Don’t waste your weekend! These three spots near Beijing are amazing

Laiyuan · Western Beijing summer capital 🏔️ Trip highlights Baishi Mountain lives up to its nickname as the northern Little Yellow Mountain. 1,900-meter cliffside glass walkway, sheer cliff corridor, Mountain Oath Terrace, Buddha’s Light Peak, and an incredible sea of clouds. Ten Waterfalls Gorge features a 10-li stream and a 10-level waterfall, with the 60-meter Double Dragon Waterfall being especially stunning. Geyuan Temple is one of the eight major Liao dynasty structures, with the thousand-year-old Wenshu Hall rich in history. High altitude keeps summer temperatures around 21°C, a natural air conditioner. Itinerary Day 1: Drive from Beijing to Baishi Mountain (take the cable car up, hike the Double Hero Stone route, about 5 hours) → lunch at a farmhouse at the mountain base → afternoon water play at Ten Waterfalls Gorge → evening hot spring relaxation → stay in the county town or hot spring guesthouse Day 2: Sky grassland (2,158 meters altitude, full of wildflowers, windmills, cattle, and sheep) → return to the county town to visit Geyuan Temple, Juma Source Wetland Park, and the Tang dynasty Xingwen Tower Food recommendations Laiyuan tofu, roasted whole lamb, wild vegetables, youmian wowo (steamed buckwheat nests), bitter buckwheat jelly, porridge Travel tips The East Gate A parking lot at Baishi Mountain is closest to the entrance. Weather on the mountain changes frequently, bring a light jacket and sunscreen. Wear non-slip hiking shoes. The sky grassland has a big temperature difference, don’t wear only short sleeves. Baoding · Half a Qing dynasty history 🏛️ Trip highlights Zhili Governor’s Office, the “Northern Forbidden City” with red walls and golden tiles, fully preserves the Qing dynasty government office style. The ancient Lotus Pond is right across, with pavilions, corridors, lotus ponds, and weeping willows, a northern Jiangnan. Xidajie features a cluster of Ming, Qing, and Republic of China era buildings, with bluestone streets and creative shops. One hour drive from Beijing city center, perfect for a relaxed city stroll. Itinerary Morning at Zhili Governor’s Office (35 yuan ticket, half price for students) → walk to the ancient Lotus Pond → lunch at an old brand restaurant on Xidajie → afternoon stroll through the retro district on Xidajie → evening lanterns light up, creating an unbeatable night atmosphere. One day is enough, with a relaxed pace. Food recommendations Donkey meat sandwich (Yan family donkey meat old shop, 8 yuan each), beef stuffed pancake (order “er zhao er”), Bai Yunzhang steamed buns, candied hawthorn Travel tips The two attractions are very close, no need for a taxi. Lotus Pond is shady and cool in summer. Xidajie has concentrated food options for lunch and dinner. Wear comfortable shoes, expect to walk 20,000 steps a day. Miyun · Suburban sea view 🌊 Trip highlights Gubei Water Town, a northern water town at the foot of the Great Wall, with Ming, Qing, and Republic of China style mountain courtyards. Simatai Great Wall preserves the original Ming Great Wall appearance. Yexian Tower offers a mountain coaster ride down, with a 2-km S-shaped track that’s super thrilling. The Miyun Reservoir lakeside road is free, with stunning lake and mountain views perfect for photos. Sunlight Valley’s 180-degree viewing platform offers panoramic reservoir views. Itinerary Day 1: Drive from Beijing (1.5 hours via Jingcheng Expressway) → Yexian Tower (cable car up + coaster down) → lunch at Xiwengzhuang Fishing Street stove fish → afternoon visit Zhangyu Aifeibao Winery / Sunlight Valley → stay in the water town or guesthouse Day 2: Explore Gubei Water Town old street, dye house, and winery → hike Simatai Great Wall → return in the evening Food recommendations Stove fish (over 30 restaurants on Xiwengzhuang Fishing Street), Simatai hot pot, Gubei Water Town bridgehead cake, shredded radish pancake Travel tips Wear comfortable shoes, expect to walk 20,000 steps in Gubei Water Town. Be cautious when playing in water during summer. The lakeside road is most beautiful early morning and late evening.