The ultimate weekend chill spot in Beijing's suburbs! All the fun at Yanqi Lake—boating, biking, and eating barbecue all included

I used to think Yanqi Lake was just a place for hosting summits, but after visiting, I realized it’s actually a “stress relief treasure” hidden in the outskirts of Beijing—surrounded by mountains on three sides and embracing a clear lake. You can enjoy international-style architecture and have a blast playing around. Spending a whole day here on the weekend is ten times more comfortable than staying at home.

A must-try experience is the boat ride. Although the 45 yuan entrance ticket doesn’t include the boat fare, spending a few dozen yuan to get on the boat is totally worth it. As the boat slowly moves, you can see the flying eaves architecture on Yanqi Island up close, and the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel that looks like a “big shell.” The glass walls reflect the shimmering lake water, making every photo a masterpiece. The breeze blowing over the lake carries a fresh scent of aquatic plants, instantly washing away the fatigue from driving.

After getting off the boat, rent a bike and ride along the lake. The 13-kilometer trail is very smooth, so even riding a covered family bike is easy. When passing the dam, be sure to stop and look up at the upturned eaves of Yanqi Tower, then look down to see little fish swimming in the water. Occasionally, you might meet an elderly man walking his dog who points to the distance and says, “That’s where the APEC summit was held back then.” When tired, head to the Tianmu area where skewers sizzle on the grill, paired with the sweet aroma of tea brewing nearby—this is what a weekend should feel like.

Families with kids shouldn’t miss the petting zoo, where children can feed little goats with carrots while parents rest nearby. For those seeking excitement, you can choose from parasailing or white-water rafting, with screams mixing with the wind—a great way to relieve stress. Parking costs 20 yuan for the whole day, making it super convenient for self-driving visitors. You can also take the “Huai Mi” public transport line to get here.

No need to rush or squeeze through crowds. Just enjoy the lake breeze, ride a bike, and eat some barbecue at Yanqi Lake. This kind of slow, easy happiness is the true essence of a weekend trip in Beijing’s suburbs. Yanqi Lake

Post by Rivera Mia/50 | Sep 30, 2025