栖湖): About 30 minutes from Mutianyu, this is a great stop with water views, paddle boats, bike rentals, and walking trails. Families often stop here for a casual meal or a short outdoor break before heading back to the city.

If you prefer something more structured, there are also several outdoor family-oriented parks and resorts along the same corridor leading into Beijing. These are especially good if you want a cleaner play area or organized activities for younger kids.

Beijing Nanshan Ski Resort (南山滑雪场): About halfway between Mutianyu and the city, this resort area offers grass skiing, zip lines, and a small amusement area in summer, and skiing or tubing in winter. Even when not skiing, the surrounding area is open for sightseeing and light play.
Huairou Countryside Resorts: Along the G111 highway, several small family-friendly resorts and agritainment villages (农家乐) welcome visitors for lunch and outdoor play. Many have fish ponds, swings, and open fields for kids to enjoy.
Shunyi Park or Euro Plaza area (near the airport): If you are returning to Beijing via the Shunyi district, you can stop at these locations for playgrounds, Western-style cafes, and restaurants with indoor play spaces.

For a smooth trip, it’s best to ask your driver to recommend which route (Huairou or Shunyi) you’ll be returning on, then choose one or two stops that fit your timing and direction. If you are returning in the afternoon, Yanqi Lake or a nearby farm is a good, relaxing choice that doesn’t add too much travel time.

In summary, the most recommended kid-friendly stops between Mutianyu and Beijing are:

Hongluo Temple (nature and easy walking)
Yanqi Lake (outdoors, water fun, boats)
Local leisure farms such as Sunshine Valley (fruit picking, animals)
Nanshan Resort (active play, depending on season)

Each of these can be enjoyed for an hour or two before heading back to the city, making your day trip to Mutianyu both fun and relaxing for the whole family.

Mutianyu great wall

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