Situated in the deeply forested northern reaches of the municipality, this sprawling haven of alpine air is anchored by the breathtaking, restored watchtowers of Mutianyu and the gleaming, futuristic shores of the Yanqi Lake diplomatic zone. Within a short drive, you can see architectural marvels ranging from ancient, granite battlements snaking across precipitous peaks to the glowing, orb-like silhouette of the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel reflecting perfectly on the water. Stop for a flawlessly executed, farm-to-table brunch in a beautifully converted chestnut-farming village, browse the rugged landscape that serves as the backdrop for China's massive state film studios, and sample the region's famous, charcoal-roasted rainbow trout at a rustic riverside courtyard. Saunter along the impossibly steep, heavily wooded ridges of the Great Wall to watch the morning mist burn off the valleys below. Take a break from the intense, physical stimulation of the historic climb with a quiet, high-speed toboggan ride down the mountain, slicing effortlessly through the dense pine canopy.
Don't Miss
- Hiking the breathtaking, densely watchtowered spine of the Mutianyu Great Wall, widely considered the most magnificent, heavily forested, and beautifully restored section accessible from the capital.
- Tearing down the mountain on the famous Mutianyu Toboggan, an exhilarating, old-school stainless-steel slide that offers a highly entertaining descent from the ancient battlements.
- Admiring the architectural audacity of the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, designed to resemble a rising sun (or a scallop shell, depending on the angle) and serving as the glamorous anchor for global summits.
How to Get There
While Huairou acts as the capital's sprawling green escape, it remains deeply connected to the city's transport arteries.
For sophisticated travelers and creative teams staging their Beijing itinerary from a premium central hub, the journey north is exceptionally straightforward. The nearby Dongzhimen Transit Hub offers dedicated, comfortable tourist express buses (like the popular Mubus) that bypass local traffic and deliver you directly to the foothills of Mutianyu in roughly 90 minutes. Alternatively, the high-speed rail to Huairou South Station offers a sleek, 30-minute launchpad into the district.
Quick Facts
- Huairou boasts a staggering 70% forest coverage, making it the undisputed "green lung" of Beijing and the preferred weekend retreat for the city's affluent urbanites.
- The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is uniquely dense with fortifications, featuring 22 closely spaced watchtowers over a 2.2-kilometer stretch, a rarity in Ming-dynasty military architecture.
- Yanqi Lake stepped onto the global stage in 2014 when it hosted the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, transforming its shores into a highly secure, impeccably landscaped hub for international diplomacy.
Home to Beijing's most dramatic natural frontier
Since the Ming dynasty, when generals fortified these precise ridges to defend the capital from northern nomadic cavalry, Huairou has been an enclave long synonymous with strategic defense and untamed topography. From the area's massive, granite barricades to the groundbreaking, contemporary revival of its abandoned farming villages, the district's love of dramatic landscapes sees it serve as the ultimate, open-air counterweight to Beijing's concrete sprawl.
The region's sweeping, cinematic valleys have been featured in countless global documentaries and blockbusters (aided by the massive Chinawood film studios nearby). And while its primary attraction brings a steady stream of international visitors to the wall, the district hasn't forgotten its agricultural roots, ensuring that sprawling chestnut orchards and quiet, winding mountain roads remain pristine and fiercely protected.
The Battlements—navigating the dragon's spine
The incredibly steep, restored stone steps of Mutianyu are the district's main historical artery. Stepping out of the cable car at Watchtower 14, you'll immediately see a network of undulating, crenelated walls that stretch as far as the eye can see, plunging into valleys and rising over craggy peaks.
Jam-packed with global travelers, passionate hikers, and professional photographers, this pedestrian fortress is a fascinating melting pot of monumental military history and highly active outdoor lifestyle that's sure to give you a breathless, awe-inspiring perspective on China's ancient engineering prowess.
Satisfy your appetite, from rustic trout to boutique dining
Behind almost every leafy bend in the mountain roads are Huairou's celebrated, rustic kitchens, pumping out the authentic flavors of the northern countryside. A must-do for visitors to the area, the dining scene here is famously local. Whether you're after the region's undisputed culinary staple—whole rainbow trout, farmed in the cold mountain streams and roasted over an open charcoal grill—or a hearty plate of wild mushroom dumplings, there's something to refuel every tired hiker.
However, if you seek an elevated experience, the newly gentrified villages at the base of the wall deliver. You can't leave without finding a sun-drenched terrace at one of the boutique rural retreats, ordering a crisp glass of white wine, and enjoying a refined, farm-to-table lunch while gazing up at the watchtowers.
A paradise for rural revival and eco-luxury
Huairou is arguably Beijing's capital of high-end rural regeneration, and what's a majestic mountain range without spectacular, hidden hideaways? No matter your aesthetic, you can find an incredible, curated selection of boutique hospitality that brilliantly repurposes the district's agricultural past.
The undisputed anchor of the area's lifestyle shift is the cluster of villages near Mutianyu, such as Beigou and Mutianyu Village. If you're hoping for ultimate, design-led seclusion, be sure to check into properties like The Brickyard Retreat (a former glazed-tile factory transformed into a chic eco-lodge) or San Sa. It is a stunning example of how ancient villages are being beautifully salvaged and transformed into premium, minimalist sanctuaries for the cosmopolitan elite.
Taking to the diplomatic shores
Thanks to its global impact as a bucket-list destination, the main hiking trails of Mutianyu are undeniable hotspots. Though the atmosphere there is essential for conquering the wall, if you really want to immerse yourself in the varying, highly polished layers of modern Huairou, you must drive back toward the city.
If you head to the shores of Yanqi Lake, you'll find a network of impeccably landscaped, hyper-secure promenades connecting some of the most impressive, state-sponsored architecture in the country. Stepping into this fiercely manicured enclave offers a serene, futuristic contrast to the ancient bricks—a place where you can rent a sleek bicycle, glide past international conference centers, and absorb the quiet, highly orchestrated rhythm of China's modern diplomatic theater.
