[Photo via tuchong.com]

1. Shidu Juma River Rafting

Located in Shidu Scenic Area, Juma River is the water source for Shidu dubbed as the mini-Guilin in northern China. While rafting on the Juma River Valley, visitors can take in the natural scenery of Shidu while also enjoying the cool splash of the river water.

Address: Under Jiudu Bridge, Shidu Town, Fangshan District, Beijing

Transportation: Bus F16 to Jiudu Station

2. Miyun Qingliang Valley

Located on the shady slope of Yunmeng Mountain and beyond the Great Wall, Qingliang Valley Scenic Area is made up of Qingliang Lake and Qianchi (thousand feet) Pearl Waterfall. The Baihe River flows through the gate of the Qingliang Valley Scenic Area all year round, providing a significant cooling effect on the valley. Visitors can witness 2 lakes, 5 waterfalls and 13 water ponds of different shapes within just a 4 kilometers span of road.

Address: Sihetang Village, Shicheng Town, Miyun District, Beijing

Transportation: Miyun Bus No. 63 to Qingliang Gu Station

3. Legu Silver Beach

Located in Sandu, Mujiakou Village, Zhangfang Town, Fangshan Mountain, Legu Silver Beach boasts the largest drop in elevation of all scenic areas in Shidu, offering the most thrilling alpine canyon rafting experience around. The rafting route is as long as 3.8 kilometers, containing a total drop in elevation of 180 meters along with more than 300 bends which come at breakneck speed. Visitors can also walk on the "Milky Way" glass suspension bridge and the "In the Clouds" glass walkway. They can also take in the stunning views at the "Cloud Sky" viewing platform at the Legu Silver Beach Scenic Area.

Address: Sandu, Mujiakou Village, Zhangfang Town, Fangshan

Transportation: Bus F16 to Sanduqiao South Station

4. Wuling Xifeng

The entire rafting experience can be divided into 3 sections: the first turbulent section, the second (and relatively gentle) section, and the third most exciting section with some steep slopes. Staff will be there to make sure visitors hold onto their safety ropes tightly throughout the whole journey so that they can enjoy themselves safely.

Address: Wuling Xifeng Scenic Area, Shatan Village, Xinchengzi Town

Tel: +86-10-81023988; 010-81023329

Reminders:

- With many tourists partaking in rafting during the summer, it is not rare to spend some time waiting in line.

- Tips for clothing: Rafters will inevitably get wet during the experience, so it is advised to bring a few additional pieces of clothing. In addition, rafters are encouraged not to wear leather shoes and instead wear flat-soled slippers, plastic sandals and sports shoes.

- During inclement weather, the water will be frigid, whereas on sunny days the sunlight will be quite harsh. Make necessary preparations beforehand to stay warm and prevent sunburn.

- Don't take any valuables with you. Only drinking water, mobile phones, pagers, ID cards and cash should be taken onboard the raft.

- Notice to parents: As the river courses through a mountainous area, it is somewhat tumultuous, and thus it is not advised for young children or those who cannot swim to go rafting.

- While rafting, do not do anything that will put you in danger.

- When the raft passes through a dangerous shoal, please follow the orders of the captain and remain where you are. Clinch to the safety ropes tightly, put both of your feet together and tilt your body towards the center of the raft.

(Source: Visitbeijing.com.cn)