Beijing Surroundings National Day Golden Week Travel Guide

Don’t want to squeeze into the Forbidden City during National Day? Follow me to explore the areas around Beijing, three days and two nights for 2,900 RMB to stay in a landscape painting, all-inclusive food, drink, and entertainment with no disappointments! Ancient Gubei Water Town + Simatai Great Wall + Huairou Chestnut Mountain Residence Life*: 1,200 RMB (two nights in a special guesthouse, recommended Gubei Zhiguang or Hidden World·Days, including breakfast, optional hot springs) 0 RMB (car rental and self-driving + fuel and tolls, shared by four people for great value; or high-speed train from Beijing South → Miyun 1 hour, taxi transfer) + Tickets: 700 RMB (including Simatai night tour, Great Wall cable car, winery tasting, etc.) 200 RMB (handicraft experience/souvenirs) Day 1: Fireworks under the Great Wall at night in Ancient Gubei Water Town. Stroll through the cobblestone alleys in the afternoon, check in at Yongshun Dyeing Workshop, and DIY at the kite shop. Simatai Great Wall (the only section open for night climbing! The lights wind like a star river), take the cable car up and down to save effort and get great photos. Must-eat dinner: big chunks of meat at the roast meat restaurant, lamb spine hotpot at Guguan Hotpot, and a craft beer at Tangshi to get tipsy while enjoying the night view. Day 2: Slow Beijing-style life among mountains and waters Wake up naturally, soak in the town’s hot springs to feel the autumn atmosphere. Drive 30 minutes into Huairou to explore Shentangyu Wooden Walkway—accompanied by forest streams, an easy 1.5-hour hike. Lunch secret spot: Bohai Iron Pot Stewed Fish, freshly caught reservoir fish + crispy pancakes so good you’ll lick the plate! In the afternoon, pick chestnuts and crack walnuts, experience the harvest season in Beijing’s suburbs. Check in at a boutique mountain guesthouse at dusk, brew tea by the stove and admire the starry sky, all for under 300 RMB per person including dinner! Cultural finale, return fully satisfied Stop by Zhangyu Aifeibao Winery, a European-style castle perfect for photos, free tasting of two wines. Pass by Niulanshan Erguotou Museum, buy a limited edition “Guochao style” bottle as a souvenir for only 59 RMB! Must-eat list*: Gubei sesame seed cake with pork knuckle (night market star) ✅ Huairou rainbow trout sashimi + grilled fish ✅ Sugar-fried chestnuts (look for the “Hongluo” old brand) Town autumn pear syrup making experience (top choice for families), avoid the 1st and 2nd day peak crowds, and instantly turn your social media into a “city escape” blockbuster scene. This Golden Week, put Beijing’s autumn colors into your heart!