The Ultimate Guide to Yanqi Lake West Mountain Trail: A Babysitter-Level Strategy for Suburban Hiking Enthusiasts

Dear friends, today I am going to take you to a place known as the 'Swiss of the suburbs of Beijing'—the Yanqi Lake West Mountain Trail! Not only does it boast magnificent mountains, but it also has unique viewing platforms and a wealth of outdoor activities, making it a paradise for suburban hiking enthusiasts. Let's embark on this hiking journey together! **📍Location:** Yanqi Lake West Mountain Trail, a hidden gem for hiking in the suburbs of Beijing. **🎫Ticket Information:** Great news! Admission is free, truly a great value experience! **🚖Parking Fee:** 20 yuan per visit, very affordable. 1️⃣Travel Time Planning: It is recommended to start hiking at 3 pm when the sunlight is just right, not too hot nor too cold. Around 4 pm, you will reach the best viewing platform—'Echoing Geese'—where the golden sunlight is breathtakingly beautiful! However, please note that the trail is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and they start clearing the area at 5 pm, so be sure to manage your time well. 2️⃣Trail Selection Strategy: **Moderate Version:** Enter from Entrance 2 near Parking Lot P5 and follow the wooden walkway. It takes about 1 hour to reach the best viewing point. After taking photos, descend from Entrance 3 back to P5, which is very suitable for first-time visitors. **Easy Version:** If you have less physical strength or are pressed for time, go directly up from Entrance 3. In just over 10 minutes, you will reach the best viewing platform, then return the same way down, easy and convenient. **Challenging Version:** For those who like a challenge, you can ascend from Entrance 2, continue past Entrance 3, and check in at Entrances 4, 5, and 6. The latter half of the trail is less crowded, allowing you to fully appreciate the tranquility and beauty of nature. 3️⃣Best Photo Spots Revealed: There are a total of 17 viewing platforms here, but the most photogenic are definitely 'Echoing Geese' near Entrance 3 and the forest glass walkway on the descent from Entrance 3. Stand on the first level of the platform and have the photographer take a shot from above the viewing platform; the background will look like a beautiful painting, ensuring you get that blockbuster shot! 4️⃣Parking Guide: Navigate to Yanqi Lake Parking Lot P5, where the parking fee is 20 yuan per visit, very convenient. 5️⃣Train Travel Tips: If you find driving tiring, you can also opt to take the train. Tickets can be purchased on 12306, and although there are no assigned seats, tickets may be tight during holidays, so it's advisable to buy them in advance. 6️⃣Up Close with the 'Big Egg': After descending, drive from Parking Lot P5 to P6, where you can get an up-close view of the iconic 'Big Egg', and it's free! However, it is said that the fee-based Yanqi Lake Park is nothing special, so it's not recommended. 7️⃣Cycling Fun Experience: Opposite the road from Parking Lot P5 is the starting point of the Yanqi Lake Circular Trail, a total of 13 kilometers, perfect for family cycling. There are also bicycles for rent nearby, making it easy to enjoy the fun of cycling. 8️⃣Lunch Recommendation: In Huairou, you must try the local specialty rainbow trout, which is fresh and delicious, and will leave you with an unforgettable taste. 9️⃣Supply Station Information: There is a food court in Parking Lot P5 offering a variety of foods and snacks, such as pan-fried buns, spicy hot pot, pancakes, Ma Die Er popsicles, fruit mix milk tea, etc. The taste is standard, but enough to satisfy your taste buds. There are also vending machines at the starting point of the circular trail, convenient for you to replenish energy at any time.