Pinggu

Pinggu is a “natural oxygen bar” in Beijing’s suburbs, rich in mountain and water scenery. It is ideal for escaping the summer heat and for fruit picking in autumn. Based on the latest travel information, here is a 2-day Pinggu itinerary for you; it is best experienced by self-driving.

Day 1: Lake and Mountain Scenery with Underground Wonders

• Morning: Jinhai Lake

Known as “Little Switzerland in Beijing’s suburbs,” it features clear blue lake water and wide open lawns. It is recommended to take photos in front of the dam with the colorful murals, cycle along the lake, or try sailing. If you want a free hiking route, navigate to Juchi Cliff. You can choose either the short or long loop; it is pet-friendly, and after reaching the summit you can overlook the clear lake scenery.

• Lunch: Farmhouse restaurants around Jinhai Lake

Must-orders include sticky rolls, wild mountain vegetables, and rustic stewed fish. For around 50 yuan per person, you can enjoy authentic farmhouse flavors.

• Afternoon: Jingdong Grand Karst Cave

This “No. 1 Ancient Cave Under Heaven” dates back about 1.5 billion years. The temperature inside stays at 15–18°C year-round, making it excellent for escaping the summer heat. Take a boat to explore the underground river; paired with colorful lighting, it feels very much like an underground palace.

• Evening: Stay at a guesthouse around Jinhai Lake

A lake-view guesthouse is recommended. In the evening, enjoy the lake breeze on the terrace and watch the stars for a truly immersive experience.

Day 2: Blessing Hike or Canyon Oxygen Retreat

• Morning: Yaji Mountain or Tianyun Mountain
  • Yaji Mountain: A blessed place in eastern Beijing. Climb 365 steps to pray for good fortune; the ancient temples on the mountaintop paired with cliff scenery make it especially photogenic.

• Tianyun Mountain: Known as “Little Zhangjiajie of the North,” it is best known for its high-altitude glass bridge and cliffside plank walkway. The cable car goes directly to the summit, making it easy even for beginners, seniors, and children.

• Lunch: Food in Pinggu’s urban area

It is recommended to visit the downtown pedestrian street to try garlic grilled fish at around 45 yuan per person, or find an old-established eatery for Pinggu sesame flatbread paired with hot cold noodles.

• Afternoon: Shilinxia or Hudongshui
  • Shilinxia: See the colorful pools and the UFO glass viewing platform. Taking the cable car up and down saves energy and makes for great photos.

• Hudongshui: A deep, secluded canyon with clear streams, suitable for wading and cooling off in summer. The whole route consists of stone paths and wooden walkways, making it relaxed and not too tiring on the legs.

Must-Try Pinggu Specialties

Pinggu cuisine is full of hearty mountain character and lively local flavor. The following specialties are worth trying:

Practical Travel Tips

• Transportation advice: Pinggu’s attractions are relatively spread out, so self-driving is strongly recommended, making it convenient to stop for photos at any time and move between sights.
• What to wear: The temperature difference in the mountains is 3–5°C greater than in the city. The “three-layer dressing method” is recommended, along with comfortable non-slip athletic shoes.
• Travel timing: It gets dark earlier in the mountains, so it is recommended to finish outdoor activities before 5 p.m. Some scenic areas see heavy weekend crowds, so consider traveling off-peak or setting out early.
• Picking season: If you visit in autumn, around September, be sure to experience Pinggu peach picking. The fruit is plump and extremely sweet.