Cool summer in Huairou, here’s how we play

Number of days: 2 days
Time: May
Average cost: 800 yuan
With whom: and friends

Summer arrived seemingly overnight, and we can finally put our long-awaited summer travel plans on the agenda. This time, we headed to Huairou, Beijing, to slow down and enjoy the beauty of a cool summer trip.

Yanqi Lake

In early summer, Yanqi Lake boasts clear waters, lush greenery, and rotating windmills – a scenery truly beyond your imagination.

There are also many attractions such as a carousel, which is perfect for a family outing~

The water park is exciting and fun. In the summer, go for an exciting whitewater rafting ride, which is both cool and challenging.

It is said that flocks of wild geese often come to roost in the lake in spring and autumn every year, hence the name Yanqi Lake.

The gentle breeze caresses the lake, and the shimmering waters create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. A dragon boat ride is the best way to experience Yanqi Lake.

Looking at the modern architecture and hotels on both sides of the lake, you'll feel like you're traveling abroad.

At the two-side coffee shops on the east side of the lake, you can also sample the specialty Huairou rainbow trout while gazing at the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. It's an incredibly relaxing experience.

Tips for visiting Yanqi Lake

Ticket price: 45 yuan/person, 22 yuan for students

Recommended whitewater rafting and dragon boat tours

Parking: 20 yuan/trip

Qinglong Gorge

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and seek the tranquility of mountains and rivers in Qinglong Gorge, with its beautiful scenery and surrounded by peaks. Come here to relax and immerse yourself in the arms of nature.

Qinglong Gorge's unique topography is perfect for extreme sports. Take a cable car to enjoy the scenery, climb the Great Wall, and enjoy bungee jumping, rappelling, speedboating, and boating on Longxia Lake—perfect for unleashing your inner self.

You can also take a speedboat to explore the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains in the canyon, and experience the speed and passion of the blue waves. Many young people come here to challenge themselves. Extreme sports can replenish their energy and make them more courageous and determined to continue their journey.

Qinglong Gorge Cableway: You must take a ride on the Qinglong Gorge Cableway. As it ascends slowly along the mountain, you'll gradually see the beautiful scenery of Qinglong Gorge. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the Miyun Reservoir and the winding Great Wall. On clear days, you can even see the distant China World Trade Center (CBD) complex. A short hike further brings you to the Qinglong Gorge beacon tower, built during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty. The steep mountain and complex terrain offer a breathtaking view.

The scenery at the top of the mountain is magnificent and awe-inspiring. At that moment, I can't help but sigh: If you love, you can go to mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas.

The water in the upper reaches of the lake is crystal clear and blue, with a depth of 40 to 50 meters. You can take a speedboat, a pleasure boat, or a pleasure boat to explore.

The downstream area is shallow water with a depth of about 1 meter. You can paddle a bamboo raft, paddle the bamboo raft by hand, shout at the spring, and other interesting interactive experiences.

Tips for visiting Qinglong Gorge

Ticket: 54 yuan/person, student ticket half price

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 boat: 80 yuan/30 minutes/boat

Bungee jumping: 330 yuan/person

Rappelling: 80 yuan/adult, 50 yuan/student

Rock climbing: 50 yuan/adult, 40 yuan/student

Address: 200 meters north of Dashuiyu Village, Huaibei Town

No. 536 Boutique B&B

If you'd like to enjoy a cool garden and be gently embraced by plants and trees, stay at the 536 Courtyard B&B near Qinglong Gorge in Huairou.

The B&B was redesigned and renovated from a former steel rolling mill, featuring a spacious, industrial-style restaurant and public space. Flowers and vegetables are planted in the courtyard, where time is leisurely and the plants are beautiful.

Enjoying afternoon tea at Brown Bear with good friends, loving this lovely girly time.

In the childlike little garden, bursts of coolness relax the body and mind. There are always some places that seem as beautiful as fairy tales. Summer has arrived so suddenly.

We stayed in a townhouse on the first floor with a balcony and large floor-to-ceiling windows. The breeze was not dry, and the sun was just right. The trees in the courtyard were shady, and the breeze was very comfortable and cozy.

It was really a pleasure to have a meal and chat with friends on the terrace before sunset and breathe in the fresh air.

The large terrace offers a view of the mountains and the Great Wall. Summer in Huairou is truly wonderful, with rainbow trout and barbecued skewers. Finding such a private terrace in the suburbs of Beijing is truly rare.