Yanqing County, Beijing (北京延慶)

 

The ice sculpture in Yanqing County of Beijing [Photo by Huazhongyoushi/bbs.fengniao.com]

Yanqing County, 74 kilometers northwest of downtown Beijing, is the northern gate of the capital. Although a famous summer resort, it's also a wonderful place to enjoy winter. Visitors can take a hike on the Great Wall, go skiing in the Badaling Ski Resort and Shijinglong Ski Resort, enjoy hot springs at Badaling Hot Spring Resort, and have fun on the frozen lake in the Xiadu Park. From December to February each year, the Yanqing Ice and Snow Tourism Festival is held by the local government. This year, the 26th festival opened in mid-December and will last till the end of February 2012. Colorful ice lanterns, interesting ice sculpture and various activities will provide you with an ideal getaway.

Travel tips:

Admission:

Badaling Great Wall: 45 yuan in season (April—Oct.); 40 yuan out of season (Nov.--March)

Badaling Ski Resort: 170 yuan/day in weekdays; 240 yuan/day in weekends

Shijinglong Ski Resort: 100 yuan/day in weekdays; 150 yuan/day in weekends

Badaling Hot Spring Resort: 168 yuan/day

Getting there: Take train S2 line from Beijing North Railway Station to Yanqing County, or take bus No.919 from Deshengmen to Yanqing.