Yanqi Lake (雁栖湖) is a picturesque water park and resort. The lake features a broad surface with clear waters and is named for the flocks of wild geese that come to rest here during spring and autumn each year. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the lake has pure water, abundant fish, and serves as a habitat for rare birds and migratory species. The lake is a popular destination for sports, fitness, and leisure activities in the Beijing suburbs. The APEC conference in 2014 brought additional attention to this beautiful area.
Mount Jundu to the north rises to 1,200 meters; Mount Hongluo to the west reaches 811 meters; and Mount Jinding to the east stands at 186 meters. The surrounding mountains are covered with a variety of trees, including pine, cypress, and torch trees, extending over 1.5 square kilometers. The lake supports a diverse range of aquatic life, including fish, shrimp, and turtles, and has been home to rare species such as the golden-threaded turtle and the giant salamander. The lake’s pristine environment attracts many rare birds, such as wild geese, cranes, and swans, which often nest along its shores.
The Yanqi Lake Scenic Area offers a comprehensive range of entertainment facilities, with over 40 water and land-based activities available for visitors of all ages. Popular attractions include:
- Water Sports: Flyboarding, jet skiing, water scooters, and water parachuting.
- Adventure Rides: Rocket bungee jumping, skydiving, and white-water rafting.
- Fitness and Leisure: Rock climbing, archery, and splash pools.
- Entertainment: Water screen movies and various other amusements.
Visitors can also enjoy boat rides on the lake, navigating its vast expanse and experiencing the thrill of gliding through the waves. The lakeside viewing pavilion provides a serene spot to take in the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains, offering a perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature. In the evenings, guests can explore local markets or enjoy additional activities.
Travel Information about Yanqi Lake
Tickets and Opening Hours
- Admission: ¥45; additional fees apply for other amusement activities.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
- Location: No. 3, Yanshui Road, Huabei Town, Huairou District.
- Tourist Bus: A special tourist bus service to Yanqi Lake is available from the Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, departing at 8:15 AM. The one-way ticket is ¥30 per person. Another tourist bus service departs from the east side of Poly Plaza in Beijing at 8:00 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Scenic Area Rating
- Cultural Value: ★★
- Special Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of Yanqi Lake
Core Island
As the APEC conference area, Yanqi Lake’s Core Island is the primary destination for visitors. Core Island, also known as the Yanqi Lake International Convention Center, includes the International Conference Center, themed gardens, Yanqi Hotel, 12 boutique villas, and the Yanqi Tower. Each building and landscape on Core Island has been meticulously designed, creating a picturesque scene that embodies the tranquility of “the lake reflecting the autumn moon, with the calm water like an untouched mirror.”
Yanqi Lake Lake Area
The lake area features attractions such as the Wanghai Pavilion, ginkgo forests, and a variety of water and land recreational activities. Guests can enjoy traditional farmhouse meals and stay in charming rural guesthouses. Yanqi Lake’s broad, clear waters are a haven for large flocks of wild geese during the spring and autumn, making these seasons ideal for visiting. Additionally, rare bird species like cranes, swans, and freshwater gulls often inhabit and breed along the lake’s shores.
Related Details:
- Yanqi Lake offers a variety of seasonal activities throughout the year, including the “Yanqi Spring” garden party and the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day garden events. These garden parties feature various folk flower displays and lion dance performances. Additionally, during July and August, the lake hosts a two-month evening summer cultural plaza series, which includes screenings of water curtain films.
- Water parasailing is an adventurous water sport. The parasailing platform is set up on the lake, where participants stand on the platform, don their life jackets and parachutes. The parachute is connected to a speedboat, and as the boat speeds up, the parachute opens and lifts the person into the air, reaching heights of up to 50 meters. As the speedboat changes direction and speed, the parachute sways and glides, offering breathtaking aerial views of the lake area.
Dingxiu Meiquan Town
Dingxiu Meiquan Town, located adjacent to the APEC conference site, is a theme town with authentic European charm. The town features a European-style commercial street, a “12 Nations Theme Bar Street,” specialty stores for imported goods, and the Sisi Princess-themed hotel. The highlight is the “12 Nations Theme Bar Street,” which hosts a diverse array of dining options, including Italian restaurants, English tea rooms, German beer houses, American fast food, Spanish restaurants, Southeast Asian eateries, drama bars, and book bars, each with its own unique and captivating décor. The Sisi Princess-themed hotel, also known as Dingxiu Meiquan Holiday Hotel, is inspired by the legendary story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria from the 19th century. It features “Peter Mayer” interior design, recreating the classical, elegant, and romantic atmosphere of medieval Europe.
Visitor Guide for Yanqi Lake
Recommended Routes
South Gate Route: From the South Gate, head right along Yanqi Lake Road to reach the Yanqi Lake Dam. This area offers a different scenic experience compared to the rest of the park. There is a bicycle rental station at the South Gate where you can rent a three-person pedal bike with your family. There are five rental stations along the route, allowing for convenient pick-up and drop-off.
West Gate Route: After exploring the park, enter the North Mountain Plank Road from the West Gate by registering your fingerprint. You will pass the P8 parking lot and the Yanqi Lake North Pier. Continue along the North Pier, then proceed through Yanqi Lake North Road, Yanqi Lake West Road, and Yanqi Lake Road to return to the park. The loop is 13.9 kilometers long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Transportation in the Scenic Area
- Electric Car: 10 RMB per person per ride.
- Bicycle Rental: 20 RMB per hour, 30 RMB for 2 hours, or 50 RMB for 4 hours. A deposit of 500 RMB is required.
- Ferry Boat: Full route ticket is 80 RMB per person; half-route ticket is 50 RMB per person.
Accommodation
The scenic area offers a range of high-end hotels with higher prices. Staying at these hotels allows you to enjoy the night-time lights and beautiful views of Yanqi Lake, providing a great experience. For a more cost-effective option, consider staying in nearby areas or within Huairou District. There are numerous accommodation options available at lower prices.
Food
Around Yanqi Lake, there are various dining options ranging from high-end to budget-friendly hotels and restaurants. The lake area features several rainbow trout fishing and grilling spots. You can enjoy rainbow trout prepared in many ways, including braised, stewed, steamed, or grilled, with grilling and sashimi being particularly popular. Fish bones are often used to make a flavorful soup.
Additionally, the scenic area hosts several delicious restaurants, such as Yanqi Lake Coffee (located within the Yanqi Lake Scenic Area Amusement Park) and Bagona Brazilian BBQ (No. 368, Huabei Industrial Area, Yanqi Lake). Visitors can choose based on their taste preferences.