Charming Fangzhuolai, the Best Suburban Beijing Vacation Spot

When it comes to traveling in Beijing, it can be divided into the city and the suburbs. Compared to tourists from other places, locals and residents of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region have long shifted their interests to the suburbs. Today’s self-driving light vacation route from Fangshan to Zhuozhou to Laishui can help you enjoy a joyful weekend getaway around Beijing!

▪️ Laishui Yesanpo:
A classic vacation destination that couldn’t be more established! It’s remembered as one of the most popular spring outing spots in childhood. Now, the Bailixia Scenic Area in Yesanpo offers rare tranquility in the city, fresh air, cool and comfortable temperatures, clear streams, and the natural wonder “One Line Sky.” When sunlight pours into the valley, it truly looks like the fairy tale Land of Oz!

▪️ Zhuozhou:
Known as the “Number One Prefecture Under Heaven,” Zhuozhou actually has a lot to offer 👇
✔️ Tonghui Lantern Market: A northern folk festival with a thousand-year history, a splendid lantern event held at Yongji Park in Zhuozhou from October 1, 2025, to March 8, 2026. Not to be missed.
✔️ Liao Dynasty Twin Pagodas: Built during the Liao Dynasty, these are two of the only three octagonal imitation-wood Liao Dynasty brick pagodas remaining in China. The twin pagodas complement each other and look especially beautiful on sunny days.
✔️ Zhuozhou Museum: Systematically introduces Zhuozhou’s long history and culture. The museum’s treasures include the Eastern Han painted pottery divine lamp and painted pottery mirror stand, both national first-class cultural relics.
✔️ Sanyi Palace: A cultural site commemorating the oath of brotherhood among Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei in the Peach Garden, a must-visit for Three Kingdoms enthusiasts!
✔️ Stone Appreciation Art Museum: The entire exhibition hall features beautiful red brick 🧱 architecture and houses many uniquely shaped and colored stones, definitely worth a visit.
✔️ Film Museum: Located next to the Stone Appreciation Art Museum, here you can see ancient film projection technology, which is very interesting.

▪️ Fangshan Shidu Juma Amusement Park:
The top choice for suburban Beijing vacations and a great place for water activities! The earliest bungee jumping in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area was at Shidu. Now there are many mountain activities, including cable cars that take you directly to the mountaintop. You can also ride cable cars similar to those on the Chongqing Yangtze River Ropeway to shuttle between mountains, enjoying beautiful views from the top. The glass viewing platform is a reward for the brave, offering amazing vistas!

🔁 Recommended Route:
Day 1: Drive to Laishui Bailixia Scenic Area for a half-day visit – after lunch, head to Zhuozhou – Sanyi Palace – Zhuozhou Museum – Liao Dynasty Twin Pagodas – Tonghui Lantern Market – stay overnight in Zhuozhou
Day 2: Zhuozhou Stone Appreciation Art Museum – Film Museum – head to Fangshan Shidu – after lunch, visit Juma Amusement Park – return trip