Longmenjian Canyon, about 90 km from downtown Beijing, occupies an area of about 20 km² and is 15 km long. The canyon zigzags among the forested mountains and is known for its grotesque stones and steep cliffs, strangely-formed peaks and caves, lush grass and crystal waters.

In the canyon, the air is fresh and cool, and people visiting will feel much refreshed there. Because the Longmenjian Canyon has steep cliffs and narrow gorges, the relative height difference ranges from 300 to 600 meters from the peaks to the canyon bottom and the steepest section of the canyons across a distance of less than four meters. It is humid all year round and often has a mild amount of precipitation, leading to very lush vegetation. The content of negative oxygen ions is high, about 400-500 times higher than that in urban areas, and it is therefore a natural oxygen bar. Due to its special geographical position, the temperature here is 7-8 degrees Celsius lower than that in urban areas. Even in the baking summer season, it is cool here. The roads stretch up relatively flat shallow inclines and are thereby not overly exhausting to climb.

Longmenjian is a predominantly karst (eroded limestone) landform. The erosion of rocks is slow, the frost wedging in the rock layers is stronger than an erosive effect, and it is therefore called “the cream of the karst in northern China.” Because it is located at the edge of the Yanhecheng great fault zone, after the orogenic movement about 150 million years ago, water flow cut into and eroded the soft rocks. Longmenjian Canyon was gradually took form, with numerous gorges and ravines and more than 170 different waterfalls coming into being. Water in the canyon contains quality minerals, including several trace elements required by the human body. The green mountains, crystal water and canyon together produce a landscape similar to that of southern China in that every bend of the canyon is like a watercolor painting. The canyon is nicknamed “the small Guilin of western Beijing” and “Beijing’s Small Sanxia.”

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The area resembles a series of unique and natural paintings featuring Jianpi Peak, General’s Stone, and The Cave in the air, Narrow Sky Cave, Black Dragon Pool, Sisters’ Peak, Goddess’ Peak and Sky Ladder Waterfall. From Longmenjian Canyon, you can feel the surreal melody of the Three Gorges in Yangtze and the atmospherics of Yangshuo in Guilin. Longmenjian Canyon is referred as the Geological Museum of Northern China by some scholars.

Take Bus No. 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 52, 57, 22, 54, 120, 802, special Bus No.1 to Zhongshan Park stop or Tian An Men stop.

Lipao Red Apple Folk Resort is located at the foot of the Great Wall at Badaling and also the “Advanced Green Ecological Village of Mountainous Area”. In the village, you can pick apples, go fishing, stay at a small primitive farm house, and taste the pure flavor of the grassland barbecue and wild vegetable dishes. Visitors can climb the Great Wall castles which are the Shang Dynasty’s ancient beacon towers with about more than 2,000 years of history in the east and gallop on the Kangxi Grassland in the west.

There are 1,100 Mu of orchard gardens in Lipao village, with 8 Mu per household. Currently 15 folk households have been developed. Each year from May, visitors can experience different projects every month. You can enjoy apple flowers and climb the residual Great Wall in May; you can pick apricots in June and pick greening nine peach and Austria plum in July; in August you can pick the precocious red Fuji Apple; in September you can pick the ripe red Fuji apple, snowflake pear and grapes. Now, Lipao village has become a famous professional production base for the Fuji Apple in the Beijing suburbs. The fruits picked here are pure natural green foods, free from pesticides and pollution.

Take Bus No. 919 Branch from Deshengmen to Waipao Village, and walk to the south for 200 meters.

Liugou was once a battlefield during the Song and Liao Dynasties and remains of walls, gates and ancient temples can be found around the village. It’s said that in the early years of the village, standing on Mount Yanyu, Liugou was the shape of a phoenix stretching its wings – which is why Liugou is also called the “Phoenix Ancient City.”

In this village, there are over 100 households, and it is a large village in the countryside around Beijing. Liugou Village has been developed into a folk culture village offering the well-known “Tofu Feast” or “Bean Curd Banquet” and farmhouse Inn service for urban residents and oversea travelers. Almost all the households in the village specialize in hosting the Tofu Banquet.

Features: The village’s north gate exemplifies the style and features of this ancient village. The gate remains splendid, with well-bedded bricks and a wide opening through which cars can pass. The village also has many ruined temples. It’s said that there were 20 temples in the past, though only the three main halls of Chenghuang Miao (Town God’s Temple) remain. Walking around it, one can catch the fading colors of frescos on the walls. A well in the village also attracts attention. According to a signage plate, the well was built in the early years after liberation by the People’s Liberation Army. The wall inside the well is built from twisted wood, giving it its name: Panmu.

The well water is limpid and sweet, making it perfect for cooking tofu. It’s because of the deliciousness of its “tofu meal” that Liugou has gained its reputation. Hundreds of thousands of visitors go there every year for its tofu. The clay braziers to cook the tofu were originally used for warming one’s hands. Later, villagers came up with the idea of putting a casserole of tofu, noodles, cabbage and pork inside the pan. The tradition almost died out before the Liugou government brought it back for a folk tourism event in 2003. Villagers altered the size of the traditional brazier pot to cook for 10 people at a time. The launching of the “brazier pot, tofu meal” folk festival not only saved a tradition but also injected some much-needed cash flow into villagers’ hands. The village is about 90 kilometers from downtown Beijing and lies in the southeast of Yanqing District with the Great Wall section of Juyong Pass to its south and Badaling to its southwest.

Take Bus No. 919 from Deshengmen to Nanlaiying in Yanqing, and transfer to Bus No. 920 to Liugou. Or take S2 train from Beijing North Railway Station to Yanqing (6 RMB), and then take a taxi to Liugou.

Chadao Ancient City is located in the northwest section of the Badaling Great Wall. In ancient times, it was a thoroughfare which provided access to a different area of the wall.

In the Ming and Qin Dynasties, Chadao City was an important military fortress, with troops garrisoned in various areas. Because of its rich geographical location, there were many areas containing numerous commodities where goods were bought and sold, of which many are still found surrounding the ancient city and to which one may find in the area. Every year, thousands of delivery camels from Zhangjiakou to Beijing pass through the area.

The Ancient City of Chadao was built against a mountainous area. According to several geographers, it is shaped like an irregular boat. The city, in fact, has been restored three times. The first time was during the Han Dynasty. Years later, an additional layer of stone was added to the wall. During its final renovation, which took place during the Ming dynasty, several more bricks were built around the stone wall structure. In 2001, Chadao Ancient City was listed as a national heritage and restoration project of China. After several years of restoration, the Ming City walls, the East and West City gates and city tower were again restored. Other areas nearby the site, including the City God Temple, the Jade Emperor Temple and the Ancient Inn were also renovated. All existing houses in the city were later restored as historical heritage centers with the Ming and Qing styled interior designs.

Longxian Palace is situated in the Longquan Temple Valley, Dongguan Village, Zhangfang Town, Fangshan District, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Beijing proper. It is a magnificent solution cavity and the mouth of the cave is around 500 meters (1,640 feet) above the sea level. The palace has an imposing manner, 170 meters (557 feet) long, 140 meters (459 feet) wide, 150 meters (492 feet) high. With an area of 10,000 square meters (2.5 acres), it is reputed as the 'First Hall in North China'.

The palace was formed seventy million years ago. After a long chemical deposit, all kinds of chemical precipitates takes on a variety of shapes, including stone curtains, stalagmites, flowers, grapes, lotus and edible fungus. In addition, there is a vivid 'Dragon Egg', wonderful waterfalls, golden jellyfishes, clear crystals. The natural 'Dragon Egg' is an olivary crystal, 63 centimeters (2 feet) long, 43 centimeters (1.4 feet) wide, and 33 centimeter (1.1 feet) high. It is very similar to an egg in color and shape. The most stunning are six stalagmites in a palm shape and a fossil in a squirrel shape, which are rarely seen in Northern China.

The scenery around the cave is also beautiful with range upon range of green hills. It changes its coat along with the alternation of four seasons. In spring, the birds sing sweetly and brilliant flowers emit fragrance. In summer, it puts on a green coat. In autumn, it is rich in fruits and the red leaves can be found everywhere in the mountains. In winter, the palace decorated with white snow appears more enchanting.

Located in the southwestern district of Fangshan, the mysterious Xianqi Cave is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from urban Beijing. The cave is a typical karst cave with large areas of karst formations. The karsts have infinite variety and are amazing and vivid. Naturally, the cave is called 'a Fairyland in Beijing'. With a waterway 450 meters (1480 feet) long, the cave is only accessible by boat.

The deep cave has upper, middle and lower floors with numerous crisscrossed underground streams. It is said that the cave took form 1,600 million years ago and the flowers inside have developed for 1 million years. The cave has a total length of more than 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), and 900 meters (2,950 feet) are available for sightseeing. The entrance to the cave makes it distinct from all others. Visitors enter the cave by a waterway located half-way up a hill and leave the cave on foot. The temperature in the cave is comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold.

There are more than ten varieties of karst landscape in the marvelous cave including stalactites, stone pillars, stalagmite, pinnacles, cobbles, stone curtains, cave flowers, and stone drums. The stalactites have unique shapes and exquisite coloring. Some stalagmites stand over 10 meters (33 feet), like grand pillars, while some gather together and look like forests of towers.

The white stalagmites offer thousands of shapes. Some are of massive, while others tower high and straight. Some are especially fascinating because they produce a musical ringing when tapped. The hall, bejeweled with colorful lights, presents a splendid view. Such a rare and magnificent karst cave which is enormous and possesses innumerable wonders combines extraordinary beauty with the strangeness of another world.

The natural scenery outside the cave is enchanting. Near the cave lies a temple with an unusual spring. The spring is rather cold in hot summer, but there is steam rising from the spring in bitter winter. To the east, an artificial lake and a great canyon are adorned with wild flowers in spring and red leaves in autumn. The tamed squirrels in a nearby park are unafraid of visitors and often come very close.

Situated in Shicheng Town, Miyun County, the Qingliang Valley is about 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Beijing. Characterized by dense pools and spectacular waterfalls, this area has rich resource of water. The valley lies to the north of the Yunmengshan Natural Forest Park, and such superb geographical advantage makes it an ideal destination as a summer resort. Baihe River runs across this area throughout the year, adding vigor and vitality to the Qingliang Valley.

Here the green mountains, the clear waters and pools, the luxuriant woods, the countless stunning peaks and stones complement each other perfectly. The mountains are covered by vast stretches of Chinese pines. Set off by blue sky and white clouds, this scenic area is an enchanting painting of nature. In spring, the valley is covered by various flowers in full bloom; the icy water melts and dampens the earth. Relaxing in this area in summer is much enjoyable; in addition, you could take pleasure from picking fruits in autumn and climbing the snow-covered mountain in winter.

The scenic area is characterized by various waterfalls and pools. Whether in rainy days, or during dry seasons, the magnificent waterfalls offer you unusual discoveries. About 5 kilometers from the entrance of the valley lies an imposing Pearl Waterfall. The water rushes down from a high cliff and resembles a charming curtain of pearls. A glimpse into a distinctive cave behind the Pearl Waterfall will impress you deeply.

The mountains command a fine view of the pleasant valley, including a grand canyon with high mountains and steep cliffs on both sides. In the canyon, the peaks tower into the sky, while the gullies are deep and awesome. A viewing platform at an elevation of over 700 meters (2,300 feet) gives you spectacular views of this beautiful land.

This scenic area is unique with colorful aquatic sports. On the clear Qingliang Lake, sporting on bamboo rafts, climbing grids, and playing on swings are all very challenging. If you prefer to amuse yourself on land, horse-riding is for you.

Take bus 987 from Dongzhimen to Heilong Tan, then change to a minibus heading for Cool Valley.

The Xiangshui Lake Scenic Area is located to the west of Mutianyu Great Wall, Dazhenyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District, about 78 kilometers (48.5 miles) from downtown Beijing. It occupies an area of 18 square kilometers (4,448 acres). The scenic area is a splendid natural valley with a section of the Great Wall, an ancient cave, beautiful mountains, clear springs and ponds, and a spectacular waterfall.

In fact, Xiangshui Lake isn't a lake but rather a gash of water from a head of a spring in the valley. It is possible to hear the sound of the running water from afar, so it is named 'Xiangshui Lake'. The spring is the biggest one in Huairou District and the water is sweet, tasty and refreshing.

There are sheer cliffs and steep mountains with diverse rocks and unique peaks at both sides of the valley. The Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) winds up and down the green mountains, looking like a gigantic dragon flying into the sky. The Moshikou Pass was an important pass of the Great Wall and was built in 1404 of the Ming Dynasty. Walking along the Great Wall, visitors see the natural Lianyun Cave and Totem Pavilion halfway up the wall adding mystery to the ancient pass. The Moya Inscription carved in the Ming Dynasty make the pass even more majestic. The most stunning scenery in this scenic area is the grand waterfall. The impetuous springs rush down the mountain and form a compelling waterfall, 24 meters (78.7 feet) wide, 50 meters (164 feet) long. In winter, the waterfall becomes an 'Ice Curtain' hanging over the cave.

The service facilities of the scenic area are excellent. The Xiangshui Villa in a style of ancient architecture stands in full view. The restaurants here mainly offer the countryside food, rainbow trout, and barbecues. During the evening, visitors can make a bonfire, let off fireworks, sing loudly and dance.

Bus no. 916, 936 stop at Mingzhu Guangchang,and then take a small bus to the Xiangshui Lake Scenic Area 

In the north of Mentougou District, lies the Pearl Lake, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Beijing. The long narrow lake is named for the large quantities of oysters in its waters. Sited in the middle section of Guanting Gorge, this typical high-water lake has an elevation of 400 meters (1,312 feet). Covering an area of over 8,500 hectares (21,004 acres), this pleasant area is blessed with beautiful lakes and magnificent mountains. The most famous railway arch bridge in Asia is stretched across the lake, providing an extraordinary sight.

Enclosed by the Taihang Mountains, the scenic area has a temperate climate and picturesque waters. Seen from mid-air, the stunning and sparkling Pearl Lake is like a bright pearl in the lofty mountains. The graceful water is pellucid green, smooth as glass. If a puff of breeze comes, the lake ripples gently with sparkles of light on the surface. On both banks, the innumerable peaks assume various fanciful shapes, giving a splendid view of the canyon.

Along the lake, many wonderful natural scenery spots display the lake and its banks, with numerous islands of remarkable shape. A part of the ancient Great Wall commands a glimpse of the world-famous wonder. Some bridgeheads built by the Japanese during the War of Resistance against Japan still remain. A nearby village with more than 100 almond trees presents enchanting flowers in spring.

The scenic area is delightfully cool in summer. Either rowing or splashing in the water will entrance you in this beautiful scenery. Numerous fish and shrimp in the lake afford a splendid opportunity to fishing lovers to fully display their skills. A good catch cooked on the spot serves you an excellent meal.

Bus no. 929 Zhi (929支) stops at Zhenzhuhu Lukou

Located 85 km away from downtown Beijing, Jingdong Grand Canyon is seen as a pearl inlayed at the junction of Beijing, Tianjin and Tangshan. It covers 6 square km and adjoins several scenic areas such as Pan Mountain, Huangyaguan Great Wall, Dule Temple and Wuling Mountain.

Also called Wulongtan Grand Canyon, Jingdong Grand Canyon is where forest-covered mountains, caves, pools, waterfalls and streams gather. The landscapes are linked by a winding stream falling from the top of the canyon; thatched cottages, tents and hammocks are prepared in the pine forest in the canyon so that tourists can easily find a place to rest.

At present, Jingdong Grand Canyon has opened two ziplinings, one of which is 268 meters long with a speed of 48km/h and the other of which is 1 km long with a speed of 1.25m/s. Moreover, the one connects the top of Jingtai Mountain and Longmen Lake is the longest slide rail in the world, with a length of 4108 meters. On the other hand, exciting activities in the canyon also includes aquatic items such as water scooter or yachting. Besides, picking activities are usually held between July and October when it is harvest time for apricots, apples, pears, etc.

Bus No.918 leaves from Dongzhimen of Beijing at 07:30 daily. Arriving at Pinggu District, transfer to Jingdong Grand Canyon by minibus. The bus drives to Beijing at 15:30.