Huairou

Huairou is a hidden gem in Beijing’s suburbs where mountains, waterscapes, and historic architecture come together, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway. Here is a detailed Huairou travel guide, covering attractions, food, and itinerary planning.

Must-Visit Attractions

• ​​Mutianyu Great Wall​​: Compared with Badaling, it has fewer crowds and more beautiful scenery, with high vegetation coverage. It is recommended to take the cable car up and the toboggan down; the highlight section is between Watchtowers No. 14 and No. 20.

• ​​Hongluo Temple​​: Known for the saying “Putuo in the south, Hongluo in the north,” it is a famous prayer destination in Beijing’s suburbs. It is especially popular for praying for love and peace, and the scenic area also features the Imperial Bamboo Grove and thousand-year-old ginkgo trees.

• ​​Yanqi Lake​​: The venue of the APEC meetings, with soothing lake and mountain scenery. The free West Mountain Trail is recommended; from the top, you can overlook the full panorama of Yanqi Lake, making it a great photo spot.

• ​​Shentangyu​​: A free waterfront greenway with natural caves and streams. The boardwalk is gentle and suitable for light hiking with seniors and children, and it is an excellent summer retreat.

• ​​Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall​​: Parts of the Great Wall are submerged in the water, creating the spectacular sight of the “Great Wall playing in the water.” It is ideal for combining a boat ride with hiking.

Specialty Food Guide

When visiting Huairou, rainbow trout and farmhouse dishes are must-tries. Here are several well-reviewed hidden-gem eateries:

Classic Itinerary

Here is a relaxing two-day, one-night weekend route:

• ​​Day 1​​: Head to Mutianyu Great Wall in the morning; arrive before 8:00 a.m. to avoid crowds, and experience the cable car and toboggan. At noon, enjoy farmhouse dishes nearby. In the afternoon, visit Hongluo Temple for prayers and a stroll. In the evening, stay at a guesthouse near Hongluo Temple or Yanqi Lake and enjoy the mountain night views.
• ​​Day 2​​: Sleep in naturally, then go for a light hike along the Shentangyu waterfront greenway in the morning and enjoy the coolness of nature. At noon, have a specialty rainbow trout meal near Shentangyu. In the afternoon, explore an art village or buy Huairou local specialties before returning at a relaxed pace.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• ​​Where to Stay​​: If you like artsy photo spots, choose Brickyard Retreat or a boutique guesthouse in Beigou Village; if you prefer comfort and convenience, stay at a hotel around Yanqi Lake.

• ​​Transportation​​: Driving is the most convenient option. It takes about 1.5 hours from the city center via the Jingcheng Expressway. If taking public transport, take Express Bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou’s urban area, then transfer to a local bus or take a taxi.

Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• ​​Mutianyu Great Wall​​: Cable car lines can be long in peak season, so be sure to set off early. Supplies on the mountain are expensive, so bring your own water and snacks.
• ​​Hongluo Temple​​: Incense prices inside the scenic area are transparent; there is no need to buy overpriced incense at the foot of the mountain.
• ​​Yanqi Lake​​: It can be quite windy on the dam, so bring a windproof jacket. The West Mountain Trail is free and offers better views, so there is no need to insist on buying a scenic-area ticket.