Pinggu

In the easternmost part of Beijing, Pinggu is a long way from the city center, but its extensive peach orchards, lakes and gorges make it a good choice for a relaxing trip to Beijing’s outskirts. This guide covers seasonal sightseeing, dining, accommodation and driving routes.

Seasonal Sightseeing and Best Times to Visit

• Spring (March–April): The Pinggu Peach Blossom Festival is the main attraction, with vast peach orchards in Dahua Mountain and Pear Blossom Avenue creating a mix of pink and white blooms. Plan to visit in early to mid-April; if you miss the blossoms, you will need to wait until next year.
• Summer (June–August): Camp at Jinhai Lake, escape the heat in Jingdong Grand Cavern, or head to Lishugou for rafting and mountain cart rides, combining waterside fun with a chance to cool off.

• Autumn (September–October): Visit Shilin Gorge and the glass walkway at Tianyun Mountain, or take a scenic drive along Jiuqu Shibawan, a winding mountain route. Expansive terraced fields and red maple woods can also be included in an autumn sightseeing trip.

• Winter (November–February): Large stretches of frozen waterfalls cover the cliffs of Jingdong Grand Canyon. In Bolitai Village, you can try the local specialty known as the Boli Banquet.

Local Dining in Pinggu

Pinggu is known for farmhouse cooking and local snacks. Plan meal stops around your sightseeing route.

Where to Stay

• Around Wanda in central Pinggu: Consider Orange Hotel or Wanda Jin Pinggu. This central area offers convenient access to restaurants, supermarkets and the museum. It suits travelers exploring by car or taxi, with relatively good-value accommodation.
• Around Jinhai Lake and the scenic areas: Options such as CITIC Jinling Hotel and Qichi Linquan · Yejing Garden are better suited to family holidays or trips focused on relaxation. Views are right outside your window, but rates are generally higher than in central Pinggu.

Suggested Driving Routes

• One-day trip (leisurely sightseeing): Have breakfast in central Pinggu → visit Pinggu Museum → hike at Juchi Cliff by Jinhai Lake → take a coffee break at Taoxi Café & Dining (Lake View Branch) → return.
• Two-day trip (mountains and water):
  • Day 1: Set off from central Beijing → visit Jingdong Shilin Gorge and take the cable car to see the glass platform → have iron-pot stewed rooster for lunch → try mountain cart rides at Lishugou in the afternoon → stay overnight in central Pinggu or at a guesthouse near a scenic area.
  • Day 2: Climb Yaji Mountain and pray for blessings → drive around Xiyu Reservoir and take photos in the afternoon → buy Pinggu peaches along the way → return.
• Driving loop: Travelers who enjoy scenic drives and photography can spend a day linking Xiyu Reservoir, Bolitai’s One-Line Sky gorge, Tianyun Mountain, Shilin Gorge, Huangsongyu Reservoir and Xilijin Bridge. Several cafés and campsites are dotted along the route.

Practical Travel Tips

• Getting around: Pinggu’s attractions are spread out, so driving is the most convenient way to connect them. The drive from central Beijing takes about 1.5–2 hours. By public transport, take the subway or intercity rail to Pinggu Station, then transfer to a taxi or chartered car.
• Peach blossom season: The Peach Blossom Festival in April draws large crowds, and accommodation and dining prices may rise, so book ahead. To avoid the busiest spots, navigate to Changjin Road and look for less-visited blossom-viewing locations along the way.
• Mosquito and sun protection: Mosquitoes and other insects are common in the mountains, by the lake and in shaded areas, so bring insect repellent. Use sun protection when hiking and wear comfortable athletic shoes.
• Buying and picking peaches: From June to September, you can pick peaches at orchards, usually for RMB 10–13 per jin (500 g). If you mainly want to taste them, buying at the Pinggu Peach Market is cheaper, at around RMB 3–5 per jin.
• Cable cars and shuttle buses: At attractions with many steps, such as Shilin Gorge and Yaji Mountain, consider round-trip cable car or shuttle bus tickets if traveling with older adults or children, or if you want to reduce the amount of walking.