Miyun District

A stunningly reconstructed water town nestled beneath the Simatai Great Wall, often called "the Wuzhen of the North." The town features stone-paved alleys, traditional courtyard buildings, a canal with boat rides, craft workshops, restaurants, and boutique hotels — all in Ming-Qing architectural style. At night, the town transforms with thousands of red lanterns illuminating the streets, creating one of Beijing's most photogenic scenes. The town's night view of the illuminated Simatai Great Wall above is unforgettable. Activities include SIM card making, tie-dye workshops, paper-cutting, and soaking in hillside hot springs. Stay overnight for the full experience — the town is even more magical after day-trippers leave.

Hours: 9:00–22:00 (night illumination until 23:00). Some attractions within close earlier.
Admission: ¥140 (includes all town attractions). Boating ¥30–80. Simatai Great Wall access: additional ¥40.

The only section of the Great Wall open for night visits, Simatai is considered the most dramatic and original section remaining. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the wall clings to precipitous ridges with gradients reaching 80 degrees. Accessible from Gubei Water Town, visitors can take a cable car (¥160 round-trip) to reach the wall, then hike along its steep, unrestored portions for dramatic views. The night tour (summer evenings only) lets you walk illuminated sections of the wall — a unique experience available nowhere else. Only the eastern section (watchtowers 1–10) is open to the public; the western section (famously used by a BBC documentary team) is restricted.

Hours: Day: 8:00–17:00 / Night: 18:00–21:00 (Apr–Oct, weather dependent)
Admission: ¥40. Cable car ¥160 round-trip. Night tour ¥160 (includes cable car). Gubei + Simatai combo ¥180.

Beijing's largest reservoir and primary source of drinking water, covering 188 square kilometers. While swimming and boating are restricted to protect water quality, the reservoir's surrounding scenic areas offer beautiful viewpoints, fishing spots (with permits), and pleasant driving routes. The best viewpoints are along the northern shore road, particularly around Baihe Dam and Bulaotun area. The reservoir is most beautiful at sunset when the water reflects mountain colors. Several lakeside restaurants serve fresh reservoir fish — a local specialty. The drive around the reservoir through mountain roads is one of Beijing's most scenic routes.

Hours: Viewing areas open 24 hours. Restaurants generally 10:00–21:00.
Admission: Free for viewing areas. Fishing permits ¥50–100.

Known as "Beijing's Little Huangshan," Yunmeng Mountain features dramatic granite peaks, ancient pine trees, sea-of-clouds views, and hiking trails through dense forest. The park has three main scenic areas with different trail difficulties. The main peak reaches 1,414 meters and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains on clear days. Popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and winter ice climbing on frozen waterfalls. The park receives fewer foreign visitors than the Great Wall, making it a great escape from tourist crowds. Best visited in late spring (wild azalea blooms) or autumn (stunning fall foliage).

Hours: 7:00–18:00 (Apr–Oct) / 8:00–17:00 (Nov–Mar)
Admission: ¥45–65. Cable car ¥80 round-trip.

A dramatic river canyon featuring 18 natural pools (潭) connected by waterfalls, with the deepest "Black Dragon Pool" reaching 5 meters. The 4-km scenic trail follows the Baihe River through towering cliffs, passing 18 named pools and 3 large waterfalls. The trail is moderate difficulty (2-3 hours round-trip) with stone steps and wooden boardwalks. Spring brings wildflowers; summer offers cool wading pools; autumn colors reflect in the crystal-clear pools. The site is named after a legend about a black dragon that once lived in the deepest pool. Less crowded than the major Great Wall spots, offering a peaceful nature escape. Bring water shoes in summer for wading.

Hours: 7:30–18:00 (Apr–Oct) / 8:00–17:00 (Nov–Mar)
Admission: ¥36.

A historic Buddhist pagoda dating back to the Liao Dynasty (907-1125 AD), standing 13 stories tall on a hill overlooking Miyun town and the reservoir. The tower is said to have been built by a legendary blacksmith-turned-immortal (冶仙). The site includes a temple complex at the base, ancient stone steps climbing to the tower, and panoramic viewpoints of Miyun's mountains and reservoir. The tower is especially beautiful at sunset when golden light bathes the ancient brickwork. A 1-hour round-trip hike from the entrance. Free admission on most days, though the temple may charge a small incense fee.

Hours: 8:00–17:00 (daily)
Admission: Free (temple donations welcome).

A spectacular 120-km river canyon stretching from Miyun into Hebei province, known as "Beijing's Little Three Gorges." The canyon features sheer cliffs plunging 300+ meters to the Baihe River, winding mountain roads clinging to cliff faces, and traditional stone villages along the riverbank. The most scenic section is the 30-km stretch from Miyun to Huairou's Labagou. Popular activities include riverside camping, fly-fishing (with permits), and photography from the cliff-edge roads. The canyon is especially beautiful in autumn when the river valley turns gold. Self-driving is the only practical way to explore — allow half a day for photo stops.

Hours: Accessible 24/7 (scenic drive)
Admission: Free to drive. Small parking fees (¥5-10) at viewpoints.

A fairy-tale valley featuring a mountain stream, waterfalls, ancient walnut trees, and a natural stone bridge (仙桥, "fairy bridge") spanning the river. The 5-km hiking trail passes through dense forests, past cliff-side Buddha carvings, and along the crystal-clear Taoyuan River. The "fairy bridge" is a natural stone arch formed by erosion — a rare geological wonder. The valley is most beautiful in summer when the stream is full and waterfalls cascade, and in autumn when the walnut groves turn gold. The hike is moderate (2-3 hours round-trip). Local farmers sell walnuts, chestnuts, and wild honey along the entrance road.

Hours: 7:30–18:00 (Apr–Oct) / 8:00–17:00 (Nov–Mar)
Admission: ¥30.

A wild, unrestored section of the Great Wall named for its dragon-like path along a mountain ridge. Unlike the polished Simatai, this section retains its original Ming Dynasty character — crumbling battlements, overgrown watchtowers, and steep, uneven steps. The wall stretches 5 km with 18 watchtowers, offering spectacular views of Miyun Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. The hike is challenging (3-4 hours round-trip) and requires proper hiking shoes — not for casual tourists. The solitude and raw beauty make it a favorite among serious hikers. Best visited in autumn when the reservoir reflects the colorful mountains.

Hours: 7:30–17:30 (Apr–Oct) / 8:00–17:00 (Nov–Mar)
Admission: ¥25.

A mountain peak on the border of Miyun and Hebei, famous for its sea-of-clouds phenomenon (雾灵) after rain. The peak reaches 2,118 meters, making it one of Beijing's highest accessible summits. The scenic area features glass walkways along cliff edges, a cable car to the summit, and numerous viewpoints for clouds, sunrises, and starry nights. The sea of clouds is most common after summer rains (July-August) and in autumn. The temperature at the summit is 10-15°C cooler than Beijing — bring a jacket even in summer. A 2-hour round-trip from the cable car station. Combine with a stay at the mountaintop lodge for sunrise photography.

Hours: 7:00–18:00 (Apr–Oct) / 8:00–17:00 (Nov–Mar)
Admission: ¥80. Cable car ¥100 round-trip.

A French-style chateau and winery in the Miyun countryside, modeled after castles in Bordeaux. The estate features 300 acres of vineyards, an underground wine cellar (1,000 meters long), a wine museum, and a luxury chateau hotel. Wine tastings include their signature Cabernet Sauvignon and ice wines produced from Miyun's own grapes. The chateau's architecture — complete with turrets, a moat, and formal gardens — creates a surprising European atmosphere in the Beijing mountains. A popular venue for weddings and corporate events. Wine tastings and museum tours available daily. Combine with a visit to nearby Miyun Reservoir.

Hours: 9:00–17:00 (daily)
Admission: ¥80 (includes museum + wine tasting). Chateau hotel ¥800-1500/night.

The best panoramic viewpoint of Miyun Reservoir, located on a high terrace overlooking the vast water expanse and surrounding mountains. The platform offers 270-degree views of the reservoir's northern shore, with the Baihe River flowing in and the Yunmeng mountain range as backdrop. It's a favorite spot for photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset when the water reflects golden and pink hues. The site also has a small museum about the reservoir's construction (completed in 1960) and its role as Beijing's water source. A peaceful alternative to the busy Gubei Water Town. Free admission and plenty of parking.

Hours: 24/7 (viewing platform)
Admission: Free.