Huairou Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Huairou with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top places to visit, must-try dishes, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Huairou

Huairou is a fascinating district of Beijing, located in the northeastern part of the city, about 60 kilometers from the center. It is situated at the base of the Yan Mountains and has an abundant scenic beauty found nowhere else in the region. The area is famous for its natural landscapes, including hills, mountains, forests, and rivers, making it a popular destination for domestic and foreign travelers alike. Huairou is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and it has so much to offer - from historical sites to outdoor adventures. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to Huairou, providing you with all the information you need to plan your dream trip to this beautiful place.

List of Places to Visit in Huairou

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hongluo Temple

Hongluo Temple is a famous Buddhist temple located at the foot of the Hongluo Mountain Scenic Area in Huairou. This ancient temple dates back more than 1,000 years and is renowned for its beautiful natural surroundings, rich history, and ancient architecture. Here, visitors can admire various traditional Chinese Buddhist art such as brick carvings, stone sculptures, and murals. The temple has a beautiful garden with an artificial waterfall and a small corridor for sightseeing, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu Great Wall is considered one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. Spanning more than 2 kilometers and comprising 22 watchtowers, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. The wall’s structure is remarkably well-preserved, and visitors can explore the surrounding towers, walls, and battlements, all while enjoying some stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Qinglong Gorge

The Qinglong Gorge, located in the northern part of Huairou District, is famous for its beautiful scenery, which features lush vegetation on either side of the valley, rock formations, and several waterfalls. The area is ideal for hiking and exploring the natural scenery. At the entrance to the gorge, visitors can visit the Qinglong Temple, an ancient temple with a history dating back more than 1000 years. From here, you can also take a boat ride down the river for a unique perspective of the valley.

Natural Attractions of Huairou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hongluo Mountain Scenic Area

The Hongluo Mountain Scenic Area is located on the northern side of Huairou and has a total area of about 28 square kilometers. It is a beautiful area with scenic views and clear water. The area is known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and tranquil surroundings, which make it an ideal location for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The Hongluo Temple, mentioned earlier in this guide, is located in the scenic area, and visitors can easily spend a whole day exploring both.

Yanqi Lake

Yanqi Lake is located in the north of Huairou and is known for its crystal clear water and picturesque scenery. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and there are several ancient buildings to admire. Visitors can take a stroll along the lake shore, rent a boat and paddle around the lake or have a picnic with friends and family.

Huairou Reservoir

Huairou Reservoir is one of the biggest man-made lakes in Beijing, covering an area of more than 200 square kilometers, and it is the primary source of drinking water for this region’s residents. Undoubtedly, this beautiful lake also serves as a tourist destination for inland sailing, freshwater fishing, outdoor water sports, and enjoying beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Huairou

Huairou District has beautiful hiking and biking trails that take you into the heart of nature. The following are some of the popular routes:

  1. Red Snail Mountain Hike
  2. Jiankou Great Wall Hike
  3. Mutianyu Great Wall Hike
  4. Hongluo Mountain Hike
  5. Jinhai Lake Bike Tour
  6. Yanqi Lake Cycling Trip

These routes range from easy to challenging, so be sure to choose one that matches your experience and physical abilities.

Best Things to Do in Huairou: Activities and Tours

Huairou offers many activities and tours, appealing to people of all ages and interests. The following are some of our favorites:

  1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride at Dawn
  2. Overnight Camping in Huairou
  3. Experience the Local Farm Stay Life
  4. Rafting or Kayaking on the Huairou Reservoir
  5. Visit the Hongluo Temple and Hike in the Hongluo Mountain Scenic Area
  6. Explore the Great Wall at Mutianyu

Week-Long Itinerary for Huairou

Day 1: Explore the Hongluo Temple, then hike the Hongluo Mountain Scenic Area. Day 2: Today, take a day trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall and explore the surrounding area. Day 3: Visit Yanqi Lake and take a bike tour around the lake. Day 4: Explore Huairou Reservoir and enjoy some water activities. Day 5: Experience the local farm stay life in Huairou. Day 6: Take a hot air balloon ride at dawn and view the beautiful sunrise at the top. Day 7: Experience a day of outdoor adventures with rafting or kayaking on the Huairou Reservoir.

Food and Drink Scene of Huairou

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Roast Duck
  2. Mongolian Hotpot
  3. Suanla Tudou Si (Spicy and Sour Potato Strips)
  4. Candied Hawthorns
  5. Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)

Local Beverages

  1. Huairou Wine
  2. Jingbei Erguotou (A Strong Liquor Made from Sorghum)
  3. Bai Jiu (A Strong, Clear Liquor)

Where to Stay in Huairou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Huairou has plenty of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular options include:

  1. Beijing Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel
  2. Laozhuangyuan Agro-Eco Farmstay Hotel
  3. Beijing Cao’s Courtyard Boutique Hotel
  4. Junlin Tianxia Inn Huairou
  5. Beijing Puju Hotel

What to Buy in Huairou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Chinese Calligraphy Brushes and Paper
  2. Tea Leaves
  3. Traditional Chinese Knots
  4. Handmade Pottery Ceramics
  5. Local Wine

Local Culture and Customs of Huairou

Huairou is a small town deeply immersed in ancient Chinese culture. The locals are friendly and hospitable, making visitors feel at home. As you explore Huairou, it’s essential to respect its customs and traditions. Visitors should dress modestly, follow local etiquette, and refrain from littering, as China is working to become a greener country.

Best Time to Visit Huairou

The best time to visit Huairou is from April to October when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its best. During these months, the temperature is warm, and you can avoid the cold and windy winter weather that sometimes occurs in the northern parts of China.

Do’s and Don’ts of Huairou

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs
  2. Dress modestly when visiting temples or historical sites
  3. Keep the environment clean

Don’t:

  1. Litter in public areas
  2. Touch or remove artifacts in historical sites
  3. Take photos of people without their permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Huairou

Huairou is a relatively safe area, but visitors should still take necessary safety precautions to avoid accidents or thefts. Ensure that you have travel insurance, as medical attention can be expensive. Be cautious in environments where there is high water or during heavy rain or snow seasons.

Health in Huairou

While Huairou is a safe place to visit, it’s always important to consider your health. Bring any necessary medication and pay extra attention to food hygiene. Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked food and drink only bottled water to avoid getting sick.

Getting to Huairou: Transportation Options and Logistics

The most convenient way to get to Huairou is by private car or taxi, but this can be expensive. Alternatively, visitors can take the subway to Huairou North Station, then take a bus or taxi to their destination. There are also intercity trains running from Beijing to Huairou.

Airports Near Huairou

  1. Beijing Capital International Airport - 45 km from Huairou

Bus Stations Near Huairou

  1. Huairou Bus station
  2. Huairou North station

Other Options

  1. Take a rented car
  2. Take a taxi
  3. Take a bus

How to Get Around in Huairou

The best way to explore the natural scenery of Huairou is by hiking, but there are also public buses, taxis, and bike rentals available.

Where to Go Next from Huairou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Huairou is close to many renowned tourist spots, including:

  1. Beijing
  2. Badaling Great Wall
  3. Summer Palace
  4. Forest Park of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Conclusion

Huairou is a hidden gem in Beijing, offering a mix of historical sites and natural beauty that’s unmatched. We hope this guide has provided all the information you need to explore and enjoy Huairou. Remember to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera, as you’ll be sure to want to capture every moment of this unforgettable trip.

Suburban railway Huairou-Miyun Line train leaving Yanqihu railway station Suburban railway Huairou-Miyun Line train leaving Yanqihu railway station "a ridge linked to the sky" at Xiangshui Lake Great Wall High and low ground options for camping at Lakeside Great Wall High and low ground options for camping at Lakeside Great Wall