Great Weekend Trips away from Beijing

If you live in Beijing as a local, student, or expat, there is no doubt that from time to time you need to escape the rush and pressure of the city to decompress. Take a look at our expert suggestions on where to go and how to get there, we're sure you can find a way to relax outside the city.

If you live in Beijing as a local, student, or expat, there is no doubt that from time to time you need to escape the rush and pressure of the city to decompress. While extended vacations are truly relaxing and an absolute must for keeping up with family far away; a quick two or three day trip every once in awhile can do wonders for your mental health and happiness, and it doesn't have to be complex or expensive.

Here are a few ideas for quick and easy trips for a two or three day weekend that will leave you refreshed. A maximum travel time of 3 hours each way from central Beijing is implied, regardless of the travel method recommended.

Tianjin
Tianjin has had a problem in building a decent reputation for itself as a tourist destination. Tianjin should bill itself as the “littlest big city in China,” since it has the fourth largest population in the country, but a remarkably “small city” feel. This is probably because outside of the city center, tall buildings are few and open space is fairly abundant.

The city has lots of not-so-world-famous sights to see, including thousand year old temples, mountain overlooks, an imperial fort, preserved residences of famous figures in China's history, and western architecture from the first foreign occupation of China in the early 20th Century, similar to homes and building found in Shanghai or Qingdao. Known as the “cradle of operas”, Tianjin is the epicenter for the Chinese opera and other stage-plays that can be seen nightly. It is one of the most southerly locations that you visit the Great Wall, you could spend one day in the city and a day outside of it.

The best part is that Tianjin is easy to travel and locate. High-speed trains leave Beijing every half hour bound for Tianjin, making the trip in just 30 minutes. Tickets are affordable at around 60-70RMB.

Pingyao
This is a bit of a stretch for a weekend, by number of days needed and travel time, but it so worth it. Pingyao is one of the oldest remaining walled cities in China and in the world, with the walls dating back to 1370 during the Ming Dynasty, and it is a World Heritage Site. To use a cliché; it really is a step back in time.

Narrow cobblestone streets wind between ancient brick homes, shops, and offices.It seems as if time as stopped here. Pingyao seems largely unaware of the massive changes that the rest of China is going through.

Pingyao is in Shanxi Province and you have to fly first to Taiyuan and then take a bus or train the final 100 kilometers. If you make it a three day trip and avoid going on a Chinese holiday you will be truly amazed (and crowd-free). Just look at a map, and then remember you may not be in China forever and Pingyao may not stay ancient much longer.

The Great Wall and Surrounding Areas
When former US President Bill Clinton visited Mutianyu, he said the Great Wall was “truly great”. Certainly, it wasn't the most profound statement ever made about one of the seven wonders of the world, but if you haven't seen it for yourself yet then you are missing out on one of the most incredible sights (not to mention one of the most approachable) in China and even the world. If you have been, then you should consider visiting one of the Great Wall's less popular locations for a new perspective, and since you have a full weekend be sure to check out some of the other “great” sights (if Clinton can use it, so can we) and things to do near the Wall.

If you are a camper and hiker, not to be missed is the opportunity to combine them in a one-night-two-day excursion that includes walking/hiking several kilometers of the wall, seeing both its restored and untouched glory, plus taking in the beautiful scenery that surrounds the Wall, followed by dinner and a drink under the stars (bring your own, there are no shops), and awakening to experience the sunrise and another short hike before heading home. Package deals are inexpensive and guided tours are available in English and Chinese from companies such as Back Country Beijing.

Looking for a bit more lounging in your weekend getaway, maybe even with the kids in tow? There are a few boutique hotels and home-stays that have begun to cater to folks who want to spend a couple of days away from the big city and perhaps take in a few sights at a slow pace, or just chill out around their accommodations and read a book while enjoying the surroundings. One option is the Brickyard Eco-Retreat, a former tile glazing factory converted into a loft-style hotel/function center/eco-resort with relaxed lounges, green space, and very close to the Great Wall and other local flavor.

After you have seen the Wall, there are a some other interesting activities to consider as well, such as Kangxi Grassland, where you can spend a day taking a glimpse into the lifestyle and landscape of north-central China and Mongolia and even take a horseback ride like a real nomad if you want.


There is no end to the things you can see and do in China, and this list just starts to scratch the surface. Bottom line, don't languish away in Beijing touring the same old sights (every time friends visit you will have to go to the Forbidden City anyway), so go see something new while you can.