Live Your Best Lives
Summer is the perfect time to escape the heat and enjoy the water. Compared to the throngs of popular tourist attractions, less crowded and beautiful scenic spots are particularly popular with tourists. This time, I drove to Xitaiping Village in Fangshan and discovered two unique and hidden gems, like a paradise hidden in the canyons of the Taihang Mountains.
In Xitaiping Village, Fangshan District, Beijing, lies the Taiping Tianchi Scenic Area, a small but charming and pristine spot. Surrounded by towering mountains, emerald pools, streams and waterfalls, it's a perfect spot for summer fun and waves.
Here is Taiping Tianchi Wave Plaza, a popular summer water activity. The colorful wave pool is magical, and children have a lot of fun playing in the water, enjoying the fun-filled summer.
In addition to taking children to play in the waves, you can also go deep into the canyon and hike along the stream to enjoy the charming natural scenery, or sit quietly by the lake and enjoy the fun of fishing.
Recommended check-in spots in the scenic area
Taiping Tianchi Wave Plaza, Lingxi Cave, Tianchi Reservoir, Hulutai, Lover's Valley (Huaixian), Peach Blossom Trail (Tan Shen), Jinchanxia Waterfall, etc.
Recommended Dining in the Scenic Area
The Taiping Tianchi Ecological Restaurant is located within the scenic area, right by the Tianchi Reservoir. Enjoy the scenic beauty while savoring unique local delicacies such as fresh reservoir fish, traditionally prepared Taiping Xiaohuoshao (also known as earthen mooncakes), Taiping Laodoufu, wild vegetables, and millet rice. 
Address: Beijing Taiping Tianchi Scenic Area, Xitaiping Village, Shidu Town, Fangshan District, Beijing
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Entrance Fee: 38 RMB/person
Self-Driving Route:
Beijing City - Zhangfang - Taiping Tianchi Natural Scenic Area
Beijing City - Hebei Town - National Highway 108 - Puwa - Taiping Tianchi Natural Scenic Area
Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours
Tips:
There are many mosquitoes in the mountains in summer, so you can spray some floral water.
Bring an extra set of clothes and a pair of non-slip river trekking shoes for surfing.
Summer weather is changeable, so check the weather before going out and take precautions against sun and rain.
This small scenic spot, nestled next to the Taiping Tianchi Scenic Area, feels like stepping into a real-life "Mount Huaguo" (Flower and Fruit Mountain). The area boasts beautiful scenery, deep canyons, and captivating views. But the most eye-catching attraction are the over 300 adorable macaques, who have thrived here for generations, roaming the valley and rafting through the streams, living a joyful and comfortable life.
Walking along the winding Monkey Valley trail, you can see macaques everywhere. These monkeys are unlike monkeys in other places. They are well-behaved and cute. They don't snatch food and are polite to tourists. When feeding them, they will gently take the food away from the tourists' hands, which is extremely gentle.
Recommended scenic spots
Natural scenic spots such as Yitiantian, Longtan Waterfall, Dieshi Valley, Shimen Corridor, and Maitreya Pavilion. 
Recommended best views of the scenic area
Mitreu Mountain Pavilion: Located on a viewing platform on the mountainside, it offers a panoramic view. Standing on the platform, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of overlapping mountains and rising seas of clouds. Monkeys occasionally come up to greet tourists.
Scenic Area Address: Xitaiping Village, Shidu Town, Fangshan District, Beijing.
Opening hours: 08:00–17:00
Entrance fee: 36 yuan/person
Self-driving route:
Beijing city - Zhangfang - Happy Macaque Valley
Beijing city - Hebei Town - National Highway 108 - Puwa - Happy Macaque Valley
Self-driving duration: about 2 hours
Tips:
The monkeys here love peanuts (available at the entrance of the scenic area). Remember to feed them small amounts each time.
Be a civilized tourist and do not tease the monkeys or make them angry.
Avoid feeding nursing monkeys.
These two hidden gems are perfect for summer adventures. Not only are the pristine, natural scenery captivating and the air fresh, but you can also take your children to play in the water and interact closely with the adorable macaques.
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