Miyun

Miyun lies in northeastern Beijing, where reservoirs, the Great Wall, and rural flavors are the main attractions for trips to the outskirts. It is well suited to driving around the lake, hiking in the mountains, or planning a family-friendly getaway.

Classic Two-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Reservoir Views and Astronomy Facilities
  • Morning: Drive or take a high-speed train from downtown to Miyun. First visit the Miyun Reservoir Viewing Platform or Chaohe Main Dam to enjoy views of the lake from above.

• Afternoon: Visit the Miyun Station of the National Astronomical Observatory for sightseeing, then walk along the Jianyan Village Wooden Boardwalk to experience the forests and mountains around the reservoir up close.
  • Evening: Head to Xiwengzhuang Fish Street to try iron-pot braised fish with sauce, and stay overnight at a distinctive guesthouse near the reservoir.
• Day 2: Great Wall Sightseeing or Easy Leisure
  • Option A (History and Culture): Explore Gubei Water Town, browse creative shops and try tie-dye during the day, then climb the Simatai Great Wall at dusk to watch the sunset. In the evening, see the *Great Wall Tower Show* light performance.

• Option B (Relaxation): Take a cable car at Yunlongjian for views over the valley, or relax with coffee on the lawn at Sunlight Valley, then make an unhurried return trip in the afternoon.

Recommended Miyun Foods

Local cuisine focuses on reservoir fish and farmhouse dishes, which are worth fitting into your itinerary.

Choosing Accommodation

• Upscale Resort: Beijing Bay Half-Mountain Hotel offers a relatively private setting, with a pool, hot springs, and family facilities. It suits family or friends traveling together.

• Family-Friendly Guesthouse: DuDu Land Guesthouse uses a Santorini-inspired style, with a courtyard arranged for photos. It is close to Sunlight Valley and the reservoir.
• Forest Treehouse: Yunfeng Mountain Fairytale Treehouse is in the mountain area on the north bank of the reservoir. Rooms overlook the trees and water, and the quiet surroundings are suited to resting and relaxing.

• Old-Town Inn: You can choose a hotel or inn inside Gubei Water Town. Stays usually include a two-day admission ticket and free shuttle service, making it more convenient to see the night scenery and visit the Great Wall.

Transportation and Practical Tips

• Getting There: Driving is convenient. It takes about two hours from downtown, with direct access via the Jingcheng Expressway, and you can enjoy mountain scenery along the way. Without a car, take a high-speed train from Beijing Chaoyang Station to Miyun Station; the journey takes about half an hour. Rent a car or take a taxi after arriving.
• Tips:
  • Sunlight Valley: Compare ticket and shuttle costs on travel apps in advance and check for discounted tickets. The “elevator ticket” has limited practical value, so buy it only if needed.
  • Reservoir Views: Miyun Reservoir can only be viewed from the shore; entering the water is not allowed. Some free viewing platforms, such as the North Reservoir Viewing Platform, may have views obstructed by power lines, so consider a paid platform or Jianyan Village.
  • Eating Fish: When dining on Xiwengzhuang Fish Street, choose established restaurants with many local diners. Confirm the price and weight before ordering fish to avoid disputes over extra charges.
  • Driving Safety: Roads around the lake and into the mountains are winding and often narrow, so do not overtake while occupying the oncoming lane. Weekends and holidays are prone to congestion; leaving before 9 a.m. is recommended.