Holiday Light Hiking: The Yanqi Lake Xishan Trail Hidden in Beijing Suburbs, Few People and Pure Scenery for Ultimate Relaxation

Holiday Light Hiking: The Yanqi Lake Xishan Trail Hidden in Beijing Suburbs, Few People and Pure Scenery for Ultimate Relaxation

Having explored all the parks in downtown Beijing, if there’s a place that can help you let go of all fatigue, the Yanqi Lake Xishan Trail definitely ranks high—it’s my third visit this autumn. Beijing is not just about the Forbidden City and the Great Wall; this mountain forest trail hidden in Huairou always heals the soul with its expansive lake views and fresh scent of grass and trees. This time, besides the classic panoramic viewing platform, I discovered several little-known quiet forks. If you want to avoid crowds and immerse yourself in fresh air during the holiday, be sure to save this Yanqi Lake Xishan Trail guide~

🚗 Transportation Guide

- Public Transport: Take Metro Line 15 to Houshayu Station, transfer to Bus H25 to "Yanqi Lake Station," then walk 10 minutes to the trail entrance (near P5 parking lot)
- Self-driving: About 1.5 hours from downtown, navigate to "Yanqi Lake Xishan Trail P5 Parking Lot," with ample free parking spaces

🗺️ 1-2 Day Light Travel Routes for the Holiday

1-Day Leisure Route (suitable for beginners/families):

P5 Parking Lot Entrance → Phoenix Terrace Viewing Platform → Yanqi Lake Dam → Return to Start (about 5 km total, small elevation difference, can be completed in 2.5 hours)

2-Day In-depth Route (suitable for hiking enthusiasts):

Day 1: Depart downtown → P5 Entrance → Hawthorn Forest Fork → Phoenix Terrace → Qihu Theater Viewing Platform → Overnight at a guesthouse near Yanqi Lake
Day 2: Depart guesthouse → P3 Entrance → Black Pine Forest Trail → Dingxiu Meiquan Town → Return (about 12 km total, connecting lake views and forest scenery)

🌟 Must-Visit Trail Spots: Core Viewing and Unique Sections

- 🌊 Phoenix Terrace Viewing Platform: The trail’s “center stage” viewpoint, offering a full view of Yanqi Lake, the APEC Conference Center, and the distant Yanshan Mountains. On sunny days, the lake sparkles with shimmering waves, making every photo “desktop wallpaper” quality.
- 🍂 Hawthorn Forest Fork: An autumn-exclusive surprise! A hidden, less-traveled fork in the middle of the trail, flanked by wild hawthorn trees. In late October, red fruits hang heavily on the branches, perfect for photos and picking (please protect the trees).
- 🛤️ Black Pine Forest Trail: The “natural oxygen bar” on the western section of the trail, with dense black pines shading the sky. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. Walking here, you can hear the pine waves and birdsong, very relaxing.

Other Nearby Attractions Not to Miss

- 🏞️ Yanqi Lake Dam: Accessible at the trail’s end, strolling along the dam lets you get close to the lake water. At dusk, you can watch the sunset fall on the lake surface, creating a full atmosphere.
- 🏡 Dingxiu Meiquan Town: A European-style town not far from the P3 trail entrance. After hiking, you can come here for a Western meal and enjoy the slow pace of life in the Beijing suburbs.

💡 Holiday Travel Tips

- The trail is free, but wear non-slip sports shoes as some sections have gravel; avoid high heels or canvas shoes.
- It’s recommended to bring a portable water bottle and energy snacks (like nuts or chocolate) since there are no sales points along the trail; prepare supplies in advance.
- Autumn in the Beijing suburbs has a big temperature difference between day and night. Even if it’s warm during the day, bring a light jacket to avoid catching cold when descending in the evening.

This trail hidden in the Beijing suburbs is free from the crowds of popular scenic spots but offers the purest nature and scenery. If you don’t want to rush through crowds during the holiday, come to the Yanqi Lake Xishan Trail and embrace relaxation and freedom with a light hike~