In the sweltering summer, when you crave a getaway but fear the heat, there are many scenic spots perfect for a self-driving trip around Beijing. So, where are the best summer retreats in Beijing? Here are some amazing destinations for a self-driving summer escape.
1、Yanqi Lake
Recommended Attractions: Located at the foot of Yanshan Mountain, 8 kilometers north of Huairou Town in suburban Beijing, Yanqi Lake is a scenic water and land area centered around the lake. The scenery is picturesque, the lake water is clear, and the lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The Yanqi Lake water is collected from the Lotus Spring upstream. The water is pure and blue, and the lake area has a pleasant climate and a good ecological environment. In summer, you can enjoy the natural scenery while boating.
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30
Address: No. 3, Yanshui Road, Huaibei Town, Beijing
Telephone: 010-69661696
Transportation:
【Bus】You can take H12, H13, H13 Lianggen, H25, H39, and H49 to Yanqi Island Station.
【Self-driving】Direct navigation to “Yanqi Lake”.
Recommended Attractions: Longqing Gorge combines the charm of Southern landscapes and the grandeur of Northern landscapes, earning it the title of “Little Lijiang” in Beijing. In the hot summer, the air in Longqing Gorge is fresh, the climate is cool, and the average temperature is about 6 degrees lower than in downtown Beijing. It is an ideal place to escape the summer heat. There are abundant entertainment options, including the world’s first dragon-shaped elevator, the dual-wing slide, rock climbing, ice climbing base, bungee jumping, and other thrilling activities.
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:30
Address: Gucheng Village, Jiuxian Town, Yanqing District, Beijing
Telephone: 010-69191034
Transportation:
【Bus】
1. Take Bus 919 from Deshengmen to “Chuanbei Community South Gate Station” in Yanqing District, and then transfer to Bus Y43 to Longqing Gorge.
2. Take the S2 suburban railway from Beijing North Station to Yanqing South Station, then take Bus Y6 to Guishui North Street South Station and transfer to Bus Y43 to Longqing Gorge.
【Self-driving】Direct navigation to “Longqing Gorge”.
3、Shi San Ling Reservoir
The Shi San Ling Reservoir, located in Changping District, Beijing, is a mountainous basin reservoir. The dam is built between Mount Mang and Mount Hanbao, forming a sloping wall structure.
The Shi San Ling Reservoir is a mountainous basin reservoir surrounded by towering mountains, especially the majestic Mount Mang rising from the north. The wide water surface reflects the mountains, giving a feeling of “high gorges meet a flat lake.” The junction of the mountain foot and the water surface forms multiple bays and inlets, creating a peaceful and pleasant scene.
Upstream of the reservoir, there are vast terraces and slopes on both sides, with a calm water surface and minimal depth variations. The water surface exhibits different visual effects influenced by its openness, depth, and various environmental colors.
For example, near the dam, the mountains are high and the water is deep, with the water surface reflecting the mountain shadows. Upstream, the water surface is broad, the slopes are gentle, and the view is expansive. Under the sunset glow, the distant mountains stretch endlessly, while the nearby water ripples gently. The patches of orchards and glimpses of imperial tombs scattered across the distant mountains and nearby waters add a layer of hazy and ethereal beauty.
Tips
Self-driving route: From Badaling Expressway, drive north, exit at Changping West Gate roundabout, turn right onto the road leading to the mausoleum area after passing the golf club.
Bus route: Take Bus 643 or Chang 56 to the “Shi San Ling Reservoir” stop and walk from there.
4、Wuling Mountain
As a national-level nature reserve, Wuling Mountain boasts an altitude of 2118 meters and a total area of 14,400 hectares. It is located in the heart of the four cities of Beijing, Tianjin, Tangshan, and Chengde. After billions of years of geological changes and shifts between land and sea, it has become the main peak of the Yanshan Mountains. The scenic area features majestic mountains, winding canyons, secluded pools and waterfalls, and boundless forests.
The summer in Wuling Mountain is a sea of green. The 93% forest coverage ensures that the mountains, valleys, cliffs, and slopes are all adorned with the beauty of trees. Summer in Wuling Mountain is a world of streams. Springs gurgle and streams babble, erupting from the forest and the crevices of cliffs, crystal clear and sweet. They flow freely through the peculiar mountains and rocks, forming ponds or cascading waterfalls. The sound of water is like a pleasant melody, echoing through the air. Sitting by a stream listening to the water is a truly unique and serene experience. Summer in Wuling Mountain is a garden of flowers. Lilac flowers fill the air with their fragrance, cinquefoil flowers carpet the hillsides, willow herbs sway gracefully, and a variety of flowers bloom in vibrant colors.
In the scorching summer, you can bring your family and friends to wander along the fragrant forest paths of Wuling Mountain, savor farm meals, breathe in the natural floral scents, admire the mountains, forests, waters, and atmosphere of Wuling Mountain, explore the rich history and culture of the place, climb the unique cliffs, play by the inviting streams, strengthen your body, relax your mind, and enjoy a refreshing and unique summer experience.
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