Yanqi Lake
Yanqi Lake, a 2.2 km² artificial reservoir built in 1959, is a National AAAA scenic spot 80 km north of Beijing. Famed for hosting the 2014 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, it blends diplomatic history with natural beauty. The lake’s crescent shape symbolizes harmony (yanqi = "wild goose rest"), while its surroundings feature luxury hotels, wetland parks, and access to the Xishuiyu section of the Great Wall.
Historical Overview
- Construction: Built during the Great Leap Forward (1958–1961) to supply water to Huairou.
- APEC Era: Transformed in 2014 with the $480 million Yanqi Lake International Convention Center, featuring a 75,000㎡ eco-friendly complex.
- Cultural Legacy: Site of the 2014 APEC summit, where leaders adopted the Beijing Blue Sky Declaration.
Structural Layout
The area is divided into three zones:
- Diplomatic Core: The Yanqi Lake International Convention Center, with its lotus-shaped main hall and 21-hectare gardens.
- Lakeside Recreation: Wetland parks, cycling paths, and the 3.5km Sunset View Promenade.
- Mountain Access: Trails linking to Xishuiyu Great Wall (15km) and Hongluo Temple (10km).
Major Attractions
- APEC Convention Center: A futuristic complex with solar panels, rainwater recycling, and a 1,000㎡ LED ceiling.
- Sunrise Island: A man-made islet with pagodas and peony gardens, ideal for morning photography.
- Xishuiyu Great Wall: A restored Ming Dynasty section (built 1575) with 12 watchtowers and steep staircases.
- Wetland Park: Boardwalks through reed marshes, home to over 50 bird species.
- Luxury Resorts: Hotels like the Sunrise Kempinski offer spa services and lakeside dining.
Suggested Itineraries
- Half-Day Diplomatic Tour (3–4 hours):
Entrance → APEC Convention Center tour → Sunrise Island → Wetland Park.
Highlight: Guided tour of the APEC venue’s eco-friendly features. - Full-Day Adventure (6–7 hours):
Entrance → Cycle the Sunset Promenade (10km) → Hike Xishuiyu Great Wall → Return via taxi.
Add-on: Lunch at the Kempinski’s lakeside restaurant (¥200–400/person). - Cultural & Nature Tour (Full Day):
Morning: APEC Convention Center + Wetland Park.
Afternoon: Xishuiyu Great Wall hike.
Evening: Sunset cruise (¥150/person, 1 hour).
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via Ctrip or the official WeChat account "Yanqi Lake" (up to 7 days in advance).
- On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; discounts for group tours (10+ people).
- Prices:
- Peak Season (April–October): ¥45 (adults), ¥22 (students/seniors).
- Off-Season (November–March): ¥35 (adults), ¥17 (students/seniors).
- Free: Children under 1.2m.
Transportation
- By Bus: From Dongzhimen Hub Station, take Bus 916/916快 to Huairou, then transfer to Bus H25/H39 to Yanqihu. Special tourist buses depart at 8:30 AM (¥30 one-way).
- By Car: 1.5-hour drive from Beijing via G45 Daqing-Guangzhou Expressway → S11 Qinghai-Xinjiang Expressway.
- Guided Tours: Half-day tours from Beijing (¥150–200/person, includes transport).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: April–June (blossoms) and September–October (autumn foliage).
- Avoid Crowds: Weekdays; arrive early (8:30 AM opening).
- Essentials:
- Bring sunscreen and a hat (limited shade on trails).
- Rent bikes/e-scooters at the entrance (¥30–50/hour).
- Respect eco-zones: No feeding animals or picking plants.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
