Huairou

Huairou (怀柔) is a suburban district in northeastern Beijing, approximately 60 km from the city center. It is one of Beijing's most popular weekend destinations, known for its mountain scenery, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, and the annual Beijing International Film Festival hosted at the Huairou Film and Television Base.

The district lies in the foothills of the Yan Mountains, with the Huairou Reservoir and several rivers providing abundant water scenery. Huairou has long been considered Beijing's "back garden," with lakeside resorts, forest parks, and farmhouse restaurants drawing visitors from the capital. The area produces chestnuts, persimmons, and other mountain products.

Huairou has a temperate monsoon climate. Spring and autumn are beautiful; summer is a popular time for water activities.

By Plane

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK IATA) is about 35 km south of Huairou, making it the most convenient airport for the district.

By Train

Huairou has two railway stations: Huairou Station and Huairou North Station, both on the Beijing–Chengde conventional railway. The S5 and S6 suburban railways connect Huairou North to Beijing North Station.

By Car / Road

The G45 Daqing–Guangzhou Expressway and the Jingmi Road connect Huairou to central Beijing (about 1–1.5 hr). Buses from Dongzhimen (916 express bus) reach Huairou in about 1 hour.

Local buses connect Huairou town to the main scenic areas. Taxis are available but less common than in central Beijing. For visiting Mutianyu and other outlying sites, hiring a car or taking a tour bus is recommended.

• Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城): One of the most beautifully restored sections of the Great Wall, stretching 2.25 km with 22 watchtowers. Less crowded than Badaling, with stunning mountain views. Entry ¥40 + cable car ¥100 round trip.

• Hongluo Temple (红螺寺): An ancient Buddhist temple dating from the Tang dynasty, surrounded by bamboo groves and ginkgo trees, particularly beautiful in autumn.

• Yanqi Lake (雁栖湖): A scenic lake surrounded by mountains, site of the 2014 APEC summit. The lake has walking paths, boat rentals, and a glass-bottomed bridge. A light and sound show is staged on summer evenings.

• Qinglong Lake (青龙湖): A large reservoir with water sports, cycling paths, and lakeside dining.

• Beijing Film and Television Base: A large film studio complex that hosts the Beijing International Film Festival. Tours are available.

• Laohu Valley (老虎谷): A scenic hiking area with mountain streams and forested trails.

• Great Wall Hiking: Mutianyu is ideal for hiking — walk between watchtowers, take the toboggan slide down.

• Boating on Yanqi Lake: Rent a paddle boat or take a cruise around the APEC summit venue.

• Chestnut Picking: Huairou is famous for its chestnuts. In autumn (September–October), you can pick fresh chestnuts at local farms.

• Hot Springs: Several hotels and resorts in Huairou offer hot spring baths.

• Huairou Chestnut Chicken: Braised chicken with Huairou chestnuts — the signature local dish.
• Rainbow Trout: Freshwater trout farmed in the mountain streams, grilled or steamed at lakeside restaurants.
• Farmhouse Feast: Multi-course meals at farmhouse restaurants feature braised pork, stir-fried mountain vegetables, corn cakes, and pumpkin porridge.
• Wild Mushroom Soup: A seasonal specialty made with locally foraged mushrooms.

Local mountain tea and rice wine are available at farmhouse restaurants. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Farmstay accommodation (农家院) offers basic rooms from ¥100–200 per night with home-cooked dinners.
• Mid-range: Hotels near Mutianyu and Yanqi Lake, such as the Huairou Hotel or the Yanqi Lake Hotel, charge ¥300–600 per night.
• Upscale: The Sunrise Kempinski Hotel on Yanqi Lake offers luxury lakeside accommodation from ¥1,000 per night.

Huairou chestnuts (怀柔板栗) are celebrated across China — buy fresh or roasted from roadside stalls. Dried persimmons, hawthorn products, and local honey are also good purchases.

• Mutianyu Great Wall (within Huairou) — The premier Great Wall section in the Beijing area.
• Miyun (neighboring district east) — Home to the Miyun Reservoir and the Gubei Water Town resort.
• Yanqing (northwest) — District with the Badaling Great Wall, Guanting Reservoir, and the Shichuan ski areas.
• Shunyi (south) — Beijing's Olympic Water Park location, with outlet shopping and golf courses.