Yanqi Lake: The Mountain and Water Reception Hall in APEC Blue

— Written for those who want to have a dialogue with nature at the international summit landmark

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1: 🚴【Lake Loop Route】
Sunrise Oriental Hotel → APEC Theme Park → Yanqi Tower → West Mountain Trail → Kayak Dock

1. 6:00 Wait for the sunrise at the lake island (morning mist at the China International Conference Center floats like a shell)
2. 9:30 Cycle on the wooden boardwalk (11 km lake loop connecting gardens with elements from 12 countries)
3. 14:00 Take a boat to visit Yanqi Tower (climb the tower to see the Great Wall winding through the peaks)
4. 17:00 Overlook from West Mountain Viewing Platform (the sunset dyes the 21 APEC venues in gold foil)

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2: ✨ Three Highlight Moments

1. Light Show Symphony: Every Friday night, 2,000 landscape lights dance to the melody of "Jasmine Flower," with water screen projections recreating the APEC fireworks.
2. Grand Return of the Wild Geese: During spring and autumn migration seasons, thousands of gray geese line up on the lake surface; bird protectors will teach you how to communicate with them using whistles.
3. International Garden Secret: Under the red banana leaves in the Thailand Garden, you can find a bronze replica of the 2014 APEC leaders’ group photo.

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3: 🍃 Fresh Lake Flavors
✔️ Must-Try State Banquet Style

· "Rainbow Trout Sashimi": Chilled and arranged in the shape of the APEC logo
· Braised Pork with Chestnuts: Huairou oil chestnuts and black pork slow-cooked over low heat

✔️ Hidden Menu

· Tea Room "Yanqi Cloud and Mist": Wild tea from the lake island served with honey
· Hotel "21 Countries Cookies": Butter cookies shaped like different national flags

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4: ⚠️ Summit-Level Tips

1. Reserve the West Mountain Trail (daily limit of 2,000 visitors to ensure viewing experience)
2. Bring a telephoto lens (200mm or longer needed to shoot Yanqi Tower across the lake)
3. Best visiting period: September to October (China International Conference Center open for interior tours)
4. Pitfall Guide: Do not rent tandem bikes (the lake loop has many slopes and is very strenuous)

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5: 🎒 Memories to Take Away

1. Collect APEC member country stamps (visitor center has scenic stamps from 21 countries)
2. Record the trio: geese calls / yacht waves / international garden wind chimes

Before leaving the lake, remember to look at the dome of the Kempinski Hotel — under the moonlight, it reflects APEC blue. This mountain and water scene that has witnessed great power diplomacy is teaching us with its vastness: the most beautiful scenery always opens its arms to the world.

Post by NCRon 26 | Oct 21, 2025

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