Huairou, a tranquil district just north of Beijing, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and local culture, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Just an hour away from the city, Huairou provides a refreshing escape with attractions like the stunning Yanqi Lake, the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall, and charming local markets. This 2-day itinerary is designed for those looking to explore the best of Huairou while enjoying its serene landscapes and delicious cuisine.
Day 1: Hongluo Temple & Yanqi Lake
First Stop: Hongluo Temple (红螺寺)
- Getting There: From Yanqi Lake Station (雁栖湖火车站), take a taxi to Hongluo Temple (15 RMB for two people). The entrance fee is 54 RMB per person, with discounts for children and seniors.
- What to Do: Start your visit by exploring the lower areas of the temple, where you’ll find the famous Ginkgo Tree photo spot near the Great Buddha Hall. Then, hike up the steps to the main temple area. For those seeking some adventure, you can take the Guanyin Temple slideway (80 RMB one-way or 100 RMB round-trip). We opted to hike up and took the slideway down for a fun experience.
- Lunch Recommendation: There are many local restaurants around the temple. We chose one nearby and tried the Rainbow Trout (虹鳟鱼) —a local delicacy said to be raised in mountain spring water. It was delicious and a must-try dish in Huairou!
Second Stop: Yanqi Lake (雁栖湖)
- Bike Rentals: Yanqi Lake is perfect for a leisurely bike ride around the scenic lake. Rent a bike at one of the local rental stations: a single bike costs 30 RMB per hour, a tandem bike is 60 RMB, and a mountain bike is also 60 RMB. For a more relaxed ride, you can rent a two-person bike with a canopy for 70 RMB.
- What to Do: We rented a mountain bike, and the ride was smooth and fast, with the beautiful scenery around the lake making it a very enjoyable experience. After an hour of cycling, we switched to a canopy bike to try something different.
- Evening: After a fun day, we took a taxi to our hotel near Huairou Wanda Youth Hotel. After checking in and resting, we visited Wanda Plaza for some shopping. We bought a couple of outfits and had dinner at a local hot pot restaurant, which was just average. We noticed a Korean restaurant nearby with long queues but didn’t try it due to the wait.
Day 2: Huairou Reservoir, Mutianyu Great Wall & Dashan Cafe
First Stop: Huairou Reservoir (怀柔水库)
- Getting There: After breakfast at the hotel, take a taxi to Huairou Reservoir. We walked about half a circle around the reservoir, enjoying the fresh air and scenic views. Though the road is a bit busy with traffic, it offers a unique perspective of the area.
- Local Market: As we walked further, we reached Qiaozi Village (桥梓村), known for its local market. Here, you can find fresh fish, vegetables, dried fruits, and snacks. We bought some fried peanuts from a local vendor and stopped to chat with some fishermen who were fishing by the river.
Second Stop: Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城)
- Getting There: From Qiaozi Village, we took a taxi to Mutianyu Great Wall. The entrance fee, including round-trip shuttle and cable car, is 200 RMB per person.
- What to Do: We took the cable car up to the Wall and were impressed by the many watchtowers along the way. The hike up was manageable, but for those who prefer less exertion, the cable car is a great option. Despite the cold weather, the Wall was still impressive, and we could imagine how beautiful it must look in the fall when the leaves change colors.
- Lunch Recommendation: After visiting the Great Wall, we went to Socialism Good Big Canteen (社会主义好大食堂) for lunch (located near Mutianyu). We ordered several dishes, including grain-based old-fashioned vegetables, chestnut pork belly, and bean oil scallion pancakes. The portions were large, and we had to take some leftovers with us. The food was hearty and delicious, perfect after a long hike!
Third Stop: Dashan Café (大山咖啡馆)
- What to Do: After lunch, head to Dashan Café, a charming café located on the mountainside. It’s a cozy place where you can enjoy a hot drink, pet some cats, admire the colorful murals, and even join a tea ceremony by the fire. The café has a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.
- What to Order: I had the Apple Cinnamon Coffee (58 RMB), and my companion had a hand-brewed coffee (78 RMB), which was served in a large pot that was enough for two people. We also ordered a sweet dessert for 48 RMB, which was a lovely treat.
Return Trip
- Getting Back: After a relaxing afternoon at the café, we headed back to Huairou North Station and took the train back to Qinghe Station. Although we expected fewer people on a Sunday, the station was quite crowded, and we ended up standing for most of the journey.