Miyun Reservoir, the largest artificial lake in Asia, covers a total area of 188 square kilometers, with a water surface area of approximately 910,000 square meters. It is a major source of water for both residential and industrial use in Beijing, and is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Yanshan Mountains.” Located amidst the peaks of the Yanshan range, the reservoir spans the Chao and Bai Rivers and is divided into three areas: Bai River, Chao River, and Inner Lake. The expansive water surface, excellent water quality, and lush surrounding forests create picturesque scenery.
The Miyun Reservoir area features two scenic rings centered around the reservoir. The Eastern Ring stretches from the Great Wall Island to Gubeikou, with over 60 kilometers of road flanked by vibrant, colorful foliage. The Western Ring extends from Shangmi Creek Road in Miyun District to Heilongtan, where five consecutively standing forest parks (Wuzuolou Forest Park) provide a melodious backdrop of bird songs.
Travel Information about Miyun Reservoir
Tickets and Opening Hours
- Tickets: Yunfo Mountain Ski Resort costs ¥220 for a full day on weekdays, ¥340 for a full day on weekends, and ¥190 for half a day; Wuzhou Forest Park costs ¥16; Heilongtan Scenic Area costs ¥60; Bailongtan Scenic Area costs ¥30; Yulong Oriental Red Wine Estate starts at ¥200.
- Opening Hours: The scenic areas are generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
- The best times to visit are during the summer and autumn. During these seasons, the reservoir has ample water, a diverse range of fish, lush trees, and overall beautiful scenery. There are also nearby orchards where you can pick fresh fruit.
Getting to the Scenic Area
- Location: About 13 kilometers north of Miyun City.
- Public Transport: Take the 980 Express bus from Dongzhimen to Miyun Drum Tower Station, then transfer to the Miyun 8 bus and get off at Miyun Reservoir.
- Driving: From the Third Ring Road or Fourth Ring Road, take the Jingcheng Expressway to Miyun City. Follow the road signs to Miyun Reservoir.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural: ★★
- Unique: ★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Beautiful: ★★★★★
- Romantic: ★★★
- Exciting: ★★★
Useful Information
- The water in Miyun Reservoir is quite deep, so bird activity is less common in deeper areas. However, shallow zones with aquatic vegetation are frequented by birds that come here to forage, breed, and play. Visitors can enjoy watching these birds in these areas.
- During sunrise and sunset, flocks of birds flying against the backdrop of the sun make excellent photography subjects, creating images with a poetic ambiance.
- The reservoir area and dam are not open to tourists. Only some surrounding attractions are accessible to the public.
- The viewing platform at Miyun Reservoir offers the best panoramic view of the water. Located in the central area of the reservoir, it stands above the water surface, providing an unobstructed 360-degree view.
Highlights of Miyun Reservoir and Its Surrounding Area
Yunfo Mountain Ski Resort
Yunfo Mountain Ski Resort is located on the southern bank of Miyun Reservoir, surrounded by mountains on three sides, offering a beautiful environment. The resort features: One advanced slope with an international standard length of 1,000 meters, three intermediate slopes ranging from 300 to 700 meters, four beginner slopes ranging from 100 to 300 meters, one snowmobile track that is 600 meters long, and one 1.5-kilometer cross-country fitness skiing trail, developed in collaboration with international partners.
Related Details:
- In addition to skiing, the resort offers a variety of entertainment options, including snowmobiles, ice carts, snow tubing, and snow sculptures.
- The resort features a restaurant that serves a range of cuisines, including Sichuan, Shandong, Cantonese, and Huaiyang dishes, as well as local specialties from Miyun, such as braised fish heads, stewed fish, fish head pancake, and marinated tofu.
- The resort provides accommodation with 388 rooms, including standard rooms, deluxe suites, villas, and presidential suites. All buildings are elegantly designed in a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, with two- and three-story structures.
Wuzuolou Forest Park
Wuzuolou Forest Park (Five Towers Forest Park) is located at the eastern end of the Yunmeng Mountain Range, connecting to Miyun Reservoir to the east and Heilongtan to the north. It is the first stop on the western lake tour route around Miyun Reservoir. The park covers an area of about 14 square kilometers and is renowned for its towering mountains, deep canyons, dense forests, flowing streams, and diverse plant species. The scenery changes with the seasons: verdant in spring, lush in summer, colorful in autumn, and white in winter. From the heights, visitors can overlook the Miyun Reservoir, gaze at the Yunmeng Peaks, and enjoy expansive views of the Great Wall’s watchtowers, with the Five Towers standing majestically, creating a spectacular sight.
Related Details:
- Wuzuolou stands at an elevation of over 900 meters, with five beacon towers built on the mountain, offering a grand and imposing view. From the summit, you can take in the entire panorama of the reservoir.
- The park offers a variety of activities, including forest bathing, mountain exploration, waterfall listening and pond viewing, sea watching and sunrise viewing, wild fruit picking, bonfire camping, water entertainment, and autumn leaf viewing. It is an excellent destination for escaping the summer heat and enjoying adventurous experiences.
Heilongtan (Black Dragon Pool)
Heilongtan is located in a 4-kilometer-long canyon in Shicheng Township, Miyun District, with a vertical drop of 220 meters. The canyon meanders with steep and dramatic walls, featuring a landscape of rugged peaks and cliffs. The area is renowned for its three waterfalls and eighteen pools, each with unique and captivating features.
The Tongtian Waterfall is particularly striking, with its vertical drop of over 50 meters creating a sheer cliff face that seems to cascade from the sky. The mist from the waterfall envelops the valley, adding a cool, refreshing touch to the atmosphere. The Luoyan Pool, formed by the impact of the Tongtian Waterfall, is broad and deep, covering over 100 square meters, with depths ranging from three to four meters. In early spring or late autumn, migratory geese visit the pool to drink and forage, giving the pool its name, “Luoyan Pool” (Falling Geese Pool).
The best time to visit Heilongtan is from April to October each year. During this period, you can enjoy a refreshing escape from the heat. To the north, you can explore the renowned Kyoto No.1 Waterfall. To the west, visit the Wohu Waterfall. To the south, venture into Yunmeng Gorge, and to the east, catch the sunrise over Miyun Reservoir.
Bailongtan (White Dragon Pool)
Bailongtan is located in Longtan Mountain, 30 kilometers northeast of Miyun District. The area is known for its picturesque scenery, featuring mystical peaks, bizarre rock formations, and cascading pools. The slopes are covered with pine and cypress trees. From the Bai Long Pagoda within the scenic area, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast Miyun Reservoir, where the sky meets the water. The majestic sights include the famous Simatai Great Wall and the highest peak of the Yanshan Mountains, Wuling, all visible from this vantage point.
Yulong Oriental Red Wine Manor
Located about 9 kilometers east of Miyun, Yulong Oriental Red Wine Manor features two typical European-style buildings and several mountain villas. One of these buildings, known as the “Governor’s Mansion,” is a 1:1 replica of the Governor’s Mansion in Tasmania, Australia, while the other is called “Windsor Palace.”
Descending from the red wine manor resort, visitors are greeted by the splendid Qing and Ming Dynasty-style royal garden, known as the Kangxi-Qianlong Palace. This grand palace is guarded by Qing soldiers, adding to its majestic aura. Hidden amidst the picturesque landscape is Yingyue Lake Park, renowned for its clear waters and abundant fish. The shimmering lake, surrounded by a thousand-meter-long painted corridor, is occasionally visited by playful mandarin ducks, creating a scene of natural harmony.
The resort offers various recreational activities including rock climbing, tightrope walking, broken bridges, survival walls, isolated island survival games, golf, and real-life CS combat. Outdoor activities like barbecuing, bonfires, and fishing are also available, making it a versatile destination for leisure and adventure.
Visitor Guide for Miyun Reservoir
Cuisine
Miyun Reservoir, renowned for its fishing, is a must-visit for fresh and delicious fish dishes. Be sure to try the signature stewed fish, which is prepared with fresh fish from the reservoir. Another local specialty is the full fish banquet, where the fresh fish from the reservoir is expertly cooked to enhance its natural flavors.
Additionally, you can enjoy local delights such as pancakes and other farmhouse dishes like braised pork with gourd strips, tofu and vermicelli stew with dried cabbage, and stir-fried marinated tofu. Dining in the fruit orchards around the lake offers a pleasant experience, where you can savor your meal while enjoying the beautiful lakeside scenery.
Accommodation
Around Miyun Reservoir, you can find various lodging options including Xiwengzhuang Qiaomaiyu Village, Xiwengzhuang Shima Village, Baicao Wa Village, and Jianyan Village, which all offer accommodation. There are numerous small hotels closer to the reservoir, primarily located along the ring road around the lake. These hotels generally provide better facilities compared to the folk villages and are a bit more expensive. Staying in these smaller hotels offers a tranquil environment with scenic views of the reservoir visible directly from the rooms.
Recommended Itineraries
West Line Itinerary: Yunfo Mountain Resort – Taoyuan Fairy Valley – Qingliang Valley – Heilongtan (Black Dragon Pool) – Jingdong No.1 Waterfall – Yitianmen Mountain – Baiyun Waterfall – Ruihaim Resort
East Line Itinerary: Aolei International Outdoor Sports Club – Yulong Oriental Red Wine Estate -Wuling Mountain Forest Park – Wuling Mountain Village – Simatai Great Wall
Useful Tips
- The reservoir is managed as a restricted area with fencing around it. Visitors should not enter the area close to the water source without authorization.
- To protect the water quality, refrain from fishing, swimming, or engaging in other activities in the water.
- For the best experience, visit the lake on a clear day. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset view on the eastern shore in the evening.
- South of the reservoir, many sunflowers are planted. From late June to August, they are in full bloom, making it a perfect time for photography enthusiasts to visit.
- When photographing birds, try not to approach them closely or disturb them intentionally. Avoid disrupting their natural behavior and habitat.