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The places to visit near Beijing offer a dynamic mix of imperial history, serene nature, and traditional culture, all within easy reach of the city. Whether you want to explore ancient villages, hike peaceful mountain trails, or walk along lesser-known sections of the Great Wall, each destination brings something unique. From cultural retreats to natural escapes, these spots make for perfect weekend getaways or day trips. Step away from the busy city and discover a quieter, more enchanting side of northern China. Start your journey beyond Beijing and uncover unforgettable experiences.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Beijing
Places to Visit near Beijing, from ancient towns and magnificent mountains, to peaceful temples and coastal escapes.
1. Chengde
Photo: Maros M r a z (Maros) / Wikimedia Commons
Chengde is located approximately 225 km northeast of Beijing, and is best known for the Mountain Resort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former summer palace of Qing dynasty emperors. The Mountain Resort is a large complex featuring serene lakes and lush gardens that contains many of the miniature reproductions of famous Chinese landmarks. Surrounding the resort are the Eight Outer Temples (Waibamiao), a mixture of Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian architectural styles. Puning Temple has a huge Guanyin statue made of wood that is worth visiting. Chengde has a rich history, white culture, and natural beauty, and is one of the most rewarding places to visit near Beijing.
Highlight: Mountain Resort & Eight Outer Temples
Top Experience: Explore the imperial summer palace and Tibetan-style temples
2. Longqing Gorge
Photo: Asadal / Wikimedia Commons
Located about wide away from Beijing, about 90 km northwest of Beijing, Yanqing District Longqing Gorge is famous for its incredible natural scenery, which resembles the beauty of the Yangtze River’s spectacular Three Gorges area. The highlight includes a calm boat excursion along the emerald green river that is surrounded by cliffs and sharp rocks. The area also has a scenic cable car and an elevator that can take you to the side of the gorge, providing a breathtaking view of the gorge area. In the winter, Longqing Gorge has the amazing Longqing Ice Lantern Festival that includes huge ice sculptures illuminated by lights.
Highlight: Boat cruise through cliffs, Ice Lantern Festival
Top Experience: Scenic cable car and winter ice sculpture viewing
3. Mount Yaji
Photo: N509FZ / Wikimedia Commons
The scenic and spiritual site of Mount Yaji is around 100 km from downtown Beijing, in Fangshan District, and is a prime spot for nature hikes and temple site visits. This steep granite cliff mountain has dense forests, and visitors can look out over beautiful rural land. At its summit is the Guanyin Temple, a sacred site associated with Buddhism, which is carved into the rock face and draws visitors and worshippers alike. Hikers take stone steps to the summit, or they can use a cable car part of the way. The mountain represents peace, crispness of air, secluded feeling of spirituality, and it’s a welcome getaway for adventure and reflection.
Highlight: Hiking trails and Guanyin Temple
Top Experience: Panoramic mountain hike with temple visit
4. Gubei Water Town And Simatai Great Wall
Photo: Codas / Wikimedia Commons
Gubei Water Town is located about 135 km northeast of Beijing, and is a rebuilt ancient town in the shadow of the stunning Simatai section of the Great Wall. The town is filled with courtyard homes, stone-paved streets and canals, where the magic happens when all are lit up with lanterns at night! Simatai is one of the steepest and most architecturally original parts of the Great Wall and is one of the only sections you can visit at night. You can take a cable car to walk along the illuminated wall. Gubei Water Town also offers boutique accommodation options, hot springs, cultural performances, craft workshops, and much more.
Highlight: Night Great Wall view, canal town
Top Experience: Night walk on Simatai Wall & soak in hot springs
5. Shanhaiguan
Photo: Nyx Ning / Wikimedia Commons
About 300 kilometres east of Beijing, Shanhaiguan is one of the most iconic and beautiful places to see near Beijing, with a historic coastal town where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea. It is known as “First Pass Under Heaven,” which has long served as a Ming military fortress. The main attraction is Laolongtou (also called “Old Dragon’s Head”), which extends the Great Wall into the ocean for incredible views and photographs. In addition to Laolongtou, visitors can walk through some ancient gates, climb Jiaoshan (the first mountain the wall climbs), or visit the Great Wall Museum for a better understanding of the Great Wall’s legacy.
Highlight: Great Wall meets the sea (Laolongtou)
Top Experience: Visit “First Pass Under Heaven” and coastal wall walk
6. Tanzhe Temple
Photo: Kikolipu / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 40 km west of central Beijing in the Western Hills, Tanzhe Temple is among the oldest and most highly respected Buddhist temples in North China and dates back about 1,700 years. Set in a grove of ancient cypress trees and hidden away by the mountains, this temple has a tranquil ambience with halls, pagodas, and quiet courtyards. One of the bigger attractions is the 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree, which is said to bring good luck. Visitors come here to pray, meditate, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and awesome architecture. It is believed that the temple got its name because of its natural setting: “Temple of the Pool and the Tree”.
Highlight: 1,700-year-old temple and ancient ginkgo tree
Top Experience: Spiritual visit and quiet garden stroll
7. Jinshanling Great Wall
Photo: Jakub Halun / Wikimedia Commons
Situated about 130 km northeast of Beijing, Jinshanling is considered one of the most scenic and historical places to visit near Beijing. Known for its dramatic mountain setting, original watchtowers, and intricate brickwork, it offers a rugged yet rewarding hiking experience. The trail between Jinshanling and Simatai is immensely popular with trekkers and photographers for its expansive panoramic views and relatively low numbers of tourists, especially when compared to Badaling. The place is serene and practically free from commercialisation, helping maintain the undiluted antique feel throughout. Hiking at sunrise or sunset at this spot is certainly exhilarating. Whether you are an enthusiastic hiker or a casual traveller, Jinshanling affords a truly genuine and unforgettable experience.
Highlight: Rugged, scenic Wall section
Top Experience: Sunrise hike between Jinshanling and Simatai
8. Shidu Scenic Area
Photo: Zhangzhugang / Wikimedia Commons
About 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Beijing in the Fangshan District, Shidu Scenic Area is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Beijing. Often called the “Guilin of the North,” it features rolling karst mountains, winding rivers, and lush green valleys. The area stretches along the Juma River and offers activities like kayaking, zip lining, climbing, and bungee jumping. Visitors can explore multiple scenic zones, hike through wooded trails, or simply take in the river views. Particularly vibrant in spring and summer, Shidu is ideal for a nature-filled escape that combines adventure with stunning natural beauty.
Highlight: Karst mountains, Juma River, outdoor adventure
Top Experience: River rafting, ziplining, and hiking through dramatic limestone scenery
9. Beidaihe
Photo: Charlie Fong / Wikimedia Commons
Beidaihe is a popular coastal resort town on the Bohai Sea, with sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, about 280 km from Beijing. The town, a favourite getaway for leisure travellers, has been a favourite destination since the Qing Dynasty. Beidaihe is also popular for bird watching, especially during spring and autumn migrations. The beach is the place to soak up the sun and swim, while the nearby Lianfeng Mountain Park has hiking and sea views. The town is home to some Russian-style villas and cute cafes, giving it a certain nostalgic charm.
Highlight: Beach town and birdwatching
Top Experience: Relax on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood
10. Cuandixia Village
Photo: xiaojiecha / Wikimedia Commons
Cuandixia Village, located around 90 km west of Beijing in Mentougou District, is a mountain hamlet that dates back 500 years, renowned for its exquisite Ming- and Qing-era courtyard homes. Set in a quiet valley, the hamlet has over 70 houses built in stone and wood with artful carvings and calligraphy. It is a favourite getaway for photographers, painters, and historians desperate to capture genuine rural polish. Visitors wander narrow alleyways, savour hearty local fare, and mingle with families who have called this place home for many generations. Wrapped around in terraced hills and quiet walkways, Cuandixia is picturesque and steeped in history, undeniably one of the most beautiful attractions near Beijing.
Highlight: Ancient Ming–Qing courtyard homes
Top Experience: Walk historic alleys and stay in traditional guesthouses
The areas surrounding Beijing offer everything from ancient castles and sacred temples to dramatic gorges and quiet coastal escapes. These nearby spots are perfect for reconnecting with nature while exploring centuries of rich Chinese history. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend getaway or a culturally immersive journey, the many places to visit near Beijing suit all types of travellers. Ready to escape the city? Start planning your next adventure today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Isis Pan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
