Recommended One-Day Self-Driving Tour Spots around Beijing

The weather is no longer as hot as it was in the summer, making it the perfect time for a trip. So, what are some recommended self-driving tour spots around Beijing? Below, we’ve put together a list of some great places to visit, check it out and let’s go explore!

1、Mangshan National Forest Park

Located in Changping, Mangshan National Forest Park is the largest forest park around Beijing. Its mountain range resembles a large python, with its highest peak reaching 659 meters. It boasts unique cultural landscapes and vast natural vegetation landscapes. In autumn, you’ll find patches of fiery red leaves, adding to its scenic appeal. You can truly feel the allure of Mangshan. There’s a pagoda on Mangshan, not far from Tianchi (Heavenly Lake). Standing atop Mangshan, you can overlook the entire Thirteen Tombs Scenic Area and gaze at the city of Beijing in the distance.

Location: Located within Changping District, northwest of Beijing

Self-driving routes

01. Take the Jingchang Expressway to Changping Xiguan Exit (13C). Follow Changping Government Street east to Dongguan roundabout, turn north onto Shuiku Road, follow the signs for Mangshan Resort, and you’ll reach Mangshan Park after passing the resort.

02. Take the Jingchang Expressway to Changping Xiguan Exit (13C). Head towards the Thirteen Tombs. After crossing the Seven-Hole Bridge, turn right at the crossroads. Follow the northern loop of the Thirteen Tombs Reservoir, and you’ll arrive.

2、Huang Hua Cheng Water Great Wall

Located in Huang Huacheng, Huairou District, Beijing, the Water Great Wall is known for its uniqueness. It’s a tourist and leisure destination that combines mountains, waters, and the ancient Great Wall. It got its name because the rising water level of a reservoir submerged a section of the Great Wall. Every summer, it’s covered in blooming yellow wildflowers, blending beautifully with the magnificent Great Wall. Whether you’re admiring the “Great Wall in the Water,” boating, sightseeing, or taking a break to enjoy the scenery, it’s truly a relaxing experience!

Address: Xishuiyu Village, Jiudutuo Town, Huairou District, Beijing

Self-driving route: From Beijing city center, take Anli Road north. Pass Litang Road and enter Ansilu, reach Huai Chang Road and turn right, then left. Continue on Ansilu, pass Jiudutuo River, turn left at Donggong Road, and follow the signs to enter the scenic area.

3、Baihe Canyon

This is a pristine natural canyon with well-preserved features. Its stunning scenery earns it the title of “a hundred-mile long moving picture gallery.” The roads along the way are rugged, and villages are relatively sparse. Within the canyon, there’s a majestic sight called “Yun Tai Lansheng,” resembling the “Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.” Some say Baihe Canyon is even more beautiful than Jiuzhaigou. Only by experiencing it firsthand can you truly appreciate its beauty, a sight rarely seen elsewhere.

Address: Flowing from Baihebao Reservoir through Huairou to Miyun Reservoir

Self-driving route: Get off at Exit 15 of the Jingcheng Expressway – Fen Shui Ling Tunnel – Liuli Temple – Qian An Ling Er Qiao (second bridge) turn right – Babu Tang – Baihe Bei – Qing Shi Ling Village southernmost – Jingbei – Drift Reception Station.

4、Youlan Mountain

Youlan Mountain boasts beautiful natural ecological landscapes and abundant historical and cultural resources. Red leaves are the most striking feature of Youlan Mountain Scenic Area, and Pofengling is the best place to admire them. It boasts the richest natural scenery in the Beijing area. Compared to the red leaves of Xiangshan, the red leaves of Pofengling have their own charm. Besides admiring the red leaves, you can also enjoy the scenic rock forest, known for its expansive and secluded beauty and hidden wonders. It’s recognized as a summer resort in the suburbs of Beijing, making it a worthwhile visit in spring, summer, and autumn.

Address: Huangshandian Village, Zhoukoudian

Self-driving route: Zhongguancun – West Third Ring Road, Liuliqiao (entrance to the Jinggangao Expressway) – Dujiakan toll station – Yancun exit – Zhoukoudian (Jingzhou Road) – Huangshandian Village (turn right at the “Huangshandian” signpost along Zhouzhang Road for about 3 kilometers, and continue for another 5 kilometers to reach the destination).

5、Baicao Wa National Forest Park (Hebei)

This is the closest national forest park to Beijing. It’s rich in natural resources, including mountains, waters, rocks, vegetation, and climate, with beautiful and unique landscapes. It features the largest and most intact natural birch forest in North China. The air in the forest area is fresh, with extremely high levels of negative oxygen ions, known as “air vitamins,” beneficial for physical and mental health. There’s a mountain peak within the park formed by Danxia landforms, resembling the wonders of Huangshan, hence its name “Xiao Huangshan” (Little Huangshan). Standing here, you can not only experience the same unique pines and strange rocks as Huangshan, but also admire the birch forest, making it a place you’ll never forget.

Address: Located within Jinhua Gou Forest Farm in the southeastern part of Luanping County, Hebei Province, in the middle section of the Yanshan Mountains, south of the Beijing-Chengde tourist highway.

Self-driving: Exit 86 (Hongshili/Chenggang) on the Jingcheng Expressway. Enter National Highway 101, drive towards Beijing. Turn east at kilometer 176 of National Highway 101 (with park signage), continue driving for 10 kilometers, and you’ll arrive.

6、Lingshui Village

Currently under the jurisdiction of Zaitang Town, Mentougou District, southwest of Beijing, this village is filled with history. Lingshui Temple, the oldest temple in Beijing, is located here. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, with well-preserved ancient dwellings, making it the filming location of “Where Are We Going, Dad?” Lingshui Village boasts beautiful natural scenery and numerous historical relics, including attractions like Dongling Stone Men, Nantang Bei Qiao (South Hall, North Gaze), Scholar’s Residence, and Temple Ruins, collectively known as “Eight Views of Lingshui.”

Address: Zaitang Town, Mentougou District, southwest of Beijing

Self-driving route: At the intersection of National Highway 109 in Wangping and Hebei, choose the Wangping direction. Follow National Highway 109 all the way, pass Henantai, Yanchi, and reach Zaitang. See a signpost pointing to Lingshui Village and turn right. The destination is four kilometers away.

So, which of these six unique spots around Beijing are you most drawn to? Let’s set out together after the pandemic is over!