Beijing Jin Hai Lake Autumn Hiking Guide, with Live Photos from 10.19

From the live photos of Jin Hai Lake on 10.19, you can see that the leaves have only just started to turn red. The next 1-2 weeks should be the best viewing period!

Getting to the point, if you are looking for a weekend hiking route with great scenery, suitable intensity, and plenty of fun, Jin Hai Lake definitely ranks at the top!

Jin Hai Lake is located in Pinggu District, Beijing. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces water on one side, with a high forest coverage and fresh air. Walking along the lakeside boardwalk and ridge trails, you can climb to the top to overlook the lake view. It is known as the "Little Beidaihe" and "Little Switzerland of Beijing Suburbs," perfect for relaxing, hiking, and photo gatherings. (The full route is also beginner-friendly.)

📍 Located in Jin Hai Lake Scenic Area, Pinggu District, Beijing, it is a national 4A-level scenic spot. The lake covers about 6.5 square kilometers, with fresh air and a forest coverage rate of up to 78%. It looks even more beautiful and photogenic on good weather days!

🎫 Admission: Free, 🅿️ Parking: Free
🚗 Self-driving: You can navigate to Liyun Iron Pot Stew, find parking along the roadside. The entrance to the Jin Hai Lake hiking loop is right opposite the Iron Pot Stew.
🔹 Route details: If you want convenience, you can join an outdoor group tour directly. Many outdoor and family groups were encountered on site. The full route has many stone steps and some original mountain paths, with gentle climbs. Suitable for all ages and fairly pet-friendly.

🚶‍♀️ Recommended Hiking Routes 👇
① Easy version (3-4 km): Lakeside boardwalk + short ridge steps, beautiful scenery, not tiring, suitable for family outings.
② Intermediate version (6-7 km): Forest trail + lakeside route, dense vegetation, rich scenic layers, suitable for young people to relax and exercise.
③ Exploration version (10-11 km): Challenge the Sawtooth Cliff, with a total climb of about 350 meters. The summit offers a panoramic view of Jin Hai Lake, super stunning 🔥 Suitable for those with some physical strength.

💖 Route Highlights 💖
🌿 Gentle breeze along the lakeside boardwalk, every shot is a scenic photo.
⛰️ Climb to the top of Sawtooth Cliff for a full view of the lake area, as beautiful as "Little Thousand Islands Lake."
🍑 Autumn red leaves and green pines, overlooking Jin Hai Lake from the summit, you can also pick wild persimmons and hawthorns.
🌳 Forest trails lush with greenery, full of oxygen, 100% photo-worthy.

💡 Tips 💡
👟 Wear sports shoes or hiking boots, the route mostly consists of stone steps and forest paths.
💧 Bring at least 2 bottles of water, lunch is self-provided, supplies are limited on the mountain.
🧢 Pay attention to sun protection; bring gloves, masks, and windproof hats if the temperature is low.
🚻 Toilets are at the entrance and parking area; there are no restrooms along the way.
🚯 Please take your trash with you and help protect the environment!

✨ Summary ✨
Jin Hai Lake is truly a hidden gem for hiking near Beijing. The intensity is moderate, the scenery is stunning, and the air is fresh. It is perfect for family leisure or couples’ trips. A weekend of hiking around the lake and mountain climbing is just right to relax your body and mind! 🍃