YanQi Lake, located in the HuaiRou District of BeiJing, is a stunning natural area known for its picturesque landscapes and clear waters. It is a popular destination for both leisure and business, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city and a venue for high-profile international events, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2014.
Getting There
By Air: The nearest airport is Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), approximately 50 kilometers from YanQi Lake. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach the lake.
By Train: You can take a high-speed train to HuaiRou North Railway Station and then a taxi or local bus to YanQi Lake.
By Bus: Several buses run from downtown BeiJing to HuaiRou District. You can then take a local bus or taxi to YanQi Lake.
Getting Around
Walking: YanQi Lake area is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate its natural beauty and serene environment.
Biking: Renting a bike is a popular option for getting around and exploring the scenic routes around the lake.
Local Transport: Taxis and shuttle services are available for traveling to and from different parts of the lake area and nearby attractions.
Main Attractions
YanQi Island
YanQi Island is the centerpiece of YanQi Lake, hosting luxury resorts, conference centers, and beautiful gardens. It is an ideal place for relaxation, high-end dining, and international conferences.
YanQi Tower
The YanQi Tower offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for breathtaking scenery and photography opportunities.
Boat Tours
Boat tours on YanQi Lake provide a peaceful and scenic way to explore the area. Various types of boats, from traditional Chinese boats to modern yachts, are available for hire.
Wild Duck Lake
Nearby Wild Duck Lake is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to a variety of bird species, especially migratory birds. It's a great spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Hongluo Temple
Located a short distance from YanQi Lake, Hongluo Temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in northern China. It offers a serene environment and rich cultural heritage.
Local Cuisine
While visiting YanQi Lake, you can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines. Here are some recommendations:
Peking Duck: A world-famous dish, Peking Duck is a must-try when in BeiJing. Many restaurants near YanQi Lake serve this delicacy.
YanQi Lake Fish: Freshly caught fish from the lake, prepared in various styles, is a local specialty.
HuaiRou Chestnut: HuaiRou is known for its delicious chestnuts, which can be enjoyed roasted or used in local dishes.
Shopping
Local Handicrafts: Explore shops around YanQi Lake for traditional Chinese handicrafts, including silk products, pottery, and paintings.
Specialty Foods: Purchase local specialties such as HuaiRou chestnuts, honey, and other agricultural products.
Souvenirs: Various souvenir shops offer items commemorating the APEC summit and other significant events held at YanQi Lake.
Accommodation
Luxury Resorts: YanQi Lake is home to several luxury resorts, such as the YanQi Lake Kempinski Hotel, which offers top-notch amenities and stunning views.
Mid-Range Hotels: There are also several mid-range hotels and boutique accommodations around the lake area, providing comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Guesthouses: For a more local experience, consider staying in one of the guesthouses or inns in the nearby villages.
Historical Background of YanQi Lake
YanQi Lake is a man-made reservoir created in the 1980s to improve water supply and irrigation for the HuaiRou District. The project aimed to enhance the local agricultural productivity and provide a recreational area for residents and visitors.
Over the years, YanQi Lake has developed into a major tourist destination and a hub for international events. The lake and its surrounding areas have been carefully maintained and upgraded to offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities.
The area around YanQi Lake has also been a site of historical significance. The nearby Hongluo Temple, dating back over 1,000 years, reflects the region's rich spiritual and cultural history. The combination of ancient traditions and modern development makes YanQi Lake a unique and attractive destination.
Tips for Visitors
Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit YanQi Lake are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful.
Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season.
Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites.
Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful.
Plan Your Visit: YanQi Lake is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to enjoy the scenic views, visit local attractions, and savor the local cuisine.
Conclusion
YanQi Lake, with its stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and modern amenities, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring the tranquil lake, visiting nearby cultural sites, or enjoying local cuisine, YanQi Lake provides a serene escape and a glimpse into the rich heritage of BeiJing. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this picturesque destination in the HuaiRou District.
Lotus Lane is a charming place to wander and a lively place in the evening to dine and listen to live music ...
Often mis-named as HouHai, which is actually another lake immediately to the north, these lakes form part of ShiChaHai, once the docks at the northern end of the Grand Canal from HangZhou. To the south lies BeiHai and JingShan Parks and to the north, the Drum and Bell Towers; east from there lies NanLuoGuXiang, a largely pedestrianized hutong filled with craft and speciality shops and cafes.
From the ashes of Western imperialism, the first Summer Palace, close by the 'new' Summer Palace (YiHeYuan), is still an enchanting place of natural beauty and Chinese garden arts ...
ChangBai Mountain, ChangBaiShan ('Ever White Mountain'), is located in the south east of JiLin province, on the border between China and North Korea.
The mountain is actually a volcano, with a height of 2,744 meters (9,000 feet), the highest mountain in north east China. ChangBai Mountain TianChi is the deepest lake in China, which was formed after a massive eruption in the year 946 and is about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) wide; technically, this is called a caldera. The origin of the name comes from the altitude - 'The Lake of Heaven'. TianChi is surrounded by 16 mountains, which makes the lake just like a gorgeous emerald among them.
The average temperature here is about −24 °C (−11 °F) in January, and 10 °C (50 °F) in July, remaining below freezing for eight months of the year.
Great films by Sticker Travel ...
ZheJiang province.
Xī Hú is a fresh water lake with the city on side. There are numerous temples, pagodas, gardens, bridges and artificial islands within and around the lake. West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an outstanding example of Chinese garden arts and the guiding principle of harmony between human and nature.
The three lakes here - XiHai, HouHai and QianHai - were where boats from HangZhou would dock after travelling the Grand Canal.
There are still some hutongs in this area, just north of BeiHai Park, which has become a lively destination, especially in the evenings around the lakes.
A fascinating, hour plus documentary by CCTV's Travelogue (from the English language CCTV9 channel).
Dali is a four and a half hours drive from KunMing, the provincial capital of YunNan in south China, or forty minutes by air. By rail it is also connected to nearby LiJiang.
We haven't posted a Travelogue for a couple of years, but are very happy to say that it is back to its best - intelligent presenter and beautiful cinematography. Highly recommended.
Inhabited predominantly by the Bai and Yi ethnic groups.
1 : Dali Old Town
1/1 In this segment, presenter Katrina Yu tours the artistic cobblestone streets of the Old Town, meeting adventurous travelers along the way -- and shows where you can party with musical locals at night.
1/2 Katrina sails across the serenely beautiful ErHai Lake, enjoying a taste of ethnic Bai culture along the way. She also gets a lesson in an ancient handcraft and peeks inside a luxurious lakeside guesthouse.
1/3 Katrina strolls through the surrounding grounds of Dali's iconic Three Pagodas, and shows audiences the breath-taking view from the top of the soaring CangShan Mountains.
2 : The outskirts of Dali
2/1 Katrina hikes the holy paths of JiZu Mountain, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in China, and discovers the historic temples which have given the area the nickname of "scented wonderland"
2/2 Katrina visits the traditional ethnic Bai village of XinHua. Join her as she is treated to a colorful 'Eight bowl' Bai banquet and gets a lesson in an age-old handicraft from a master silver maker.
2/3 Katrina wanders through the ancient town of ShaXi. Join her as she savors the sights and tastes of the bustling weekly market, and finds out how this age-old center has succeeded in becoming a modern tourist destination while maintaining its old-world charm.
3 : The 'thousand year old' village of NuoDeng, deep in rural Dali
3/1 Katrina and the crew arrive at the hillside village. They get a taste of Nuodeng's famous salted ham and meet a local man whose character is just as interesting as the temple he guards.
3/2 Katrina visits a unique family museum, and has her pulse checked at a guesthouse where the owners offer holistic health treatments as well as accommodation.
3/3 Katrina plays teacher and student for a day, getting a lesson in local culture at Nuodeng's lively primary school.
YuShui Hot Spring and NanShan Bamboo Sea.
TianMu Lake (天目湖) lies about 8 kilometers south of the city of LiYang in JiangSu province. The lake and surroundings is a nature reserve and conservation area.
Mountains, gorges, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, forests, geoparks, nature reserves, national parks and scenic spots.
A wonderful film by ChongQing TV (a 25 minute excerpt from the full hour-long video).
A beautiful place for sightseeing, hiking, cycling, boating and relaxing ...
HangZhou is the provincial capital of ZheJiang province in eastern China. It lies around 180 kilometres (110 miles) southwest of Shanghai. The beautiful West Lake is its best-known tourist attraction.
West Lake (Xi Hu) is a famous fresh water lake located in the center of HangZhou, provincial capital of ZheJiang in east China.
The lake is divided by a number of causeways and there are numerous temples, pagodas and other scenic spots dotted around.
West Lake has influenced poets and painters in China, Korea and Japan throughout centuries for its beauty, historical relics and garden/landscape design, with its harmony of human construction and nature.
West Lake was desclared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.
QīngHǎi Hú, in QingHai province, lies in a depression on the Tibetan Plateau.
The lake is 3,200 meters above sea level and salty though fed by three rivers. It is an important migratory stop-over for many birds.
Surrounded first by lush grasslands then mountains, it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
BeiHai Park, in central Beijing close to the Forbidden City, is one of the oldest and most authentically preserved imperial gardens in China.
BeiHai Park is an excellent living example of the ancient Chinese art of landscaped gardens with artificial hills, pavilions, halls, temples and covered corridors blended with trees, hills and the lake in a harmony of man and nature. Indeed, BeiHai Park is like a mini Summer Palace in the heart of Beijing.
The white dagoba atop the hill on the island of the lake is one of the famous landmarks of Beijing.
Don't miss :
Passing through the temple up to the white dagoba
Exploring the many other features dotted around the slopes of the hill
Visiting the hidden gems on the north side of the park - the Peaceful Heart Studio with its ponds, pavilions and rock gardens, the Heavenly King Hall, the Nine Dragon Screen, DaCiRen Hall and the Pavilion of One Thousand Happinesses.
Pictures 1
Pictures 2
Longtan Park is located about 1.5 km east of the Temple of Heaven.
Next to the west side of Longtan Park is the Beijing Amusement Park that features a ferris wheel and other rides.
LongTan ('Dragon Pond') Park features the large Dragon Lake, with 'moon bridges', weeping willows, rock gardens, dragon boats, tea houses and restaurant, winding jogging track, exercise areas and play areas for children. There is also a beautifully curving pavilion with a dragon roof and pillars decorated with golden spiralled dragons. Indeed, the dragon motif is featured in many places throughout Longtan Park.
This is a prime site for the Lantern Festival in Beijing when the whole park is illuminated with large colorful lanterns.
Beijing Botanical Garden, close to XiangShan Park at the foot of the Western Fragrant Hills, was established in 1955.
There are many features, including a lake, the Perennial Garden, Peony Garden, Ornamental Peach Garden, Orchid House, Desert Garden House, Exhibition Flower House and numerous gardens featuring camellias, bamboo, tree peonies, ornamental cherries and many others.
There is also a memorial garden for Cao Xue Qin, famous for writing the literary classic 'Story of the Stone'.
Don't miss:
The 10,000 square meter conservatory.
The sunken rose garden with large musical fountains.
The WoFoSi ('Sleeping Buddha') Temple and the teahouse to the west and north of it (towards the mountain).
About 7am.
QianHai is the lake between HouHai and BeiHai Park (across Di'AnMen street) and includes Lotus Lane along the south west side, with lake-side bars and dining.
XiHai, HouHai and QianHai are collectively known as ShiChaHai. All three have interesting places to eat and drink, and are particularly popular at night.
Between HouHai and QianHai lies the ancient JinDing bridge (JinDing Qiao); from the east side one can follow the interesting pedestrianised lane YanDaiXie Jie to the Drum and Bell Towers. Parallel to QianHai a little further east lies Nan LuoGuXiang.
QingHai province
The group is called HAYA, together with singer DaiQing Tana, and the song is in both mandarin and mongolian. The song is based on a QingHai folk tune. Beautiful in every way ...
SuZhou, an exquisite water town, lies on the banks of the YangTse river and next to TaiHu lake.
SuZhou is 45 minutes from Shanghai by train.
This film includes the classical gardens and the SuZhou Art Museum.
