Amanda LimBeijing may be a buzzing metropolis steeped in imperial history, but just beyond its limits lie landscapes of rugged mountains, hidden temples, ancient villages, and artistic enclaves that offer a refreshing contrast.
Here are the best day trips from Beijing to put on your list, including a few underrated gems you won’t find in every guidebook.
Also read: How to Get Around Beijing for First-Timers
Classic highlights
The Great Wall (Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng, Simatai)
Image credit: rabbit75_cav via Canva Pro
No trip to Beijing is complete without venturing to the Great Wall, but skip the packed sections like Badaling and head to Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng, or Simatai instead.
Image credit: axz66 via Canva Pro
Jinshanling is ideal for hikers and photographers with spectacular ridgeline views. Huanghuacheng pairs history with nature, as stretches of wall dip into a reservoir lined with summer wildflowers.
Image credit: fanjianhua via Canva Pro
Simatai, meanwhile, offers one of the few illuminated night tours and pairs beautifully with nearby Gubei Water Town, a reconstructed canal village lit by lanterns and buzzing with teahouses.
Scenic natural escapes
Shilinxia glass platform & gorge
Image credit: Muzzleflash | Wikimedia
About 90 minutes from central Beijing, Shilinxia (“Stone Forest Gorge”) is known for its dramatic glass viewing platform suspended 400 metres above the canyon floor.
The hike to the top is steep but rewarding, offering panoramic views over jagged cliffs and forested ridges. Ideal for thrill-seekers and Instagrammers.
Yesanpo National Park
Image credit: Caitriana Nicholson | Wikimedia
Located in Hebei Province, around 2.5 hours from the city, Yesanpo boasts a vast landscape of deep gorges, karst formations, and crystal-clear streams. It’s a great spot for river hiking, with trails suitable for various fitness levels.
In summer, the lush greenery and fresh air provide a welcome escape from Beijing’s heat and smog.
Also read: 8 Most Beautiful Beginner-Friendly Hikes in China You Can Actually Do
Off-the-beaten-track and underrated spots
Guyaju Caves (Cliff Dwellings)
Image credit: Siyuwj | Wikimedia
Tucked into a canyon northwest of Beijing, Guyaju is a mysterious site of over 100 rooms carved directly into a cliffside.
Dating back to the Liao Dynasty (or possibly earlier), its origins remain a subject of debate. Wander through this ancient labyrinth for a dose of intrigue and sweeping views over the surrounding hills.
Cuandixia Village
Image credit: Schlafwagenschaffner via Canva Pro
Around 90km west of Beijing, Cuandixia is a photogenic mountain village with over 500 years of history. Its stone-paved lanes, grey-brick courtyard houses and backdrop of forested hills make it a favourite among artists and photographers.
Spend the afternoon wandering its alleys, sampling home-cooked food, and soaking in the slow pace of rural life.
Panjiakou Reservoir & Sunken Great Wall
Image credit: bingdian via Canva Pro
Panjiakou Reservoir offers a glimpse of the Great Wall submerged under water. While a bit further afield, you can join a scuba-diving tour to explore the partially sunken fortifications, or simply enjoy the dramatic mountain-and-lake scenery above ground.
Ming Tombs
Image credit: Drazen_ via Canva Pro
Located about 50km northwest of central Beijing, the Ming Tombs are the burial site of 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty. Set in a serene valley surrounded by mountains, the site offers a peaceful and historically rich experience.
Walk along the Sacred Way, lined with stone statues of animals and officials, before exploring the underground palace at Dingling Tomb, the only tomb excavated and open to visitors. It’s a glimpse into imperial afterlife rituals, just an hour’s drive from the city.
Coastal getaways
Beidaihe & Qinhuangdao
Image credit: wz1211 via Canva Pro
Located around 2.5 hours from Beijing by high-speed train, Beidaihe is a traditional beachside retreat known for its golden sands, pine forests and breezy summer weather.
Image credit: IgorSPb via Canva Pro
Highlights include Tiger Stone Park for coastal walks and water sports, and Lianfeng Mountain Park for gentle hikes with sweeping sea views. Just outside town, the Great Wall meets the sea at Laolongtou (Old Dragon’s Head).
Qinhuangdao, the broader coastal city that encompasses Beidaihe, offers a mix of seaside resorts, port-city energy and historical landmarks. As a growing hub with direct rail access from Beijing, it makes a great base for exploring both Beidaihe’s beaches and inland sites.
Aranya
Image credit: The Museum of Modern Art Official Website
Just down the coast from Beidaihe lies Aranya, a minimalist resort village made for lovers of art and quiet contemplation. Set against broad beaches and wind-brushed dunes, Aranya is known for striking landmarks such as the Lonely Library and the subterranean Dune Art Museum.
The photogenic seafront chapel and peaceful boardwalks draw artists, creatives and weekenders seeking tranquillity and visual calm.
Also read: 6 Underrated Places You Should Visit in South Korea (That Aren’t Seoul)
Escape the city
From cliffside dwellings and mountain temples to artist villages and coastal hideaways, these day trips reveal the many faces of Beijing’s great backyard. Whether you’re after history, nature or culture, you don’t need to go far to find it.
