The Labor Day holiday brings endless opportunities for great escapes in Beijing's suburbs. Miyun and Huairou are brimming with breathtaking scenery and special events– so come and enjoy a relaxing holiday getaway!

Miyun District

Sujiayu Village, Xinchengzi Town: Encounter a 580-Year-Old Chinese Fringetree

[Photo via Beijing Daily]

The 580-year-old Chinese fringetree in the village is now in full bloom, covered with elegant white flowers. During the Labor Day holiday, a cultural festival will be held under this tree, featuring food, fun activities and performances. You can also visit a 3,500-year-old cypress nearby, which happens to be the oldest known tree in Beijing.

Tips: Try the sweet potato and Jerusalem artichoke feast at Wang's Courtyard in Tagou Village, a hearty farmhouse feast with distinctive local flavor.

Miyun Reservoir

[Photo via Beijing Daily]

SUNAREA: Watch the Sunset over the "Sea"

Stand on the 180-degree viewing platform in the SUNAREA for a panoramic view of the Miyun Reservoir—perfect for taking stunning "sea view" photos for social media. Sit back and enjoy a one-of-a-kind sunset over Miyun's hidden "sea"..

Tips: For excitement, try the UTV off-road in SUNAREA, or the mountain cart at Yexian Park.

Beijing WTown

[Photo via Beijing Daily]

Beijing WTown: An Immersive Adventure at the Foot of the Great Wall

Beijing WTown is launching its "Adventure Season", with street performances including the Qi's Army Armor Drill, Great Wall Adventure Concert and Floral Parade. After dark, take a rowboat to Moon Island for the Great Wall Tower Show—a spectacular mix of traditional molten iron fireworks, mountain laser projections and some live performances.

Tips: Take S5 Huairou-Miyun Line to Gubeikou Railway Station; spring flowers are in full bloom on the mountains. Driving is also a good option with charging piles provided at Parking Lots No. 5 and No. 6.

Huairou District

Yanqi Lake

[Photo by Ma Wenxiao from Beijing Daily]

Yanqi Lake West Mountain Plank Road: 8km Scenic Route for All Ages

This approximately 8km mountain plank road offers beautiful scenery year-round and is suitable for visitors of all ages. Just climb to the "Lingyan Huiming" (聆雁回鸣) viewing platform for a panoramic view of Yanqi Lake, the perfect spot for snapping some scenic photos.

Tips: On the first two days of the Labor Day holiday, the China-Chic Culture Season will kick off at Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing by Yanqi Lake. Featuring time-honored delicacies, intangible cultural heritage experiences, Hanfu shows and concerts, it's perfect for a stop on your trip.

Beijing Labagou Virgin Forest Park: Admire Azaleas by Day, Stargaze at Night

[Photo via WeChat account "Beijing Huairou"]

The primeval forest has towering ancient trees, blooming alpine azaleas and fresh air to fill your lungs. You can hike for around 7km to the Iron Tower Pavilion for a sweeping view of rolling mountains. The real magic begins at night: on clear spring nights, the vast Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.

Tips: Stay overnight if possible - choose Xialiangong Guesthouse inside the scenic area or guesthouse in Zhongyushudian Village outside the park.

Beijing Yanyuetai Courtyard

[Photo via Beijing Daily]

Qinglong Gorge Scenic Area: Enjoy Mountains, Valleys and the Great Wall—All in One Trip

Take a cruise to enjoy spring scenery on both sides of the Qinglong Gorge, then ride a cable car to the highest peak of Yuhuangtai. You can also overlook the gorges, tranquil waters and rolling mountain ranges from the Great Wall viewing platform.

Tips: Stay overnight at the mountain-view rooms of Yanyuetai Courtyard nearby, take a stroll in the rainforest hall and have fun in family-friendly attractions. The scenic area also offers year-round special offers, with free tickets and special package deals for eligible visitors.

(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)