Where to go on an early summer weekend? A two-day self-drive trip to Huairou: Here's how to enjoy Qinglong Gorge and Yanqi Lake.

Number of days: 2 days
Time: May
Average cost: 800 yuan
With whom: and friends
Tour kinds: Self-driving, free travel
The author went to these places： Huairou Yanqi Lake Mutianyu Great Wall Hongluo Temple

Early summer brings a vibrant sun that's sure to make you want to get out and about. Don't just stay home this weekend! Grab your family or a few friends and head to Huairou for a road trip to experience the mountains and rivers. This recommended weekend getaway to Qinglong Gorge, Yanqi Lake, and the 536 Courtyard Boutique B&B promises a refreshing, dynamic, and romantic weekend. Save this guide!

Explore Qinglong Gorge with a bungee jump and a speedboat cable car!

It's been nearly 20 years since I last visited Qinglong Gorge in Huairou. With its vibrant mountains, clear waters, and the ancient Great Wall, Qinglong Gorge is a perfect place for both adventurous adventures and scenic exploration. The brave can try bungee jumping and rock climbing, while those less adventurous can enjoy a speedboat ride through the canyon or a cable car ride overlooking the scenic beauty of Qinglong. The Qinglong Gorge Dam, nestled in the heart of the scenic area, divides the area into two parts. The upper section houses the water area, with water depths generally ranging from 40 to 50 meters. Enjoy speedboats, traditional painted boats, and luxury cruise ships. The lower section, with shallow waters year-round and depths under one meter, offers opportunities for bamboo rafts, rowboats, and other activities. For a panoramic view of Qinglong Gorge, a ride on the Qinglong Gorge Cableway is a must. The 800-meter-long route, with a 369-meter drop, gradually opens up to the breathtaking scenery of Qinglong Gorge as you ascend. Upon reaching the summit, you can slowly hike to the beacon tower, where you can gaze out over the Miyun Reservoir, the winding Great Wall, the bustling China World Trade Center, and the vast, fertile fields of the northern Beijing plains. On the hills flanking the gorge, we can see the remains of the ancient Great Wall. The Qinglong Gorge Ancient Great Wall, built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, served as the Dashuiyu Pass, a fortress on the Ming Great Wall. It connected to Simatai in Miyun County to the east and Mutianyu Great Wall to the west. The mountains are steep and the terrain complex. Well-preserved towers include Douding Tower, Xishanding Tower, Nanyading Tower, and Houfeng Tower, Huigong Tower, and Nianzi Tower on the east hill. Qinglong Gorge is also a great place to push your limits and let loose. Here, you can try bungee jumping, speed climbing, and rock climbing. The bungee jump is about 60 meters high, while the rock climbing is 20 meters high, with two tracks for beginners and advanced levels. The speed climbing course spans Longxia Lake, stretching 320 meters with a 28-meter drop. You can also take a speedboat through the canyon, feeling the breeze above the turquoise waters. In the shallow waters, there are interactive experiences like bamboo rafting and shouting springs.

Qinglongxia Scenic Area Tips:

1. Ticket price: 54 yuan/person, student ticket half price

2. Speedboat: 60 yuan/person; Cable car: 50 yuan/person one-way, 80 yuan/person round-trip. Student ticket: 40 yuan one-way, 60 yuan round-trip. Children's ticket: 30 yuan one-way, 50 yuan round-trip. Rowing: 80 yuan/30 minutes/boat;

3. Bungee jumping: 330 yuan/person; Rappelling: 80 yuan/adult, 50 yuan/student. Rock climbing: 50 yuan/adult, 40 yuan/student.

4. Scenic Area Address: 200 meters north of Dashuiyu Village, Huaibei Town.

5. Transportation Information: Take bus No. 916 from Dongzhimen to Miaochengdong, Huairou, then transfer to bus No. H58 to the final stop, Qinglongxia Scenic Area.

6. Driving Directions: Take Exit 14 (Huairou) of the Beijing-Chengde Expressway, take the overpass to the G111 National Highway (Jingjia Road) exit, turn right, and proceed north past Yanqi Lake for 7 kilometers.

Enjoy a boat tour of Yanqi Lake, which is even more magical at night!

The APEC summit has made Yanqi Lake a global hotspot and a tourist destination. If you're looking for a place to relax on a sunny day, come to Yanqi Lake!

Walking along the shores of Yanqi Lake, through the colorful windmill corridor, the breeze from the lake gently spins the windmills, gently dancing and clapping the wind chimes, bringing you a good holiday mood. The sunlight filters through the greenery, casting dappled shadows. You can stroll under the shade or take a rest on a chair. If you're looking for a thrilling experience, you can also take a whitewater rafting ride or go water rappelling to experience Yanqi from a different perspective. Yanqi Lake Scenic Area also boasts adorable rubber ducks and Nemo boats, as well as over a dozen other land-based attractions, including bumper cars, anime trains, and carousels. It's perfect for a family outing!

Yanqi Lake Scenic Area Tips:

1. Scenic Area Address: No. 3 Yanshui Road, Huaibei Town, Huairou District, Beijing

2. Ticket Price: Adults 45 yuan, students 22 yuan.

3. Night Flight Schedule: Until October 7, 2021, every Friday, Saturday, Sunday evening and statutory holidays

And during the night flight period, there is a free admission policy!

Stay at the No. 535 Courtyard B&B and enjoy an exquisite dinner on the terrace with a mountain view!

Although Huairou is very close to the city, I still recommend finding a B&B to stay overnight with friends and enjoy the sunshine, flowers, Brown Bear afternoon tea, sunset, and the evening breeze on the terrace. It's so beautiful!

This time we stayed at Beijing No. 536 B&B, located at No. 536, Fangkou Village, Huairou River, 3 kilometers from Qinglong Gorge, 4.5 kilometers from Yanqi Lake, 6.8 kilometers from Hongluo Temple, and 4.4 kilometers from Huairou Reservoir. It is very suitable for a 2-3 day self-driving tour of Huairou on weekends or short holidays.

Beijing No. 536 Courtyard Homestay was once a steel rolling mill. Designers have since redesigned and renovated the building, preserving its original structure and machinery while incorporating modern decor, creating a seamless blend of industrial and rural styles. The brick structure exudes an industrial feel, while the courtyard still displays remnants of former machinery. Green ivy adorns the concrete pipes, creating a Hobbit-like hut. The courtyard is planted with vibrant roses and vegetables in a variety of colors. At 536 Boutique Homestay, you can choose between a standard room or a private courtyard, which can accommodate 7-9 people. Sitting in the small courtyard of each standard room, you can enjoy the scenery. Each room has its own private entrance and courtyard, and there's a Jacuzzi bathtub in the open-air courtyard. These rooms typically have three or four bedrooms, perfect for groups of friends or families. The public spaces here are also exceptionally large, with a large lobby large enough for up to 60 people. Afternoon tea and breakfast are served here daily. There's also a viewing terrace upstairs with views of the mountains and the Great Wall. At sunset, book dinner in advance and enjoy the evening breeze, the twinkling lights, the long table filled with exquisite food, and the perfect spot to take in the views of the Great Wall and the mountains. It's the perfect spot for a casual chat with friends! This B&B also has a gym, a separate party area, and private parking, making it perfect for a family vacation or a get-together with friends!