Escape the Heat! 1.5-Hour Getaways from Beijing: 4 Cool Summer Retreats

Escape Beijing's scorching heat with these four refreshing destinations just 1.5 hours away by high-speed rail:
1. Zhangjiakou (Chongli)
Travel time: ~1 hour (Beijing-Zhangjiakou HSR)
Highlights: Summer temps 18-25°C, Grassland Sky Road, Chongli ski resorts (summer hiking/cycling), excellent air quality, Winter Olympics venue.
Activities: Taicang Town resort stay, Lightning Lake cycling, horse riding in Guyuan Grassland.
2. Chengde
Travel time: ~1 hour (Beijing-Shenyang HSR)
Highlights: Home to Mountain Resort, cool summers (avg 22°C), blend of imperial gardens and natural scenery.
Activities: Mountain Resort tour, Eight Outer Temples visit, hiking in Hammer Peak Forest Park.
3. Qinhuangdao (Beidaihe)
Travel time: ~1.5 hours (Beijing-Harbin HSR)
Highlights: Coastal city with 26°C avg temps, beach breezes, Aranya's artistic vibe.
Activities: Sunrise at Dove Nest, Aranya photo ops, seafood feasts.
4. Datong
Travel time: ~1.5 hours (Beijing-Baotou HSR)
Highlights: Shanxi plateau climate (dry & cool at 24°C), stunning ancient sites like Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple.
Activities: Ancient city wall strolls, Hengshan hiking, must-try liangfen noodles and daoxiao noodles.
Tips:
All travel times are by HSR; book weekend tickets early.
Bring jackets for Chongli/Chengde's temperature swings; sun protection for Beidaihe.
Combine destinations like Datong+Zhangjiakou if time allows.
Beat the heat and enjoy the cool! 🌿