Pinggu

Pinggu (平谷) is a suburban district in northeastern Beijing, located about 70 km from the city center. It is the easternmost district of Beijing Municipality and is renowned throughout China for its peach orchards — Pinggu peaches are considered among the best in the country.

The district sits at the foothills of the Yanshan Mountains and has a more rural character than most other Beijing districts. Pinggu has developed agritourism around its famous peach harvest, with pick-your-own farms, peach blossom festivals, and country restaurants. The district also contains the Jinhai Lake scenic area and the Dule Temple, a historic architectural treasure.

Pinggu has a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The peach blossom season (mid-April) and peach harvest (July–September) are the best times to visit.

By Plane

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK IATA) is about 50 km southwest of Pinggu.

By Train

Pinggu is on the Beijing–Chengde railway, with trains from Beijing Station. The Beijing Metro is planned to reach Pinggu but currently the closest subway station is in Shunyi.

By Car / Road

The Beijing–Pinggu Expressway connects Pinggu to central Beijing (about 1.5 hr). The Jingping Expressway is the main route.

Local buses connect Pinggu town to the scenic areas and villages. Taxis are available but less common than in central Beijing. A hired car costs ¥300–400 per day.

• Jinhai Lake (金海湖): The largest lake in Beijing's suburban districts, surrounded by forested hills with boat rentals, jet skiing, and lakeside hiking trails. Entry ¥30. Located 15 km east of Pinggu town.

• Dule Temple (独乐寺): A historic Buddhist temple in neighboring Jizhou (Tianjin Municipality), just 20 km from Pinggu. The temple's Guanyin Pavilion is one of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in China (984 CE).

• Pinggu Peach Blossom Festival: Every April, the peach orchards burst into pink bloom, with organized viewing routes, photography spots, and cultural performances.

• Shilin Gorge (石林峡): A scenic gorge with waterfall, glass-bottomed viewing platform, and walking trails. Entry ¥68.

• Dajinshan Scenic Area (大金山风景区): A mountain area with ancient pines, temples, and panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

• Peach Picking: Visit a peach orchard (July–September) to pick fresh Pinggu peaches — known for their sweetness and size.

• Boating on Jinhai Lake: Rent a paddle boat, speedboat, or take a lake cruise.

• Winery Tour: Pinggu has developed several wineries that offer tours and tastings.

• Hiking: The surrounding mountains offer trails suitable for day hikes.

• Peach-Infused Dishes: During peach season, restaurants create peach-themed dishes including peach pork ribs, peach salad, and peach desserts.
• Farmhouse Cuisine: Country restaurants serve braised free-range chicken, stir-fried mountain vegetables, and corn cakes.
• Jinhai Lake Fish: Freshwater fish from Jinhai Lake, served steamed or in a spicy broth.

Bottled water is recommended. Local fruit wines, particularly peach wine, are produced in the district.

• Budget: Farmstay guesthouses near Jinhai Lake or the peach orchards charge ¥100–200 per night.
• Mid-range: Hotels in Pinggu town, such as the Pinggu Hotel, offer rooms from ¥200–350 per night.
• Lakeside Resort: The Jinhai Lake Resort offers lake-view rooms from ¥400 per night.

Pinggu peaches (平谷大桃) are the district's pride — buy them fresh at orchards, roadside stands, or the local market. Dried peaches, peach jam, and peach wine are also available. Other local products include chestnuts, walnuts, and persimmons.

• Jinhai Lake (within Pinggu) — The largest lake in suburban Beijing.
• Miyun (west) — Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall.
• Shunyi (southwest) — Beijing's Olympic Water Park and outlet shopping.
• Jizhou (east, Tianjin Municipality) — The Dule Temple and the Panshan Mountain scenic area.