Spring Train Getaway: A Two-Day Guide to Suburbs in Bloom

Weekend Hangouts in Yanqing

Yanqing, a suburban district of Beijing, is set to reveal its romantic side this spring. Save this travel guide to discover the unique beauty of the season.

Day 1

1  Beijing Expo Park

In spring, the resort becomes a real haven of flowers. Blossoms complement traditional-style buildings and various themed structures, ensuring that every photo you take looks incredible.

Lunch Recommendation

Sicily Kitchen

This elegant Mediterranean-style restaurant is located next to a farm at the foot of the mountains. Recommended dishes include black truffle Parma ham pizza, persimmon tiramisu, and German sausage platters.

2   Guyaju Caves

These ancient cliff dwellings, carved into mountain cliffs, are hidden among green hills and verdant cypresses. Walking through the site offers a glimpse into life from centuries past.

Dinner Recommendations

Lijia Restaurant (里家餐厅)

In addition to its classic hot pot, the restaurant offers innovative dishes such as a single-serving tofu feast and its signature Lijia roasted pork knuckle.

Chuniang Restaurant (厨娘餐厅)

Besides the signature tofu pot feast, this restaurant also offers a range of farmhouse-style dishes and local specialties.

Accommodation

Expo Serene Hotel Shiyuan

A four-star, water-themed hotel suitable for leisure vacations, family fun, and business meetings. It is located directly opposite Gate 2 of the Beijing Expo Park, with convenient access.

Hyatt Regency Beijing Shiyuan

With a garden-style atrium, this grand hotel incorporates elements of Yanqing's mountains, water, flowers, and birds, creating a spacious and elegant atmosphere.

Hyatt Place Beijing Shiyuan

A full-service hotel integrating accommodation, meetings, leisure, entertainment, and dining. Each floor is designed with a different animation theme, appealing especially to families with children.

Day 2

1   Spring Trains on Line S2

[Photo via Beijing Daily]

Line S2 is known as the "Spring-Bound Train" route, winding through mountain valleys where white trains pass through peach and apricot blossoms, offering spectacular views.

2   Badaling Great Wall

The weathered wall contrasts beautifully with the vibrant sea of blossoms, creating a scene that blends historical depth and spring vitality.

Tips

Best Flower-Viewing Spots

North Section: The North Watchtowers No. 2 and No. 4 are vantage spots for overlooking the sea of flowers. Visitors can take a cable car directly to the North Watchtower No. 8 for a bird's-eye view of the blossoms and capture stunning photos of the Great Wall and flowers en route.

South Section: The apricot groves on both sides of the South Watchtower No. 2 are particularly stunning, offering excellent compositions of the Great Wall and the floral expanse. The section's cable car with floor-to-ceiling windows creates a picturesque riding experience.

Recommended Viewing Period

Late March to early April

Lunch Recommendations

SUHE Restaurant

Located just 1.7 kilometers from the shuttle bus stop of the Badaling Great Wall scenic area, the restaurant can be easily reached on foot or via a short shuttle ride.

Badaling Hotel

Situated on the cultural street at the foot of the Badaling Great Wall, the hotel features flavors of Huaiyang, Cantonese, Sichuan, and Shandong cuisines, along with Yanqing's local specialties and northern-style snacks.

3  Beijing Yeya Lake Wetland Park

[Photo via VCG]

Currently, the park is welcoming birds on their spring migration. Various birds can be spotted frolicking on the water or feeding in the wetlands, making this suburban haven full of energy.

Don't miss the short spring season. Plan a trip with family and friends and enjoy the journey together!

(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)

Source: BeijingService