Beijing Suburban Tour I: Visit Fangshan to see the stunning icefall and enjoy the Northern Light Festival

  • Number of days: 2 days
  • Time: January
  • Average cost: 800 yuan
  • With whom: and parents

Even in ordinary days, we should capture the sparkle and beauty within, maintain our passion, and head for the next adventure. Even when long-distance travel is inconvenient, we don't want to miss out on this winter's scenery. Find a small, less crowded scenic spot and experience authentic northern scenery without leaving Beijing. Remember to wear a mask when going out, and always keep epidemic prevention in mind~

Fangshan Xiayunling Jinshui Lake Scenic Area

I set off early this morning to drive to Fangshan Xiayunling Jinshui Lake Scenic Area. Leaving the North Fifth Ring Road and heading west, the traffic becomes less and less, the sky becomes bluer, and the air becomes fresher. The 7th Fangshan Xiayunling Jinshui Lake Ice and Snow Carnival officially opened on New Year's Day. It's fun for everyone, young and old, and everyone can enjoy ice waterfalls, ice climbing, ice sledding on the lake, and ice lanterns.

Before arriving and entering the scenic area, you need to cooperate with the staff to complete some epidemic prevention registration. Each area is supervised by a dedicated person, and safety reminders are given for situations such as not wearing masks on the ice rink and large gatherings. Overall, it is very safe.

Shanshui Renjia Thatched Cottage

A night at the Jinshui Lake Scenic Area in Xiayunling, Fangshan District, Beijing, allows you to more leisurely and deeply experience the beauty of nature. Upon arrival, we checked in. This time, we stayed in a thatched, two-story, single-family wooden house with a lake view, built on the lakeside in the scenic area and nestled between the mountains and water, giving it a very resort-like feel. Sitting in the living room with large windows on the first floor, you can enjoy the lake view alone. Leaning on the sofa, basking in the sun while drinking tea, it is a relaxing and cozy experience. The room is equipped with floor heating, and warmth is the only thing that can heal people in this extremely cold winter.

The thatched cottage has a separate room and bathroom on each floor. There's a living room on the first floor and a balcony on the second floor, both facing east. On winter mornings, the first rays of sunshine by the lake create a warm and beautiful scene.

A king-size or double bed room is available, perfect for families of 3-4.

In the summer, it would be so relaxing to sit on the small balcony on the second floor, enjoying the lake and mountain views with a gentle breeze.

After checking in, you can have lunch at the scenic area restaurant. Then it's time to explore.

 Stunning Icefall

This stunning icefall is even more stunning than snow and is well worth a visit. The crystal clear icicles glow icy blue in the sunlight, forming beautiful icefall wonders that are pure and beautiful.

These stunning mountain icefalls are now at their peak viewing season. Icicles reach heights of up to ten stories, creating a unique experience from both a distance and up close. Only by being there can you truly experience the magic and beauty of winter.

For an extreme sport, try the challenging ice climbing! Instructors and equipment, including skates and skates, are available at the scenic area, but reservations are required in advance. Immersed in the romantic world of ice and snow, taking photos or ice climbing, you won’t feel cold at all.

Immersed in the romantic world of ice and snow, taking photos or ice climbing, you won’t feel cold at all.

 Ice Entertainment 

The afternoon's ice entertainment was enough to sustain a happy hour. Whether riding alone, in pairs, or in groups, it was all fun. Laughter could be heard echoing throughout the ice rink. It was this simple beauty that made us linger.

There are traditional ice sleds, ice bikes, snowmobiles and other activities, there is always one that suits you.

Enjoy the natural wildness under the sun, and experience the joy and happiness of winter with your family~

Carrying with me many precious childhood memories, the ice sled is fun for all ages. Seeing my mother having so much fun, I was happy too. This is our family trip.

 Fangshan Special Banquet

The cuisine of each place carries a unique taste experience of that place. I experienced the special New Year's Eve dinner in Jinshui Lake Scenic Area in advance. This "January 28th Banquet" is also one of the special banquets of Fangshan rural tourism. Don't miss it~

The 22 dishes, steaming hot and appetizing, carry the flavors of the Chinese New Year on this table. Here, I also wish everyone good luck in reunion and a happy family.

 Admire Ice Lanterns at the Ice and Snow Carnival

The most beautiful light show at the Jinshui Lake Scenic Area in Xiayunling, Fangshan, is the ice and snow carnival light show at night. It gets dark early in winter, and the ice waterfall and ice surface landscape after the lights are turned on at 17:30 are as spectacular and romantic as Frozen.

When night falls and the colorful lights come on, the ice on the riverbank suddenly transforms into a crystal-clear fairytale world.

Walking into the dozens of meters long Lianxinmen Colorful Light Corridor, we get closer to the icefall. The colorful lights decorate the scene, making it seem like a dream. The joy of admiring the lights is beyond words.

Here, you can also play with splashing water to create ice. We walked through it, happy as children.

After passing through the ice light show, the icefall in the valley is even more amazing! A narrow path leads deep into the mountains, where the colorful icefall presents another artistic conception, mysterious and peaceful. After a good night's sleep, it's time to head up the mountain and enjoy the view in the warm winter morning. The Pigeon Terrace hiking trail may look a bit high, but it's not difficult. Walking along with Mom A, we took photos and quickly reached the viewing platform in just over half an hour.

The winter sun is always a delight, especially in the mountains. When it comes out, you feel a lot warmer.

The golden morning light warms my heart. Overlooking the magnificent frozen Jinshui Lake, watching people coming and going on the swinging bridge, and taking in the entire scenery of Xiayunling, I feel relaxed and happy.

The sun shone through the pine needles, waving to our shadows. Looking out at the lake through the gaps in the green leaves, the frozen surface also revealed the chill of winter.

Many people are concerned about whether it's cold. Actually, climbing a mountain involves exercising your entire body, so it's not really cold. However, it's essential to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves.

Standing on the observation deck, I felt the beauty of life. It's actually very simple: the more natural and simple, the more authentic and brilliant it shines.

The sun was filtering into the valley, the sky a cloudless blue, so bright and refreshing. Looking around the valley, I was greeted by the breathtaking winter scenery of northern China. The air was fresh and intoxicating. I savored the sunshine and this rare tranquility, feeling a sense of peace and warmth.

Just calm down and you can hear the valley's whispers. Thousands of years of changing weather and seasons have brought us into a magical realm and boundless imagination amidst the wonders of nature's uncanny workmanship.

Following the path down the mountain, passing through a small wood, you can walk back to the thatched cottage by the lake. The withered flowers on the roadside display a frozen, eternal beauty, making you walk lightly, fearing to disturb the tranquility and peace.

If you also want to experience the beauty of winter like us, this travel guide is for you.

Xiayunling Jinshui Lake Travel Tips

? Address: Xiayunling Village, Xiayunling Township, Fangshan District, Beijing

? Ticket: 45?/person

Jinshui Lake Scenic Area does not accept people from medium and high-risk areas. Tickets can be purchased through mobile phones (follow the WeChat public account "Smart Travel Fangshan" for real-name ticket purchase) and the ticket office at the scenic area gate (register personal information on site).

jQuery1710595629018785824_1610961041391 Parking: 10?/car Unlimited time

? Time: 8:00-18:00

? Pets: You can bring your dog to play, this is so nice? Must give it a thumbs up

?? Ice sled: 30?/hour

?? Ice climbing: Extreme sport, you need to make an appointment with a coach in advance

? Accommodation: There are thatched cottages in the scenic area for accommodation, which need to be booked in advance

? Restaurant: There is a restaurant in the scenic area, breakfast is included in the stay, and you can order lunch and dinner in the restaurant.

? Documents: Friends driving within Beijing must bring their ID cards. On the way back, you will need to check your ID card at the Xinzhuang Comprehensive Inspection Station.


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