Yanqi Lake, located in the northern suburbs of Beijing, offers a perfect blend of cycling and hiking experiences, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With a total route of 12.5 kilometers—8.5 kilometers for cycling and 4 kilometers for hiking—this area provides a scenic and leisurely journey, whether you’re looking to ride around the lake or enjoy a peaceful walk through nature. Whether you’re with family or friends, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.
How to Get There
Parking: Park your car at the P7 parking lot, which is conveniently located near the entrance. From here, walk to the bike rental station at Yanqi Lake Road (located near the South Gate of the amusement park). Remember, it’s best to avoid cutting through the park to save on ticket fees.
Bike Rental Recommendations
For a comfortable and efficient ride, we recommend renting a Giant bike, which is lightweight and easy to handle. For families, you can rent two-person or three-person bikes; however, we suggest avoiding tricycles as they can be quite challenging on uphill sections.
Important: Please note that two-person and three-person bikes are not allowed on the road sections, so be sure to return them before reaching the main roads.
Detailed Yanqi Lake Circuit Tour Route
First Section: Cycling Route
- This recommended cycling route offers mostly downhill stretches, making it a relaxing ride.
- This recommended cycling route offers mostly downhill stretches, making it a relaxing ride. Start at the bike rental station, ride past the Judge’s Academy, stop at the Dam (perfect for photos), pass by the Kempinski Hotel, and turn right at the intersection of Yanqi Lake Road and Yanqi Lake West Road (this is the road section where you will need to return your bike if you’re using a two-person or three-person bike)
- From here, continue riding downhill along Yanqi Lake West Road. You’ll reach Baiquan Zhuang Bridge (柏泉庄大桥), where you can turn right and find a small parking lot by the river. This is an ideal spot for a quick picnic, though note that only light meals are allowed—picnic mats or camping equipment are not permitted.
- Finally, return your bike at P9 parking lot, where you’ll find restroom facilities.
Second Section: Hiking Route
- Start on the path opposite P9 parking lot (Yanqi Lake North Road)
- Walk past the North Pier for the boat tours (if the water levels are high, you can take a boat from here to the park’s North Gate)
- Continue along the wooden boardwalk
- Begin the ascent to the top of the mountain (there are stairways to climb)
- Enter the park through the Northwest Gate (tickets required for entry)
- Enjoy the amusement park area with attractions like the rapids ride and water flying trapeze
- End your journey back at the North Gate (P7 parking lot)
Additional Tips
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, especially for the hiking segment, as there are stairs and uneven terrain along the way.
- Hydration: Carry water to stay hydrated, particularly if you’re doing both cycling and hiking.
- Plan Your Time: If you’re planning to do both activities, the entire route will take around 2.5 to 3 hours, so plan accordingly.