What are some lesser-known tourist spots around Beijing?

There are many short-haul travel destinations outside Beijing's urban area, but the most well-known attractions always seem to be overcrowded. So are there any more niche and fun destinations around Beijing that can be visited in a day? Here are a few off-the-beaten-path places to recommend.

Located on the north bank of Miyun Reservoir, Yunfeng Mountain is adjacent to the Simatai Great Wall in Gubeikou to the east and Yunmeng Mountain Scenic Area to the west. With a high altitude and dense forests, it is an ideal place to escape the summer heat. Among the many peaks in Beijing, Yunfeng Mountain is relatively unknown, and naturally, there are fewer tourists. However, Yunfeng Mountain has developed into a 'non-mainstream' entertainment destination in the suburbs of Beijing. In addition to forests and temples, Yunfeng Mountain also features a lavender garden, lavender-flavored ice cream, a bamboo forest teahouse, and picturesque fairy tale treehouses. These attractions are accessible by shuttle bus, making it a great spot for family trips and photo opportunities.
Beijing has two Tianmen Mountain Scenic Areas: one is located near Tanzhe Temple in Mentougou, and the other is in Miyun. The Tianmen Mountain in Miyun is relatively smaller, but therefore more serene. The highest peak of Miyun Tianmen Mountain is over 800 meters above sea level. The 'Tianmen Cave' at the top of the mountain is the most distinctive feature here. Looking up at Tianmen Cave from the foot of the mountain is a classic view of the scenic area. Visitors can also hike up the mountain and overlook the Miyun Reservoir from above Tianmen Cave, with a distant view of the Lupiguan Great Wall.

Baihe Wetland Ecological Park

Baihe Wetland Park is located in Liuli Temple Town, Huairou. It is a very small free park. The park is shaded by green trees and the river water is crystal clear, making it a natural oxygen bar among the many attractions in Huairou. The wooden boardwalk along the bay allows visitors to enjoy the scenery up close, and setting up tents or having a picnic in the grass is a fresh experience for gatherings with friends and family.
The historic Yongning Ancient City was initially supervised by the Tang Dynasty General Yuchi Jingde. During the Liao and Jin periods, it was destroyed due to wars and was not rebuilt until the Ming Dynasty when it was renamed 'Yongning County'. Today, Yongning Ancient City still retains some ancient buildings. The Yongning Catholic Church, built at the end of the 19th century, adds a colorful Western touch to the area. Although it is not large in size, the exquisite Yongning Ancient City boasts a lively night scene and hosts grand folk festivals every Spring Festival, making it an unmissable cultural attraction.

Youzhou Grand Canyon

Youzhou Grand Canyon, also known as Yongding River Canyon or Youzhou Valley, is located in the upper reaches of the Yongding River. The clear and rapid river water rushes down through the canyon, presenting a magnificent spectacle. This place is also loved by many self-driving enthusiasts: the 'hanging wall road' near the canyon, with towering rock on the left and steep cliffs on the right, makes driving on the winding road a dream for experienced drivers.
Located in the southwest of Beijing, it is filled with numerous strange rocks and has a complex geological structure. In Xiayunling, you can see captivating scenery all year round. In spring, summer, autumn, and winter, the mountains are covered with flowers and forests, making the entire park appear colorful and vibrant. In winter, Jingshui Lake freezes into sculpture-like ice waterfalls, which look even more spectacular than the flowing water in summer. Additionally, the hidden villages on Xiayunling Mountain are a desirable trekking route for hiking enthusiasts.