This is an article I’ve always wanted to write, mainly to introduce everyone to my love for the beauty here. The beauty here has always been a scenery line that I have never forgotten. Today, with a different mood, let’s experience a different suburban trip!
A Two-Day Trip to Miyun, a Suburb of Beijing – Unexpected Beauty
Heilongtan
On the first day of our trip, we arrived at a very famous local scenic spot, “Heilongtan.” Heilongtan is located in a 4-kilometer-long canyon with a water level drop of 220 meters north of Lupiguan, Shicheng Town, Miyun District, 100 kilometers from Beijing. Eighteen famous pools such as Chunhua, Qiuyue, Pingsha, Luoyan, Qu, Die, Shen, Xuantan, etc., are scattered in the deep and inspiring canyon, each with a unique charm.
There is also a beautiful legend about Heilongtan:
In ancient times, an imperial envoy came here and saw Heilongtan. He ordered the pool to be filled in without reason. When the first large stone was put down, the water in the pool surged, and a tortoise head the size of a small basin stuck out of the water. The imperial envoy, who was unaware of the consequences, put down a second stone, the water in the pool churned, and a turtle head the size of a water tank emerged from the water. The reckless imperial envoy put down a third stone, the water in the pool surged violently, and the bottom of the pool rumbled with thunder. A black water shot up into the sky, and a black dragon writhed in the thick clouds.
The imperial envoy, who had just been so bold, turned and ran, a black cloud chasing after him. Hailstones the size of chestnuts rained down on him. At this time, the imperial envoy made a wish to build a Dragon King Temple to offer to the black dragon, and finally escaped. The black cloud slowly drifted back and fell into the pool, and the water in the pool became calm and black-green again. It is said that the Dragon King often transforms into a human form and comes out of this sacred pool to visit the people and go undercover.
In the mountain stream, there are many native fish, swimming in groups. They might be used to tourists, so they don’t seem to be afraid of people.
My traveling partner, Zuo Zuo, and I also took a boat trip on the pool. The pool water is clear and clean, and can be drunk directly. In this scorching summer, it is a great place to escape the heat.
That afternoon, we went to Changyu Aifebao, located in Jugezhuang Town, Miyun County, Beijing. It is an international winery founded by Yantai Changyu Group with capital from the United States, Italy, Portugal and other countries. It is also a four-star tourist attraction.
The Aifebao building complex is very high-end and atmospheric, full of exotic charm. The town inside is built directly based on the appearance of a small town in France. Many TV series and variety shows have been filmed here, such as “Let’s Get Married”.
The winery has a long corridor specially designed with a 3D painting effect. Photos taken here are absolutely realistic.
In those days, Sun Yat-sen wrote an inscription for Changyu Company, which was also the only time Sun Yat-sen wrote an inscription for a domestic private enterprise. This shows the status of Changyu abroad at that time.
Coming to the winery, naturally, you have to see the cellar and taste the wine. Every visitor who comes here has the opportunity to experience bottling red wine themselves, and can also put a label on it, write the date and name, and take it home as a souvenir.
Although it was the scorching summer, the moment I walked into the cellar, I was blown by the cold wind, giving me a shiver. Entering the cellar, you can smell a rich aroma of wine. There are also many private cellars of big shots here, which also reflects the popularity of Changyu wine.
Beijing Courtyard
A former old house in the Republic of China, now a warm inn. That night, we were arranged to stay at a homestay in Jinpo Luo, Miyun, called Bei Jing Xiaoyuan.
Zuo Zuo and I stayed in a courtyard belonging to a landlord during the Republic of China, with two rooms, but decorated in two different styles: one is the style of Northeast rural areas, and the other is the style of the Qing Dynasty Manchu people.
The stove, kettle, decorations, and furniture in the house all reflect the distinct features of that era.
This lock reminded me of a sentence from “Slow Before”:
The days of the past were slow, the cars, horses, and mail were slow. A lifetime was enough to love one person. The locks of the past were beautiful too, with exquisite keys and patterns. You locked it, and people understood.
Gubei Water Town
Qin Dynasty moon, Han Dynasty gate,
A long march of ten thousand miles, people have not returned.
If only the general of Longcheng were here,
I would not let the Hu horses cross the Yin Mountains.
Walking through the gate of Gubei Water Town, the first thing you see are these four characters: “Jingshi Suolun.” There is a sense of solemnity and majesty that comes naturally. Gubei Water Town is located at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall, as if there is a general like Li Guang in the town, guarding the border, not letting the Hu horses cross the Yin Mountains.
The Winery in the Water Town
The Dyeing Workshop in the Water Town
Many people choose to take pictures in the dyeing workshop because they usually dry a lot of dyed cloth here. Therefore, taking pictures here has a very artistic atmosphere, which is suitable for those who like photography.
That night, we also climbed the Great Wall at night, but of course, we took the cable car up.
From the entrance of the water town, you can take a boat across to the foot of the Great Wall, and then you can take the cable car directly to the Simatai Great Wall. At night, when the lights come on, you can overlook the entire night view of Gubei Water Town from the Great Wall. At this time, the neon lights on the Great Wall also light up. It is a unique experience to climb the Great Wall at night.
Simatai Great Wall is located in Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, north of Miyun District, Beijing, adjacent to Gubei Water Town. The Simatai Great Wall is built along the rugged mountains and is known for its peculiarity, uniqueness, and danger. The Simatai Reservoir divides the Great Wall into two sections: the east section has 16 beauty towers, and the west section has 18 hero bone towers. Luo Zhewen, a famous Chinese ancient architectural expert, once commented, “The Great Wall of China is the best in the world, and the Simatai Great Wall is the best of the Great Wall of China.”
The first time I came to Gubei Water Town, I was amazed. I didn’t expect to find such a place like the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River in the suburbs of the capital. From then on, I no longer have to go to the south of the Yangtze River to visit ancient cities and water towns. Gubei Water Town can fulfill all your fantasies about it.
Miyun is a very suitable place for private leisure, especially for those who work 9 to 5 in Beijing every day. It’s close to home, so it’s a good option. This trip was very enjoyable and I gained a lot. Thanks to the Miyun Tourism Committee for their support and care.
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