Adventures on Beijing's Outskirts
While Beijing has countless attractions, an escape from the urban chaos can offer an appealing breather. Luckily, the city's outlying areas boast outdoor getaways that serve as powerful antidotes. The Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, and ancient cave dwellings are just a few.
Beijing, China
The Great Wall of China runs more than 21,000 kilometers (over 13,000 miles), not as one continuous wall but rather as fortified wall sections. Some of the sections date back more than 2,500 years, though only 8.2 percent of the existing wall is...
China, Beijing Shi, Yanqing Qu, 010 County Rd, 张山营镇东门营村北
About 55 miles northwest of Beijing lies the impressive ancient cave dwelling site of Guyaju. The complex, which resembles stone apartment buildings, is believed to have been carved from the cliff faces by the Xiyi ethnic minority during the Tang...
Beijing's northern outskirts are punctuated by dramatic granite cliffs that have earned a reputation as one of China's premier rock climbing destinations. Whether you're an expert or a first-time climber, the cliffs along the Baihe River (80 km...
Mentougou, China
Nestled among the steep mountains west of Beijing, Chuandixia is one the region's best preserved Ming dynasty (1368–1644 AD) villages. Aside from the historic architecture, Chuandixia also provides a window into China's political past, with...
China, Beijing Shi, Chaoyang Qu, Chaoyang Park W Rd, 维多利亚花园D4 101
Hiking and sleeping on the Great Wall of China is a unique and memorable experience! This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will always cherish and recommend to future travelers to Beijing. We made many new friends, but still had our own...
Changchi Rd, Changping Qu, China
The Ming Tombs are 31 miles northwest of Beijing. The cemetery covers an area of 40 sq. kilometers with 13 Ming emperors buried here. This is a popular UNESCO attraction in China and easily combined with visiting Badaling Great Wall for a day trip...
