7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Beijing

As a digital nomad living in Beijing, you have the unique opportunity to explore a rich tapestry of cultural and natural wonders during your weekends. While the city itself offers a bustling urban experience, the surrounding areas provide a refreshing escape with a mix of popular and hidden gems. From the Great Wall to serene, lesser-known retreats, there's something for every type of traveler. Here are seven fun weekend getaways that are perfect for when you need a break from the digital grind.

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

The Great Wall of China is a must-visit, and the Mutianyu section is particularly popular due to its picturesque scenery and well-preserved watchtowers. Less crowded than Badaling, Mutianyu offers a more peaceful experience of this ancient wonder. You can hike along the wall, take a cable car up and a toboggan ride down, or simply enjoy the panoramic views.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Mutianyu is by bus or a private car from Beijing, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Travel Tip: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and catch the wall bathed in golden light.

Where to Stay: The Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall offers stunning views and a tranquil environment.

Where to Eat: The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu serves up Western-style meals with a focus on organic, locally-sourced ingredients.

Gubei Water Town

Gubei Water Town is a beautiful replica of an ancient Chinese water town, nestled at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall. This charming destination combines cultural heritage with modern amenities, including hot springs and boutique hotels. You can stroll along the cobblestone streets, take a boat ride on the canals, or explore the Simatai section of the Great Wall, which is illuminated at night.

How to Get There: Gubei Water Town is about 2 hours by car or bus from Beijing.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to see the Great Wall at night, a rare and enchanting experience.

Where to Stay: Gubei Water Town Wuzhenhui Boutique Hotel offers traditional Chinese architecture and modern comforts.

Where to Eat: Try local specialties like rainbow trout at one of the town's many traditional restaurants.

Chunhuiyuan Hot Springs

For a relaxing weekend, visit Chunhuiyuan Hot Springs, where you can soak in the therapeutic waters and enjoy a range of spa treatments. The hot springs are surrounded by beautiful gardens and offer a variety of pools with different temperatures and mineral compositions.

How to Get There: Chunhuiyuan Hot Springs is about an hour's drive from Beijing.

Travel Tip: Visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds and fully enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Where to Stay: Stay at the Chunhuiyuan Resort, which provides direct access to the hot springs.

Where to Eat: The resort's restaurants offer a range of Chinese and international dishes, focusing on healthy, nourishing meals.

Baiyangdian Lake

Baiyangdian Lake, located in the Anxin County, is the largest freshwater lake in northern China. It's a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, with a vast network of waterways and reed marshes. You can take a boat tour to explore the lake's many islands, visit traditional fishing villages, and enjoy the local aquatic cuisine.

How to Get There: The lake is about 2 to 3 hours by car from Beijing.

Travel Tip: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit for pleasant weather and abundant birdlife.

Where to Stay: The Lake View Hotel offers comfortable accommodations with scenic views of the lake.

Where to Eat: Sample the local fish dishes, which are a specialty in the lakeside restaurants.

Chengde Mountain Resort

Chengde Mountain Resort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was once the summer retreat of Qing Dynasty emperors. This vast complex includes palaces, gardens, and temples, set against a backdrop of stunning mountains. It's a perfect spot for history buffs and those looking to escape the city's heat.

How to Get There: The resort is about 3 to 4 hours by train or car from Beijing.

Travel Tip: Allocate a full day to explore the extensive grounds and surrounding Eight Outer Temples.

Where to Stay: The Yunshan Hotel is a popular choice, offering traditional Chinese hospitality.

Where to Eat: Enjoy Manchu and Mongolian cuisine at the restaurants within the resort area.

Cuandixia Village

Cuandixia Village is a hidden gem located in the mountainous area west of Beijing. This ancient village dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is renowned for its well-preserved courtyard homes and tranquil rural atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and those interested in traditional Chinese architecture.

How to Get There: The village is about 2.5 hours by car from Beijing.

Travel Tip: Stay overnight in one of the traditional homestays to experience rural life and enjoy the starry night sky.

Where to Stay: Many of the courtyard homes offer guest accommodations for an authentic experience.

Where to Eat: Local homestays provide home-cooked meals featuring farm-fresh ingredients and regional dishes.

Shidu Scenic Area

Shidu Scenic Area is often referred to as the "Guilin of the North" due to its stunning karst landscapes. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as rock climbing, bungee jumping, and river rafting. The area's natural beauty, with its dramatic cliffs and clear rivers, makes it a refreshing escape from urban life.

How to Get There: Shidu is approximately 3 hours by car from Beijing.

Travel Tip: Try to visit during the weekdays to avoid the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.

Where to Stay: The Shidu Juma Garden Hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the area.

Where to Eat: Local restaurants offer delicious river fish and other regional specialties.

These weekend getaways offer a diverse range of experiences, from historical exploration to natural wonders, all within reach of Beijing. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, these destinations provide the perfect respite for digital nomads seeking to balance work and wanderlust.