Picture this, Lykkers: Standing atop a glass platform floating 400 meters above a gorge, or tracing Ming dynasty emperors' footsteps through silent tombs.
Beijing's magic extends far beyond the Forbidden City. Let's uncover five day trips where history, adrenaline, and serenity collide.
Ming Tombs Majesty
Just 50km northwest, the Ming Tombs whisper tales of emperors. Three tombs stand open:
- Cháng Líng (¥60 entry): Mirroring the Forbidden City's grandeur, this tomb honors Emperor Yongle.
- Dìng Líng (¥65): Descend into underground chambers housing the Wanli Emperor's jade burial suit.
- Zhāo Líng (¥35): A restored gem with intricate dragon carvings.
How to Reach:
- Bus 872 from Deshengmen Arrow Tower (¥8, 1 hour).
- Subway Line Changping to Ming Tombs Station (¥7), then taxi (¥15).
Pro Tip: Arrive by 9 AM to stroll the Spirit Way—a 7km path flanked by stone elephants and generals—before tour buses swarm.
Great Wall Gems
Not all Great Wall sections are created equal:
- Badaling (¥40): Closest but crowded. Take the high-speed train from Qinghe Station (¥23, 30 mins).
- Mutianyu (¥45): Toboggan down after hiking! Cable car round-trip: ¥120.
- Jiankou (free): "Wild Wall" with crumbling watchtowers. Hire a guide (¥400) via Beijing Hikers.
Transport Hacks:
- Private car to Jinshanling (2.5 hours, ¥800 round-trip) for sunset hikes.
- Avoid weekends—locals flock post-Friday.
Glass Cliff Dare
The Shilinxia Glass Platform (¥118 entry) juts over a 400m-deep gorge. Ride the cable car (¥100 round-trip) to the UFO-like deck. Safety Check: Grip socks provided—no flip-flops allowed!
Getting There:
- Bus 852 from Dongzhimen to Pinggu (¥15), then bus 25 (¥5).
- Private car: 1.5 hours, ¥500 round-trip.
Best Time: Weekday mornings—fewer selfie sticks blocking views.
Historic Wanping Wander
The Marco Polo Bridge (¥20 entry) boasts 485 stone lions. Nearby, a museum (free) details 1937's Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
Route: Subway Line 14 to Dawayao Station, then 10-minute walk.
Hidden Gem: Climb Wanping's for panoramic shots of the Yongding River.
Village Time Travel
In Cuandixia (¥35 entry), 500-year-old stone houses cling to terraced hills. Stay for lunch at Lao Zhai
Transport:
- Bus 892 from Pingguoyuan Station to Zhaitang (¥15), then taxi (¥30).
- Private driver: 2 hours, ¥600 round-trip.
Photography Tip: Golden hour lights up the Qing dynasty courtyards—arrive by 4 PM.
Beyond the Top 5
- Qing Tombs, Zunhua (¥122): 125km east. Bus from Sihui Station (¥40, 3 hours).
- Zhoukoudian Museum (¥30): See Peking Man fossils. Bus 917 from Tianqiao Station (¥10).
- Nanshan Ski Resort (Winter: ¥280/day lift pass). Summer hikes: Free. Shuttle from Shaoyaoju Station (¥50).
Planning Essentials
- Budget: ¥300-800/day (transport + tickets + meals).
- Packing: Hiking boots for Great Wall trails; reusable water bottle (refill stations scarce).
- Local Eats: Grab jianbing (savory crepes, ¥10) at bus stations.
Conclusion
Beijing's outskirts are a treasure chest—whether you're decoding imperial tombs or balancing on a glass cliff. Which adventure calls to you? Grab your metro card, charge your camera, and let the day-tripping begin!
