Summer Hiking in Beijing, China

Tourism is at its peak during summer in Beijing, China.  The Great Wall tour is tourist staple; of course no one should miss the place - it is one of the world's amazing engineering feats unaided by modern technology.  After the usual Beijing tourism fare, how about considering hiking in Beijing's mountain trails?   

The Mountains of Beijing

It may be hot in Beijing during the summer, but if this is the only time you can get away from the demands of work or school, there's no stopping you from conquering the heights of Beijing.  Hiking here offers a double treat because along the way there are historical stuff dating back to Kublai Khan's time.  Though some of the stuff are replicas of the original, an old mud wall still stands at the Dadu Ruins Park.

One of the exciting places awaiting hikers is the Fanzipai Village in Miyun County.  This is a favorite jump-off point for mountain hikes and this is where the mountains become a little wilder, a preview of what's out there.  Before starting out, view the relics from the Yuan Dynasty, The Juyongguan Great Wall, a stone archway is proof of Beijing's urbane past. 

Hiking along the countryside trails is just as interesting as conquering Beijing's peaks.  During the hike, hiking tourists are treated to everyday life in the rural area.  Small settlements, open air markets such as that in Lily Village, fields of corn and cabbages, and vast chestnut orchards make the hike interesting and worth the long walk.  Hike tours include snacks and food and drinks and stopovers in interesting places.  

If you have older children with you, a two-hour over a 6 kilometer stretch would be good for them.  Make sure though that the hike is an easy one over flat or rolling terrains.  If you want the trail less taken, join a walking tour to Yangtai Mountain.  Along the way you pass rivers, mountains, and the Great Wall.    

Before the hike, visit the Beijing Summer Palace, one of the world's beautiful places.  This used to be an imperial summer resort.  The palace set on a wooded hillside leading towards an artificial lake has beautiful gardens.  Most hikes include a side trip to the Summer Palace so check this out before you sign up for a hike, that is, if you want to see this breathtaking place also rich in history.

Beijing City is very cosmopolitan; modern and old architecture create an interesting blend, that's uniquely Beijing.  Five star hotels, hostels, courtyard hotels, and apartments are ready for different budgets and tastes. Online booking of your holiday apartment is faster and convenient and you have more options but book your reservation online after reading reviews if you are not joining a tour group.  

Visit our travel guides and find information about Beijing airport, Roman architecture and so much more, aditionally you will be able to book online your Rome apartment!