This weekend, take a self-drive trip from Beijing's suburbs to Changping, where you can enjoy barbecues, hot springs, and stay in a boutique B&B in Yinshan Pagoda Forest!

Number of days: 2 days
Time: September
Average cost: 800 yuan
With whom: husband and wife
Tour kinds: Self-driving, weekend tour
The author went to these places: Changping Yinshan Tower Forest
Updated: 2020.09.07

Rediscovering Beijing's beauty is truly remarkable. This week, I drove with friends to the Yinshan Pagoda Forest in Beijing's Changping District. It felt like I had the whole place to myself, standing among the towers, built over the years, at varying heights. I admired the exquisite reliefs on the octagonal towers. Dark clouds after the rain floated above the towers, making the Yinshan Pagoda Forest even more stunning and magnificent. I felt the moist air of the forest and savored the beauty etched by time.

I never imagined that Changping, just over an hour's drive from Beijing's core area, would have so much to offer. Sharing this weekend travel guide with you! Get ready!

—A lesser-known Beijing destination, the Yinshan Pagoda Forest boasts a spectacular cluster of ancient pagodas, once considered one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Yanping!

Yinshan Pagoda Forest is a renowned scenic spot in Beijing with the largest number of surviving Liao Dynasty pagodas. The pagodas, dating from the Jin and Yuan dynasties through the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present day, boast a history spanning over 600 years. The pagodas were meticulously constructed over this period, leading to the popular saying, "The Yinshan Pagodas are countless." Despite its age, the area is remarkably well-preserved, reportedly due to its remote location and lack of access, which helped it survive the turbulent years. Each pagoda is worth a careful appreciation and appreciation. The base is adorned with a brick-carved lotus pedestal, while the four sides feature false arched doors with brick-carved Buddha statues within. The other four sides feature uniquely carved windows, some diamond-shaped, some square, and many brackets with clearly visible mortise and tenon joints, making it appear as if they were made of wood. At the corners of each floor, a Buddha statue nods, a truly exquisite sight.

After 3 hours, the food is out of the oven! As you peel back the scalding foil, the aroma of barbecue fills your nostrils, and you'll almost drool! Besides the traditional grilled lamb chops, this barbecue feast also features grilled pig's trotters, pork belly, chicken feet, and roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes. If you'd like to order something else, just let the owner know! They'll also pair it with a variety of hot and cold seasonal dishes, like okra salad, perilla salad, steamed corn, and purple sweet potatoes. The corn is highly recommended; it brings back the flavors of childhood!

——Tranquil Lake Resort Hotel, soak in the private hot springs in the wooden villas and forest!

The Beginning of Autumn has arrived, bringing with it a chilly chill with each autumn rain. During Beijing's most comfortable season, I'm always longing to find a romantic private hot spring to savor the soft autumn air. If you're visiting Yinshan Pagoda Forest and want to soak in a hot spring, I recommend the Beijing Jingzhihu Resort Hotel.

Staying at the Jingzhihu Resort Hotel, you don't have to worry about planning your itinerary; Jingzhihu itself offers so much to explore. This area is a vibrant place year-round. In summer, the 2,000-acre Jingzhihu Private Forest Park invites you to experience the tranquility of the mountains amidst the chirping of birds. The vast lavender fields and rose gardens are also perfect spots for summer photo opportunities. If you happen to catch the lotus bloom, you can also admire the lotuses, watch koi swim among the leaves, and swans soar above the water.

My favorite interior design is from the nearby "Yin Xin Ge." The yellow and black color scheme echoes the ancient ginkgo trees in the courtyard. Imagine sitting in the courtyard in autumn, with ginkgo trees laden on the branches, enjoying a glass of wine and chatting with family—how cozy it is. Humen Village also boasts a unique chestnut feast, where chestnuts are incorporated into dishes like stewed chicken, porridge, and cold dishes, creating a unique flavor. Before heading home, take a stroll through Changping's most renowned winery, Beijing Huadu Brewing and Food Co., Ltd. This distillery, once the source of imperial wine, now lets you customize your own bottle.