The Little Switzerland near Beijing, perfect for weekend camping and family fun, the ultimate summer getaway for kids to play in the water

Hey everyone 👋, looking for a place to unwind and connect with nature this weekend? Don’t miss Jinhai Lake in Pinggu, Beijing—it’s an absolute paradise for camping! Here’s a super-detailed weekend camping guide for you 👇

📍Location & Transportation

• Address: Jinhaihu Town, Pinggu District, Beijing

• By car: Take Jingping Expressway → Xiagezhuang Exit → Pingji Road. Departing before 7:30 AM helps avoid traffic. For the return trip, take Huguan Road—the mountain views are stunning. Parking fee at the scenic area is ¥20/day.

• By bus: Take Bus 852 from Dongzhimen to Pinggu Century Square, then transfer to Ping 50. Alternatively, take Metro Line 15 to "Fengbo Station" and switch to Ping 14 for a faster route.

🎫 Tickets & Packages

• Entrance ticket: ¥40/person (includes dam viewing). For a boat ride, the ¥120 combo ticket is highly recommended—great value!

• Bibo Island ticket: ¥228, includes boat ride + children’s playground—a must for families.

🏕 Camping Spot Recommendations

• Daxishui Campground: Tents, green hills, and lakeside views. A woven basket + picnic mat = Insta-worthy forest vibes.

• Weilan Valley: Near Bibo Island entrance, featuring lakeside meadows—less crowded, 100% photo-perfect.

• Campground near No. 1 Hotel: Stunning lake views, great location.

• Hilltop Coffee Area Campground: Ideal for photo lovers, offering unique backdrops.

🌸 Activities

• Water sports: Kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, parasailing—plenty of thrills on the water. Don’t worry if you can’t swim; professional instructors are available.

• Hiking: The 3-km lakeside trail at Juchiya leads to an observation deck with panoramic dam and lake views. Hengshan Trail also offers breathtaking vistas of Jinhai Lake—perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

• Family fun: Bibo Island’s free children’s playground has slides, swings, trampolines, and sandpits—kids will love it! Don’t miss the animal corridor to feed peacocks, deer, alpacas, and other adorable creatures.

🍜 Dining Recommendations

• On the island: No. 1 Hotel offers a buffet (~¥198/person). Or bring your own hot pot, fruits, snacks, and plenty of water to cook at the campsite with a portable stove.

• Nearby: Try the rustic fish stew with rolls at "Lakeside Homestead" (~¥60/person)—tender and flavorful. "Haizi Village" serves fresh reservoir shrimp—best enjoyed steamed for maximum freshness.

📸 Photo Spots

• Dam Observation Deck: Best light at 4 PM. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the "azure waves" of Jinhai Lake—so blue it looks photoshopped.

• Little Three Gorges Boat Ride: Snap waves from the bow—feels like Norway’s fjords!

• Dam Mural: Beijing’s largest dam painting—epic for photos.

• Yacht Hotel’s European Corridor: Feels like a European vacation.

⚠️ Tips

• Book ahead: Reserve campsites and tickets in advance for weekend trips to avoid delays.

• Sun & bug protection: Bring hats, sleeves, sunscreen, and repellent—shade is limited, and bugs are plentiful.

• Last boat: If not staying overnight, note the last boat departs at 4:30 PM.

• Pet-friendly: Dogs are allowed but must be leashed, and waste must be cleaned up.

Pack your bags and head to Jinhai Lake for an unforgettable weekend camping adventure with family and friends! 💕