A Complete Guide to Yanqi Lake, the "Little Switzerland" Near Beijing

Getting There 🚗 By car: Navigate to Parking Lot P5. To get to the Xishan Trail, you can enter from Entrance 2 nearby. If you are only cycling or visiting the scenic area, you can also navigate to Parking Lot P7, which is closer to the car rental point and the scenic area gate. 🚍 By public transportation: Take the suburban railway from Beijing North Station/Qinghe Station, get off at Yanqi Lake Station, and walk about 20 minutes to Entrance 1/2. Things to Do Xishan Trail: Enter from Entrance 2 and return from Entrance 3. The whole journey is 3 km, taking 1–1.5 hours with stops along the way. Pass through viewing platforms such as Golden Breeze, Emerald Greenery, and Listening to the Returning Geese. "Listening to the Returning Geese" at Entrance 3 is the best photo spot. Cycling Around the Lake: It is recommended to start from Parking Lot P7, pass through the dam and Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing to Yanqi Peninsula. You can rent a car along the way, return the car at Yanqi Peninsula, and take a shuttle bus back to Parking Lot P7. Scenic Area Boat Trip: You need to buy a ticket or a combo ticket. The combo ticket includes boating and other water activities, which is a better experience in summer. Recommended Restaurants Rongde Stove Fish (Huairou Main Store): The sturgeon is fresh and tender with soft spines all over its body, making it suitable for babies. The side dishes are rich and stewed very tasty. People's Commune Yanqi Lake Store: The environment is good, and the grilled rainbow trout, Qingjiang fish stew in an iron pot, and other dishes are delicious and affordable. The pancakes are very fragrant. Nearby Accommodations Yanqi Lake International Convention Center Hotel: Provides luxury accommodations, suitable for business and leisure travelers. Yanqi Lake Resort: The environment is fresh and the resort facilities are complete, suitable for families and group travelers.