Miyun

Miyun is well suited to a short, relaxing trip from Beijing, with mountains, a reservoir and the Great Wall as its main attractions. In autumn, you can enjoy the fall foliage or find a suitable viewpoint to watch the sunset over the reservoir. Below are options for sights, food, accommodation and itineraries.

• Gubei Water Town + Simatai Great Wall: Gubei Water Town has scenery reminiscent of the water towns of southern China, with illuminated streets and lanes to explore after dark. The Simatai Great Wall is known for its steep terrain, closely spaced watchtowers and unusual forms. You can take a cable car up and down, or plan a night visit.

• Miyun Reservoir: An important source of Beijing's water supply, the reservoir has areas open to visitors free of charge, but entry to the core protected zone is prohibited. For views from above, head to the Jianyan Village boardwalk or Yunlongjian to admire the reservoir, sometimes called the “Thousand Island Lake.” Driving along the lakeside road also offers different views of the water and mountains.

• Sunlight Valley: A resort specializing in glamping, with a 180° viewing platform overlooking the reservoir. Its non-motorized play equipment and petting zoo make it suitable for families with children, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

• Qingliang Valley: Best known as a summer retreat with water activities, it offers a glass skybridge, a Crystal Great Wall and mountain rafting. It suits visitors who enjoy outdoor activities and thrills.

• Heilongtan: A well-known summer retreat on the outskirts of Beijing, with three waterfalls and eighteen pools along the route, where boardwalks follow the streams. The paths are generally gentle, so older visitors and children can plan a visit according to their abilities.

• Yexian Pagoda: A good spot for elevated views, with a cable car up the mountain and a mountain luge to try. From the higher ground, you can look out over urban Miyun and the reservoir.

• Bulaotun Observatory: A filming location for *Three-Body*. The large radio telescope standing among the fields has a distinctly science-fiction look and is the main subject for photos here.

Local Food in Miyun

Reservoir fish is one of Miyun's signature foods, prized for its tender, rich flesh and often served with cornmeal flatbreads cooked against the side of the pot. Other options include Handing Fish Roe Casserole, Chunzeyuan spring pancakes and Miyun's “Three Shao”: roast pork, baked flatbread and distilled liquor.

• Jinding Yuxiang / Huaxi Yuxiang: Both restaurants are on Fish Street in Xiwengzhuang Town and specialize in reservoir fish stewed in an iron pot, using live fish caught fresh for cooking. Dipping the accompanying cornmeal flatbreads into the fish broth is a common way to enjoy the meal.

• Handing Fish Roe Casserole: Serves a Miyun-style clay-pot dish made by slowly simmering fresh, plump fish roe in a special sauce. The roe is tender and juicy, with fragrant, spicy seasoning.

• Chunzeyuan Spring Pancakes: A convenient meal stop during your trip, serving pleasantly chewy pancakes that can be wrapped around various dishes. Shredded pork in sweet bean sauce and stir-fried mixed vegetables are common fillings, and prices are generally affordable.
• Wang's Shaobing: A breakfast shop popular with locals. Its signature meat-filled flatbreads have a crisp crust and can be paired with soft tofu pudding or lamb offal soup.

Where to Stay in Miyun

For nighttime scenery and easy sightseeing, consider an inn inside Gubei Water Town. If you prefer a mountain setting or photogenic surroundings, the distinctive guesthouses around the reservoir are another option.

• Yinxiang Yunxi 1958: Located in Jianyan Village, this property features a Chinese-style courtyard with a vine-covered archway and a natural-wood tea room. It suits family holidays or get-togethers with friends.

• Gubei Water Town Hot Spring Resort: Located near Gubei Water Town, this hotel offers private hot-spring bathing and views of the Great Wall from its outdoor hot-spring pools. It is an option for a relaxing autumn or winter stay.

• DuDu Land Guesthouse: Designed as a cream-colored, Santorini-style castle with an ornamental courtyard, this guesthouse is close to Sunlight Valley and the reservoir. It suits family trips and photo stops.
• Shanli Hanshe: Set deep in the mountains, this property preserves the character of an old village, with mountain views right outside the windows. It suits guests looking to escape the noise and enjoy a slower-paced trip.

Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Leave central Beijing in the morning and walk along the Jianyan Village boardwalk for panoramic views of the reservoir, sometimes called the “Thousand Island Lake.” Have iron-pot fish stew for lunch on Fish Street. Spend the afternoon at Ku Coffee, enjoying coffee and reservoir views, then head to Qingdong Mountain or Sunlight Valley for sunset. After dark, explore Gubei Water Town and watch the light show and molten-iron spark performance. Stay near the water town overnight.

• Day 2: Climb the Simatai Great Wall early in the morning for views over the mountains and water town. Alternatively, visit Yexian Pagoda, taking the cable car up and trying the mountain luge. Have local farmhouse dishes for lunch, then drive to Yunmeng Mountain or Baihe Canyon in the afternoon to enjoy the mountain scenery. Try to avoid peak traffic times on your return journey.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting around: Driving makes it easier to link the attractions. The journey via the Jingcheng Expressway takes about 1.5–2 hours, with scenery along the way and manageable driving distances between sights. If you are not driving from Beijing, take a high-speed train from Beijing Chaoyang Station to Miyun Station, a journey of about 30 minutes, then rent a car or use taxis to explore.
• Reservoir protection: Miyun Reservoir is a Class I drinking-water source protection area. Most of its shoreline is closed to the public, with wire fencing and patrols. Do not take small paths down to the water without permission: doing so violates the rules and may result in penalties. Use viewing platforms or boardwalks where access is permitted.
• Ordering fish: On the way to the reservoir, especially near Xiwengzhuang Town, do not choose a restaurant solely on the low prices promised by roadside touts. Consider an established restaurant on Fish Street, and confirm before ordering whether fish is priced per jin (500 grams) or per fish to avoid disputes over the bill.
• Driving safety: Roads around the reservoir and in the mountains have many bends. Slow down and avoid stopping at random spots along the roadside. Mobile reception is weak on some stretches, so download offline maps in advance. Temperature swings in the mountains are 3–5°C greater than in central Beijing, so bring a windproof jacket.