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. 

The Jiudaowan Canyon, the longest canyon in Miyun County, is located to the west of Beishicheng Village, Shicheng Town, about 88 kilometers (55 miles) from Beijing. With an area of 1,800 hectares (4,448 acres), the scenic area offers seventy-eight attractions, including a graceful lake, five grand waterfalls, eighteen deep pools, and an extremely cool cave. The canyon faces the pleasant Yunmengshan National Forest Park in the west, and the Miyun Reservoir in the east.

The picturesque canyon is known as 'the Huangguoshu Waterfall of North China', for it is as beautiful as the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou Province. The canyon is stunning with countless steep peaks and strange rocks, and they entrance visitors with their infinite variety of forms. Some look like sleeping dragons and some resemble intimate couples. A vast stone stands firmly in the water, while two towering peaks are visitors' prompts for happiness.

The fanciful canyon zigzags through the mountains, forming nine gulfs with each gulf offering exotic views. In the third gulf lies a vast stone resembling an energetic frog; seen from another direction, the stone looks like a toddling turtle. How interesting! Near the eighth gulf, a strange footprint of 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) long is clearly engraved in the straight rock wall. Was it made by dripping water or by some ancient people? It remains a strange mystery.

In the ninth gulf, a winding path in the woods leads to the extremely cool cave. This mysterious cave, noted for 'a natural air conditioner', is a great attraction in North China. In midsummer, the intense heat can be unbearable; however, one can feel a chill to the bone inside the cave. How greatly the temperature changes just a few steps away!

Eighteen deep pools are scatter through the magnificent canyon, resembling shining pearls in an enchanting painting. The shining water waves are reflected on vast rock walls by the brilliant sunlight, presenting a dazzling sight. You could have a try to catch some small fish swimming around in the clear water. It is wondrous that underneath a deep pool lie several unfathomable caves!

Most of the area is covered by forests, green mountains, clear waters, blue sky, and the white clouds complement each other. In spring, marvelous flowers and rare plants come into your view in overwhelming succession. In summer, boating, swimming, or fishing in the water, and enjoying the bewitchingly beautiful scene, are really wonderful. If you come here in September and October, you will have the chance to pick many fruits, including Chinese gooseberries, wild grapes, Chinese date, hazel, and walnut.

Bus 980, 970 from Dongzhimenwai to Miyun Bus Station , then transfer to a small bus to the Jiudaowan Canyon 

Situated at the foot of Yunmengshan National Forest Park, the Taoyuan Fairy Valley Scenic Area (Tao Yuan Xian Gu) is located in Shicheng Town, Miyun County, about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Beijing. The scenic area features various landscapes: grand mountains, strange and unique peaks, graceful lake, straight waterfalls, deep pools, and beautiful flowers and lush trees. This area is a haven and a popular holiday retreat for people who are fed up with the bustles of modern metropolis.

The scenic area includes recreation area, a land of peach and blossoms, and scenic spots with viewing areas. Tourists can swim, fish, boat in the graceful Taoyuan Lake and ride a bicycle to enjoy the scenery. Taoyuan Pavilion is an ideal place for a short rest and commands a fine view of the whole scenic area. The land of peach and blossoms is an earthly paradise surrounded by mountains and waters. A section of the Great Wall winds nearby, providing a lovely place for watching the magnificent sunrise. The Taoyuan Fairy Waterfall cascades from a high cliff, forming a large deep pool. Besides, this is a marvelous waterfall, which changes from time to time, prompting one to linger for a long time.

The scenic area has a strong appeal to visitors throughout the year. In spring, the whole area is covered by peach blossoms and many other wild flowers in full bloom, so tourists have a chance to feast their eyes on them. In summer, the refreshing breezes make it a pleasant summer resort. In autumn, it is abundant in many kinds of fruit while in winter it presents a wonderland with grand icy waterfalls and snows, which are peculiar to the scenic area.

Many special activities are available here all the year around. In January and February there are ice-sports programs; From June to October, tourists can pick peaches, grapes, kiwi fruit, and other fruits. While in November and December, the beautiful autumn leaves are much more enjoyable. Well-equipped vacation villages provide good service for both meeting and entertainment, with karaoke free of charge, bonfire party, wonderful fireworks, and roast mutton. People can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature here.

Duijiu Valley, which was formed 130 million years ago, is located in the north of Duijiuyu Village, Changling Town, Changping District. It is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northwest from the well-known Ming Tombs and about 50 kilometers (31.1 miles) to the north of downtown Beijing.

The valley is three kilometers (1.8 miles) long, starting from Duijiuyu Village in the south and ending at Xiafangzi Village in the north. A great number of exotic flowers, rare herbs, and strange stones can be found everywhere in the valley, illustrating the great beauty of nature. Cliffs tower over both sides of the valley, and a stream runs through it, so the place is called 'Little Three Gorges', the most miraculous and spectacular canyon of the Yangtze River.

The scenery in the valley is spectacular. The ripple of the stream is sweet-sounding and ringing; the collision of water and rocks produces a sound like the playing of a violin to welcome tourists. In broad and flat areas, the stream runs slowly, while wildflowers and weeds flap gently in the wind. In narrow and steep areas, the stream runs very quickly. The northern section of the valley is wonderful, deep and serene with thick vegetation. The stream is visible in some places and is hidden by trees and grasses in others; it runs through the valley and plays a game of hide-and-seek with it like a naughty child, forming a picturesque scene. There is a cave with a 30-meter-long waterfall running straight in front of it, full of power and grandeur, so it is named ' water-curtain cave'. Tourists can also see the deep and clear ponds in the valley and the site of the Temple of Dragon King, who rules over aquatic animals in Chinese fairy tales and has the function of rainfall.

Duijiu Valley is one bright pearl in Beijing that offers not only the grandeur of Three Gorges, but also the beauty of Guilin Scenery with Hills and Waters, which is well-known for its mountains, graceful waters, unusual caves and beautiful rocks.

Take bus 925 to Changling, then change Changping bus 55 to the scenic spot.

Yunfeng Mountain Scenic Area is located on the north bank of Miyun Reservoir in Bulaotun Town, Miyun County, outside of Beijing. It is within the embrace of two great landmarks- Simatai Great Wall to the east and Yunmengshan National Forest Park to the west.

Yunfeng Mountain has a pleasant climate all the year around. The average temperature is 7-9 degrees (44-48 F). In summer, the climate is cool and mild, making the mountain a popular vocation spot. The mountain is a unique elevation containing a large variety of oddly-shaped stones. It is covered by lush grass and trees virtually the entire year. The peak is steep and wondrous jutting upright into the sky. At the top of the mountain, you can easily overlook Miyun Reservoir which shines like a bright pearl.

Other compelling sights in the scenic area include the Chaosheng Temple, Maya Stone Inscriptions, and Chaoyang Cave. The ancient temple was built during the Sui Dynasty (581-618) and the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The temple echoes forests and forms a harmonious spot, a rarity in bustling Beijing. Behind the temple lie the oldest and largest Moya Stone Inscriptions in Beijing, which refer to the characters carved on the natural rocks. The imposing twelve groups of inscriptions are well preserved and every character is about one meter (3.3 feet) in size, reflecting the great value of calligraphy art and cultural relic appreciation. Chaoyang Cave is a natural granite cave, twelve meters (39.4 feet) deep, six meters (19.7 feet) wide and seven meters (23 feet) high. The scenic mountain road from Chaosheng Temple to Chaoyang Cave ends with 110 steps leading up the cave. In the middle of the cave sits the Kwan-yin statue, accompanied by two smaller statues of fairies. Kwan-yin is an infinitely merciful Bodhisattva in Chinese culture and helps people escape the sufferings of the world. There is a natural giant dragon formation on the grayish-white walls of the cave.

Enjoying the beautiful scenery at the top of Yunfeng Mountain is a breathtaking experience. The toll of the temple bell in the morning and the drumbeats at dusk only serve to enhance the feeling. If time permits, the nearby Miyun Reservoir is also well worth visiting.

The scenic spot gets its name Laoxiangfeng ('Old Elephant Peak'), for a natural huge peak resembling an elephant that lies in the area. Covering a total area of about 4,800 hectares (11,860 acres), the scenic area is located in Xiaoyuzi Village, Dahuashan Town, Pinggu County, and it is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from downtown Beijing.

Among thick woods, the distinctive Old Elephant Peak rises sheer from a valley, forming a peculiar image of the area. This peak resembles an elephant: it is about 50 meters (164 feet) high and over 80 meters (265 feet) long; the head, the trunk, the legs, the tail, and even the eyes are life-like. The elephant faces west, as if it is bending down for drinking. It is a wonder that, seen from another position, the peak looks like two conjoined elephants. The mother elephant faces west, while the baby elephant faces east; they depend on and accompany each other. It is truly marvelous!

The natural steep and precipitous cliffs in the scenic spot are strange and magnificent. They look like majestic layers of bricks and walls built by mankind. Although these wonderful cliffs are thought to be ancient city walls, no one knows their exact origin. In the east of the scenic area, lies a square and upright peak which takes the shape of an ancient fortress. In the morning or after the rain, the peak is shrouded round by a white haze of mist. Such an imaginary mirage easily gives visitors the illusion of a mysterious fairyland.

The precipitous gorges, the wandering paths, the magnificent mountains, and the extravagant vegetation are of primitive simplicity and free from embellishment. The deep and serene woods have many species of trees, and they are encircled by gigantic ancient vines. A picturesque lake appears as an emerald in the area; the water, the mountains and the trees set each other off beautifully, making a natural Chinese brush drawing. Each of these superb sights offers a beautiful and mythical environment.

In summer and autumn, the chrysanthemum valley presents the blooming flora, while the large orchard offers a blaze of flowers and rich fruits.

The Jiangjuntuo Scenic Area is 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) to the northwest of the downtown of Fangshan District, Beijing. It has been established since 1998, and is now an absolute, ecological, natural scenic spot with a total area of 112 hectares (276.8 acres). Inside, there is a vast orchard covering an area of 24.7 hectares (61 acres) along with a well-preserved aesthetic forest which has an area of 15 hectares (37 acres).

This purely natural scenic spot is a wonderland of plants and animals. Here, it abounds in fruit trees such as apricot, peach, apple, pear, jujube, persimmon, and walnut trees among others. Moreover, feverfew, bupleurum, forsythia, and vast quantities of other precious Chinese medicinal plants, can also be found blooming in a large grass garden. It's at its peak especially when numerous kinds of flowers are in their full blossom and their fragrances pervade the whole scenic spot. This static beauty contrasts finely with the amusing activities of lovely, little animals like berghaans and hares in flocks dashing here and there.

Visitors can enjoy themselves here not only by climbing mountains and viewing the flowers, but also by taking part in hang-gliding, bungee jumping and arrow shooting. Hang gliding is the most popular entertainment here. It is a physical and recreational activity which results in extreme excitement but without any danger, owing to the advanced safety facility. In a nutshell, it is a 'game of the brave'.

Like most of the other scenic spots, Jiangjuntuo has its own particular story. 'Jiangjun' means a general and 'tuo' stands for a knoll. The site was so named because here stands an interesting hill in the shape of a general's hat. Actually, the story goes that Zhang Liang, one of the founding fathers of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD), threw his hat here and it magically became a small hill. Later, this reputed wise man retired after having made his mark in the unification of the Western Han Dynasty, leaving no personal rivalries or ambitions. Now his statue, sculptured in memory of his wisdom and achievements, stands on the front slope of this small hill.

The Jiufeng National Forest Park is located in the Bei'anhe Town, Haidian District. It is a famous forest park in Beijing, only 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the Summer Palace. The two peaks look like a rousant vulture, where two ancient pines are poking into the sky. Therefore, the mountain gets its name 'Jiufeng' (Vulture Peak). Its man-made forest landscape, unique rocks and varied landforms, immense forest and places of historical interest constitute a bewitching view.

Covering an area of 832 hectares (2,056 acres), the forest park is a treasure house of green plants. The vast expanse of forest stretches before your eyes and you can imagine a magnificent scene. The verdant forest and varied landforms offers a playground to countless lovely little animals, such as wild chicken, hares, roe deer and squirrels.

The Jiufeng Mountain is high, steep and magnificent with peaks in all its majesty. The hills rise and fall with the terrain, looking as if a gigantic dragon is dancing. Seen from the summit of Jiufeng Mountain, the sunrise is a tremendous spectacle and the sunset glorifies the park. Visitors can also easily enjoy a panoramic city view of Beijing. Oddly-shaped rocks can be found everywhere in the mountain. At the foot of Jiufeng Mountain, a huge rock is so steep that only lizards can climb, so it is named 'lizard rock'.

Since ancient times, Jiufeng Mountain is a well-known tourist resort. Many places of historical interest sit in the mountain. The Jiufeng Mountain Villa built in the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) was once one of 72 mountain strongholds for stationing troops. The simple Puzhao Temple and the elegant Xiufeng Temple was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Xiangtang Temple was built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as a retreat place for eunuchs. The winding path up the mountain has the history of over a thousand years. Moreover, here sits the first seismographic station built in the 1930s.

Take No. 346 Bus from the Summer Palace to Bei’anhe Village, and go then for 800 meters to the west.

The Yinshan Pagoda Forest Scenic Area is situated in the southwest of Haizi Village, Changping District, and is 5 kilometers (3 miles) east of Ming Tombs. Featured by beautiful natural landscapes and a forest of pagodas, this intriguing scenic area lures visitors from both home and abroad.

In winter, the Yinshan Mountain (Silver Mountain), with three steep peaks and black cliffs, shows her special charms in the snow. The cliffs, composed of black granite, look like iron walls and contrast sharply with the snow covered mountain. The mountain is also known as the 'Iron-wall Silver Mountain' because of these natural features. Pine, oak and cypress trees grow all over this amazing mountain, and the combination of these colorful trees blankets the mountain, creating a spectacular array of colors.

The pagoda forest to the south of the mountain also makes the mountain unique. Since the Sui Dynasty (581-618), this mountain has been a holy land of Buddhism and many temples had been built in the valley. To house the Buddhist relics, various pagodas were built in the Jin (1115-1234) and the following dynasties. It is said that in ancient times the pagodas in this area were countless; however, over the centuries, the temples and many pagodas were ruined. At present, visitors can find eighteen pagodas in the mountain region and in the original temple area. They are made of bricks and stones and consist of four parts: the base, the body, the corbel bracket and the top.

Among the eighteen still standing, there are seven pagodas in the original temple area which are the most renowned. Five of them are multi-eaved and were built in the Jin Dynasty. The other two are lama pagodas, built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Those Jin pagodas are ginger yellow in color, stand on a tall base, and are 20 to 30 meters (65.6 to 98.4 feet) high. Two of them are hexagonal ones, each seven stories, and the other three octagonal ones have thirteen floors. Fine-patterned reliefs are engraved on the surface of the first floor and the base. Inside the fake arches on the first floor are lifelike brick carvings of Buddha. Delicate brick carvings of corbel brackets can be found under the eaves of the first floor. One of the two Yuan lama pagodas resembles the Jin pagodas and the other is unique for its combination of both the multi-eaved pavilion and the lama style pagoda.

In addition, an ancient lectern and many tablet inscriptions are also worth visiting. This scenic area is indeed an ideal place to appreciate the natural scenery and research ancient Chinese Buddhism and architecture.

Bus no. 314, 357, 376, 914, 947, 949 stops at Changping Dongguan, then take a small bus