Catch the tail end of summer with a fun drive in Beijing's suburbs (with directions and driving tips for attractions around Beijing)

Number of days：4 days
Time: August
Average cost: 1500 yuan
With whom: husband and wife

Foreword

2020 is destined to be unforgettable for everyone. From the beginning of the year, everyone's lives were forced to change, and ours was no exception. We both quit our jobs to see more of the world in our prime years, but we were less than halfway to our global travel goals when the world temporarily slowed down its pace of communication.

But when the world closes a door, it will surely open another. We are fortunate, because across 9.6 million square kilometers of our motherland, there are so many surprises waiting to be discovered. In the spring, we drove for 80 days, covering dozens of cities across ten provinces. We saw the majestic vastness of the north, the rugged grandeur of the west, the beauty of the south, and the vibrant energy of the east. We covered 12,000 kilometers and fell deeply in love with the feeling of self-driving in China.

While most people may not have the time or energy to devote months to a journey, there is actually endless joy to be found in cities and the countryside if you are willing. In the past two years, in late summer and early autumn, we would drive to the suburbs of Beijing to discover the wildness beyond the skyscrapers of the imperial capital.

Encountering the romance in the woods

Enjoying the splendor of the fields

Walking through the winding mountain roads

Galloping across the vast grasslands

Deep into the mysterious ancient roads

As a Haval Big Dog Experience Officer, discover more wild fun around Beijing with this trendy travel companion

Self-driving route & itinerary

Such diverse scenery as shown above is all in Beijing. And this is just a small part of the scenery in the suburbs of Beijing. Looking at the scenic spot distribution map below, one can’t help but sigh at the vastness of the imperial capital!

The scenery in several districts and counties outside Beijing is unique. For example, the red leaves in Miyun are very beautiful in late autumn. However, it is late summer now, and the mountains are green and the grass is lush. I also want to escape the city to avoid the heat, so I chose to explore the northwest line.

D1 Beijing City - Miaofeng Mountain - Cuandixia Village

D2 Cuandixia Village Yitiantian - Hongjing Road - Beijing City

D3 Beijing City - Kangxi Grassland - Yanqing City

D4 Yanqing City - Baili Landscape Gallery (Luanchi Road)

D5 Baili Landscape Gallery - Beijing City

We drove nearly 700 kilometers over five days, encountering torrential rain during the first half and rough roads later on. However, the Haval Big Dog proved to be our trendy new travel companion, overcoming all the challenges of weather and terrain.

Tips:

1. Suburban attractions in Beijing are relatively scattered and far from the city. If you have more time, you can combine them into a circular route. However, if you have limited time, such as a two or three-day trip during weekends or short holidays, you can split your itinerary into sections. For example, our itinerary can be divided into a western route covering Mentougou and Fangshan, and a northern route covering Yanqing, allowing for separate exploration.

2. Beijing has no license plate restrictions on weekends, and with more people traveling to the suburbs, you might experience traffic jams. Try to avoid peak weekend hours. 3. Road conditions on major transportation routes, such as expressways and national highways, are relatively good. However, mountainous areas and some scenic spots can experience complex road conditions, such as the pothole-ridden Yixiantian Road and the numerous bends on Hongjing Road. Fortunately, the 1.5T engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, coupled with a newly designed, high-strength body and a well-supported suspension system, makes the Haval Big Dog effortlessly navigate the rugged mountain roads of Beijing's suburbs, even handling continuous cornering with ease.

Miaofeng Mountain

Address: North of Miaofengshan Town, Mentougou District, west of Beijing

Ticket: 40 Yuan/person

Opening hours: 8:30-16:30

Self-driving tips: Vehicles are not allowed to enter the scenic area, but can be parked in the parking lot at the entrance

Miaofeng Mountain

Miaofeng Mountain is located in Mentougou District, only 50 to 60 kilometers away from downtown Beijing. It is relatively close to the Beijing suburbs and belongs to the Taihang Mountains. The biggest features of the scenic area are rime and ancient temples. Visit in winter, and the mountains blanketed in white are a truly spectacular sight. While the rime scenery isn't as spectacular now, the temple complex, dating back to the Liao and Jin dynasties, still attracts numerous worshippers. Miaofeng Mountain

To be honest, the temples weren't particularly appealing to us; the scenery along the way was more worth stopping for. Miaofeng Mountain's main peak is 1,291 meters above sea level, so the road winds up the mountain. Driving the Haval Big Dog, we alternated between speeding on the highway and weaving through the trees, enjoying the changing scenery. You’ll pass by many hidden “attractions” along the way. Sometimes, it looks like just an inconspicuous dirt road, but once you go deeper, you’ll find a clear view. The dense forest and streams isolate you from the outside world, making it a very romantic place to stroll along the water or have a picnic outdoors.

Miaofeng Mountain

It started to rain heavily when we were coming down from the top of the mountain, but fortunately we had the Haval Big Dog to block the wind and rain. Although the big raindrops hit it, we felt safe inside the car. At this moment, I couldn't help but reconsider the naming of the Haval car. After a collective vote by netizens around the world, the down-to-earth and popular "Haval Big Dog" was finally selected. It is indeed as loyal and reliable as man's best friend.

Miaofeng Mountain

Cuandixia Village

It was already dark when we arrived at our night destination. Although I was hungry from the long journey, looking up at the starry sky, a long-lost sight in the city, all my fatigue seemed to disappear. Cuandixia Village is located in Zhaitang Town, Mentougou District, in the western suburbs of Beijing, at an altitude of 650 meters. In 2009, it was named "Beijing's Most Beautiful Village" and two years ago was included in Beijing's first batch of municipal-level traditional villages. Cuandixia Village was built during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty, boasting a history of over 500 years. It is the best-preserved ancient residential complex, with over 70 Ming and Qing courtyards and over 600 houses remaining. The entire village is built on the mountainside, following the terrain, and is staggered in height. The upper and lower parts of the village are separated by a 200-meter-long curved wall with a highest point of 20 meters. The front of the village is surrounded by a 170-meter-long bow-shaped wall, which makes the whole village more united and spiritual. Cuandixia Tourist Resort Cuandixia Tourist Resort Cuandixia Tourist Resort Cuandixia Tourist Resort

Because it's only a hundred kilometers from Beijing, it attracts many weekend vacationers. Locals have consequently transformed many of the ancient courtyards into distinctive dwellings. The cozy courtyards, traditional earthen kangs, and period pieces make time seem to slow down. Cuandixia Tourist Resort Cuandixia Tourist Resort Cuandixia Tourist Resort Cuandixia Tourist Resort Cuandixia Tourist Resort Cuandixia Tourist Resort Cuandixia Tourist Resort

Driving Tips:

To enter the village, you need to purchase a ticket for the Cuandixia Scenic Area at the entrance, which costs 35 yuan per person. Several scenic spots, including Cuandixia, Yixiantian, and Baiyu, are accessible by car, and each attraction has free parking.

One Line Sky

Just a three-kilometer drive from the peaceful Cuandixia Village lies a strange yet familiar wild spot: Jingxi One Line Sky. The Huarong Pass in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and the narrow road encounter in "The Warlords" were both filmed here.

Originally known as Xiaobeigou Valley, the locals also call it Chuandi Ankou. It connects seamlessly with the village, like the neck of a magic gourd, protecting this secluded hamlet.

A Line of Sky

A Line of Sky src="https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/010011200082vaqga83F5_R_800_10000_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" /> One Line Sky

Driving Tips:

The road through One Line Sky is only a few hundred meters long, varying in width and narrowness, with spaces for passing cars. You can drive directly through it, or park in the parking lot at the end and return on foot.

Traffic can be heavy during the day on weekends, so avoid rush hour by visiting early in the morning or at night. However, there's no cell phone signal or lighting in the canyon, so be careful.

One Line Sky

Hongjing Road

Hongjing Road, also known as Shixia Road and nicknamed "Beijing's 99 Turns," winds through the towering mountains of Fangshan District. Its continuous curves and undulating terrain have made it a popular check-in spot for driving and cycling enthusiasts in and around Beijing. Hongjing Road Hongjing Road Hongjing Road Hongjing Road

The Haval Big Dog's mature 1.5T+7-speed dual-clutch power combination, coupled with a well-supported suspension system, allows it to accelerate easily when climbing hills and overtaking, and the body roll is not obvious during continuous cornering. The entire chassis gives people full confidence and a sense of security.

Hongjing Road

Driving Tips:

Although this area is a highway, there are multiple roadside parking spaces at the top, where the views are the best, so you can stop and take photos. However, please be careful.

Traffic can be heavy on holidays, so it's recommended to visit on weekdays or in the evenings. Not only will there be fewer cars and people, but you might also be able to witness a stunning sunset.

Hongjing Road

Kangxi Grassland

Address: West of Kangzhuang Town, Yanqing District, next to County Road 017

Tickets: Currently closed. Please ask staff at the door for admission.

Self-driving tips: Vehicles can drive directly into the scenic area, but there are cattle, horses and other animals on the grassland, so please pay attention to avoid them safely. src="/travelogue/China/Beijing/3968904/47.webp"> Kangxi Grassland Kangxi Grassland Kangxi Grassland

Kangxi Grassland is adjacent to Guanting Reservoir in the west and Haituo Mountain in the north. It has more than 30,000 acres of grassland and is the largest grassland in Beijing. It was originally a very popular weekend destination in the suburbs of Beijing. You can enjoy horseback riding and sightseeing during the day and have a bonfire party at night.

But I don’t know if it’s because of the epidemic recently, this place is temporarily unofficial for business to the outside world. We also tried our luck and got in. But it is precisely because there are few people that you can drive wild on the grass. Although the Haval Big Dog focuses on urban off-road, it has a variety of driving modes that can be switched at will. Coupled with the high ground clearance of the chassis, we can really indulge in off-roading.

Kangxi Grassland

Although it is late summer and the grass is not as lush as before, it does not stop the cattle from grazing happily. Perhaps they are used to seeing tourists and are not afraid of them approaching. They even regard our "Haval Big Dog" as a friend. src="/travelogue/China/Beijing/3968904/47.webp"> Kangxi Grassland Kangxi Grassland Kangxi Grassland Kangxi Grassland Kangxi Grassland

Besides driving across the grasslands, horseback riding is another unmissable experience here. After all, on weekdays at the horse farm, even the best horses can only circle in a small space. But here, they can truly enjoy the joy of running freely.

Kangxi Grassland

Horseback Riding Tips:

There are several ways to get up close and personal with horses here:

Walking horseback riding, which is horseback riding along the designated horse trails on the grassland, is suitable for general tourists.

Paoma riding, also known as fast horse riding, is horseback riding along the designated horse trails, which is suitable for tourists with certain riding skills.

On-site horseback riding, commonly known as horse lap riding, is riding on the racetrack. It is suitable for beginners, but it is recommended that you don't limit yourself to the racetrack when you come to the prairie.

As for the price, generally speaking, horse lap riding is 30 yuan per lap, horse trotting is 100 yuan per person per hour, and horse racing is 200 yuan per person per hour. However, after all, it is not officially open at the moment, so the price is still subject to communication with the horse owner on site.

Kangxi Grassland

Bai Li Landscape Gallery (Luanchi Road)

Bai Li Landscape Gallery is located on Luanchi Road, known as one of the most beautiful self-driving roads in the suburbs of Beijing. It is not actually a single scenic spot, but a landscape belt consisting of one ring, three zones and twelve nodes. It gets its name from the 112-li riverside loop. The entire area encompasses geological landscapes such as petrified wood, Wulong Gorge, Xiaokunlun Mountain, Shujian Peak, dinosaur footprint fossils, and marine sedimentary remains. Natural attractions include the Dripping Pot, Datan Nature Reserve, the thousand-acre sunflower sea, the ten-thousand-acre Scutellaria tea plantation, and the Yanshan Academy sketching base. Cultural attractions also include Chaoyang Temple, Xiushui Bay, Changshou Ridge, Gujia Kiln, the Caimugou Paleolithic site, and the Wenchang Stele. Driving through mountains and rivers in a Haval Big Dog truly lives up to its name as a "mountain and water gallery." The wide and flat road makes it easy for female drivers to navigate.

Bai Li Landscape Gallery

There are so many small attractions along the way that it might be difficult to visit them all. However, many people drive along the Luanchi Road not for the ticketed attractions but to experience rural life.

Although it's already the Beginning of Autumn, it's still possible to catch the tail end of summer and immerse yourself in a sea of flowers – a small afternoon treat.

Bai Li Landscape Gallery

Driving to the edge of a pond, many people drove here with their families, set up tents and hammocks, and the children played happily in the water while the adults enjoyed a rare moment of relaxation.

Bai Li Landscape Gallery

Hundred Miles of Landscape Gallery

We also found a quiet spot to park, and this self-driving tour of the wild Beijing suburbs is coming to an end. We have been chasing beautiful scenery all the way for the past few days, and with the Haval Big Dog as our new trendy travel companion, we can seize the tail end of summer and make the most of the good times...