Changping

Changping combines historic sites, mountain and water scenery, and a rural arts atmosphere, making it well suited to a weekend road trip or day trip. The guide below covers the main attractions, dining, accommodation, and travel routes.

• Juyong Pass Great Wall: One of the Eight Scenic Views of Yanjing, it is generally less crowded than Badaling. In autumn, the mountain forests are richly colored, and you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains from the beacon towers.

• Ming Tombs: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Sacred Way, Changling, and Dingling as the main highlights. Changling is known for its huge nanmu pillars, while Dingling is currently the only tomb here with an open underground palace.

• Yinshan Pagoda Forest: The site preserves the remains of ancient temples from the Liao and Jin periods, along with five closely tiered Jin dynasty pagodas scattered across the mountains. In autumn, ginkgo trees and colorful foliage complement each other, creating a quiet setting for photographing nature and historic architecture.

• Xinzhuang Art Village: Known as the “Little Dali on Beijing’s outskirts,” it is home to many resident artists. On weekends, you can browse the rural market, join hands-on craft activities, and try wood-fired bread.

• Ming Tombs Reservoir: The scenic area is free to enter, with mountains and water close together. The hiking trail on the northern hills offers good views, and from higher points you can look out over the entire reservoir. It is ideal for hiking and watching the sunset.

• Grand Canal Source Relics Park: Located at the northern source of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, it includes the Jiulong Pool spring ruins and the Du Longwang Temple. The lakeside trail is suited to a leisurely walk and is free to enter.

Recommended Classic Day Trips

• Historic and cultural route: Visit Juyong Pass Great Wall in the morning, climb up to enjoy the mountain scenery and experience the grandeur of the “Greatest Pass Under Heaven.” In the afternoon, drive to the Ming Tombs and visit the Sacred Way and Changling in sequence to take in the historic atmosphere of the imperial tombs.
• Arts and leisure route: Head to Xinzhuang Art Village in the morning, explore Chuangke Street, and experience the craft market. In the afternoon, admire the ancient pagodas and autumn leaves at Yinshan Pagoda Forest, or switch to the Ming Tombs Reservoir for a walk along the trails and views across the water.

Changping’s Must-Try Foods

Recommended Places to Stay in Changping

Practical Information and Tips

• Transportation: Changping’s attractions are spread far apart, especially Juyong Pass, the Ming Tombs, and Yinshan Pagoda Forest, so driving is more time-efficient. By subway, take the Changping Line and get off at Changping Xishankou or Ming Tombs Scenic Area Station, then transfer to a bus or take a taxi.
• Tickets and annual passes: Ticket prices vary among attractions such as Juyong Pass Great Wall, some of the Ming Tombs, and Yinshan Pagoda Forest. It is advisable to reserve and purchase tickets in advance through the official WeChat accounts. With a Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Tourism Annual Pass, some attractions offer free or discounted admission.
• Hiking gear: Changping has many mountainous areas. When hiking at Juyong Pass or the Ming Tombs Reservoir, wear non-slip athletic shoes and bring plenty of drinking water and snacks, as there are few supply points along the way.
• Sun protection and warmth: Temperature differences between morning and evening are noticeable in the Beijing suburbs. Bring a windproof jacket in autumn and winter, and take sun protection measures on sunny days when ultraviolet radiation is strong.
• Visitor etiquette: When visiting the Ming Tombs, consider renting an audio guide or joining a guided tour to better understand the architecture and historical background. Keep quiet in the tomb area, and do not stand on the tomb mound for photos.