Are you looking for a great spot to have a barbecue grill during your Beijing tour? Yes, there’s nothing better than the sizzle of sausages, fish, chicken or porking cooking in the great outdoors. The popularity of BBQ grills has surged among Beijing urban residents as well as Beijing expats and international travelers. Cooking alfresco is one of the most satisfying summer pleasures if we are lucky to have good weather.
We list the prettiest, more importantly, legal places to light your fire. You are able to grill to your heart’s content as long as you take appropriate safety measures and clean up when you’re finished.
1. Ming Tombs Reservoir 十三陵水库
Highlights: Beijing Ming Tombs Reservoir epitomizes the happiness of grills over the picturesque views. Finding an ideal barbecure spot is pivotal to a happy grill. The Ming Tombs Reservoir is a combination of the limpid water and the beautiful mountains, a harmony of men and nature, a perfect area for outdoor barbecue and picnic.
Put up your grill, prepare grilling recipes and light your fire. With the cooking smokes going up, enjoy your grilled foods while appreciating the surrounding beautiful vista. After dinner, walk along the bank of the reservoir and try your fishing at a designated pool if you are interested in fishing. At nightfall, under the stary sky, you could feel the smell of charcoal barbeques, and the sweet nostalgia of brooding teen angst. What a night!
Grill Tips: Bring your own grill and accessories and place your grill on the space by the bank of the reservoir.Many mosquitos surrounding the reservoir banks, be ready for mosquito repellents. |
Detailes:
Tel: 010-60713399
Add: Ming Tombs, Changping District, Beijing (北京市昌平区十三陵水库)
Public Bus: Take bus 912 from Andingmen Bus Terminal and get off at the reservoir ( 在安定门乘912路公共汽车可直达)
Self-drive: drive along Jingchang Expressway and get off at the exit of Xiguan (昌平西关) and continue to drive to the reservoir area.
2. Shangzhuang Reservior 上庄水库
Hightlights: Shangzhuang Reservoir is regarded as the mecca both for wild fishing, outdoor barbecue and picnicking. The reservoir is located in Shangzhuang Village, Haidian District, about 30km northwest of Beijing downtown.
The reservoir is connected to Daoxiang Lake, which makes the reservoir full of water even in the dry season. The south bank of the reservoir is comaratively flat and suitable for outdoor BBQ Areas. The southen bank has been built with tarmac road which allows cars to go in, making it very convenient for holidaymakers to enjoy the fun of fishing and grill.
Befoe put up your grill facilities, it is advisable to go fishing on the reservoir first. If you are lucky, fishes will be hooked up and become your delicious food on your cooking grid. Surrounded by the grassland, accompanied by the singing water, you are enjoying your self barbecue.
Grill Tips: Bring your own grill facilities and it is better to have your self barbecue on the southern bank of the reservoir.
Grill at Shangzhuang ReserviorDetailes: Add: Shangzhuang Village, Haidian District, about 30km northwest of Beijing downtown.
How to get there: Public Transport
Take subway line 4 and get off at the final station of North Anhe Bridge (安河桥北)，then change for Bus 512 and reach Shangzhuang Reservoir
Self-drive: Route 1：Drive along Jingzuang Expressway (京藏高速), exit from the Exit of Beianhe ( 北安河), then turn left, and continue to drive along Beiqing Road to the west for 7km, then you will see a huge signboard poiting to Shangzhuang and you will soon reach Shangzhuang Reservoir.
3. Shidu Juma River 十渡拒马河
Highlights: Shidu Scenic Area is located in Shidu Town of Fangshan District, about 100km southwest of downtown Beijing. Shidu Scenic area mainly refers to the Juma River cutting through the north of Taihang Moutains with a length of 20km. There used to be 10 ferries along the Juma River, hence the name “Shidu” which literally means “10 ferries”.
Actually Shidu has totally 18 ferries though it is called “10 Ferries (Shidu)Today the 10 ferries no longer exist, but the name of Shidu is still in use. Shidu Scenic Area is dubbed as “Little Guilin” for its beautiful water and mountains. The view of each Du (Ferry) has its own characteristics. Among the 10 Ferries (Shidu), Ferry No.03, No.06, No.07 and No.09 are the most beautiful. And the Ferry 6. is a very good BBQ grill point.
Grill Tips: Bring your own grill facilities and it is better to place your grill on the Ferry No.06.
Barbecue at Shidu Juma RiverDetailes: Tel: Tel: 61340078 By Bus Take Bus 917: five daily buses running between Tianqiao (天桥) and Donghu at Ferry No.18. Morning：7: 00 & 8：00 Afternoon：13：30, 15：30 and 16：30 Self-drive Drive southwest along Jingshi Exoresswau (京石高速公路), get off from the expressway at Exit of Liulihe (琉璃河出口)，passing by Liui River, driving through Hancunhe Village, driving by Yunju Temple, and arriving at Shidu. 3. Entrance Fees 1) Bamboo rafting: RMB 100 2) Gushanzhai: RMB 40
4. Baihebao Reservoir 白河堡水库
Highlights: About 85 kilometers north of Beijing flows a river called Bai River ( white river), named as such because in the summer, it appears like a dragon with shiny, white scales. Along the Bai River there is a reservoir called Baihebao Reservoir, the highest and the third largest of Beijing’s reservoirs at an elevation of 560 meters. The water from the Baibao Reservoir is a drinking water storage for Beijing area. The Baibao Reservoir is densely forested with 85% greenery coverage.
While camping by the shellow beaches around the lake, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall on the mmountains by the reservior. It is a wonderful place for barbecue and grill.Grill Tips: Contact the Baibaohe Reservoir before you decide to have outdoor BBQ grills.
Grill at Baihebao Reservoir
Detailes:
Tel: 010-60161721
Add: Xiangying Village, Yanqing County, Beijing (北京市延庆县香营村)
Self-drive: Drive along Jingchang Expressway (京昌高速公路) and get off from the exit of Xiguan (昌平西关) and drive to the direction of Ming Tombs (十三陵方向)，then turn left at the crossroad of Changling (长陵路口左转), drive to Yongning, Yanqing County (延庆永宁), Liubinbao (刘斌), drive to Baibaohe Reservior (白河堡水库).
5. Xianweng Resort 仙翁度假村
Highlights: Xianweng Resort is named after “Xianweng” which literally means “an immortal old man”. The old man has been found walking on a cliff escorted by a horse across the village.
Local villagers called the resort “”Xianweng” when they started to build the resort in 1976. It is actually located in the Shentangyu Natural Scenic Area in Huairou District, about 80km north Beijing downtown.
This area was once an important fortress for Beijing during the Ming dynasty, and today the Ming-era section of the Great Wall can till be seen. Xianweng Resort is surrounded by the stream and the Great Wall winding on the distant mountains. The resort is divided into major three sections – Dining, Accommodations and Outdoor Activities. There are three large indoor restaurants which could accommodate 300 people. Of course, urban dwellers are more interested in the outdoor picnic. On the streem banks and in the forests, 800 people can have outdoor picnics. It is also a great place for barbecue and grill. You can hire a small place for putting up your barbecue grill to grill your own food or you may buy the barbecur food from the local villagers.
Grill Tips:You can either bring your own barbecue grill or borrow from the local villagers. If you don’t dine at the local restaurants, you have to pay RMB30 for a small spot for your own barbecue grill.
Grill at Xianweng ResortDetailes: Tel:(010)61604033 (010) 61604066 Self-drive: Drive along Jingcheng Expressway and get off the Exit 14 (Huirou District)，passing by the downtown Huairou District, turn left at Yanqi Crossroad 雁栖路口(to the Shentangyu Scenic Area 堂峪风景区), soon you arrive at Xianweng Resort.
6. Houhe River 后河
Highlights：The Houhe River Valley is located in the northern mountainous area of Yanqing County, about 85km north of Beijing. The Houhe River originates from the Haituo Mountain, about 30km northwest of the downtown Yanqing County. The Houhe River winds down and enters the famous Guishuihe River in Yanqing County.
The Houhe River Valley does not have any pollution and destruction, basically maintains the lush vegetation lush, beautiful environment and natural scenery. In summer, there is no summer humid heat nor the noise of the city with fresh air, blue sky, a great place for fishing and barbecue grill.
Grill Tips：Bring your own barbecue grill. First try your luck fishing on the river, then grill your fish.
Barbecue at Houhe RiverDetailes： Add: Located on the northern side of Badaling Great Wall, about 10km in the north of Yanqing County. Self-drive: Drive along Dadaling Great Wall and exit from the Exit of Yanqing County. Then continue to drive for about 9km and you reach Jiulong Mountain Villa (九龙山庄), then continue to drive for about one and half hours in the north direction, you will reach Houhe River.
7. Yunfoshan Resort 云佛山度假村|
Highlights：”Yunfoshan” literally means” Cloud Buddha Mountain”. The resort is Located in Minyun District, about 85km in the northeast of Beijing downtown. Beijing Yunfoshan Resort owns and manages one 3-star hotel, Meeting Rooms, Yunfoshan Ski Resort, Fishing, Barbecue, Team Building, Frui Picking and Outdoor Sports. Beijing Yunfoshan Resort is set on the peaceful and picturesque environment dotted with man-made lakes. You can enjoy your fishing and grill your food. The resort offers fishing pole rentals.You can bring your own fishing rods and baits. Any fish caught will be weighed and charged per the pricelist and the fish prices will be much higher than the market. Grill Tips: You can bring your barbecue grill, but you have to buy the resort’s barbeue food.
Grill at Yunfoshan ResortDetails: Public Bus
Take No.987 Express bus at Dongzhimen Bus Terminal and get off at Resort.
Self-Driving
Drive along Jingcheng Expressway (京承高速）and exit from Exit 16. Then drive north and take on Miguan Road (密关路），follow the sign to Yunfoshan Resort.
8. Zhuanshanzi Reservoir 转山子水库
Highlights: Zhuanshanzi Reservoir is located to the north of another reservoir named Miyun Reservoir ( the largest reservoir in Beijing ) in Miyun District, about 120km in the northeast of Beijing downtown. Zhuanshanzi Reservoir is named after the same name village – Zhuanshanzi Village. The village itself is a great charm for urban residents. It is untouched and unspoiled by commercial pressures. The Zhuanshanzi Reservoir epitomizes the fresh air and beautiful waters, a great spot for camping and barbecuing. The sand beach rings the banks of the reservoir, making it a wonderful place for picnic and grill. You can use a fire safly since all the banks of the reservoir are fenced. The water of the reservoir is clean that the fishes could be seen swimming happily in the water. Grill Tips: You can bring your own grills or borrow a barbecue grill from a nearby resort called Sunny Resort which also offer charcoal BBQs rentals for holidaymakers. Drive carefully and safely due to the narrow and rugged road leading to the reservoir. It is better to stay ovenight at Zhuanshanzi camping or borrowing a tent from the Sunny Resort.
Barbecue at Zhuanshanzi ReservoirDetailes: Add: Zhuanshanzi Village, Bulaotun Town to the north of Miyun Reservoir, Miyun District, Beijing 密云水库库北不老屯 Self-drive: Drive to the north of Miyun Reservoir, about 120km northeast Beijing downtown.
9. Baihe Valley 白河峡谷
Highlights: Baihe Valley ( Bai River Valley ) is one of the three most gorgeous valleys around Beijing with other two being Juma River Valley and Gongtingshan Valley at Yongding River. Baihe River Valley starts from the Baihebao Reservoir in the northeast of Yanqing District, running through Huairou District and connecting the big valley of Miyun Reservoir in Miyun Disrict.
The natural scenery along the Baihe River (Bai River) is well preserved with less touristy development. The valley is dubbed as “100 miles’ gallery” for its unique landscapes.
The whole Baihe Valley is divided into two sections – the upper section and lower section. The upper section of the valley starts from Yanqing District to the Xiaoshuikou in Huairou District and the lower section runs through the Yunmengshan Scenic Area and enters the area within Miyun District.
You can either have a barbecue or picnic at the upper or the lower section. It is said that the lower section, especially the section east of Yunmengshan Mountain, is the most beautiful oart of the valley, which is dotted with waterfalls and deep pools, a great spot for camping and barbecuing.
Grill Tips: You take appropriate safety measures and clean up when youre finished.
Grill at Baihe ValleyDetailes: Self-drive: Drive along Jingmi Road (京密路), passing by Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭) and continue to drive to the north of Black Dragon Pool, soon you will reach Baihe Valley.
10. Xiyu Reservoir 西峪水库
Highlights: Xiyu Reservoir is located next to Xiyu Village in the north of Pinggu District, about 90km from the downtown Beijing. The waters of the reservoir is limpid like mirrors. The tall peaks parallels the northside of the reservoir, making a beautigul reflection on the waters.
The Xiyu Reservoir epitomizes the fresh air, blue sky, limpid and sweet wateris sweet without little pollution. Drive along a passway along the bank and put up your grill on the stone beach, a wondeful place for picnic and barbecue.
Grill Tips: You take appropriate safety measures and clean up when youre finished. Don’t forget to take your camera!
Grill at Xiyu ReservoirDetailes: Public Bus: Take Bus No.918 from Dongzhimen Transport Hub and get off at Xiyu Stop in Pinggu District.
Tip: Hassle-free Beijing Guided Tours
If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Beijing guided tours:
Beijing Day Tour
Beijing Tour Packages
Beijing Winter Tour
Beijing Autumn Tour
Great Wall Tour
Car Rental in Beijing
Beijing Tours
China City Tours
China Tour
Further Readings
Best Time to Visit Beijing
How to plan a trip to Beijing
Top 10 Attractions in Beijing
How to Visit Forbidden City
How to Visit Temple of Heaven
How to Visit Summer Palace
How to Visit Ming Tombs
How to Visit the Great Wall of China
How to Visit Tiananmen Square
How to Visit Hutongs
How to Visit Olympic Sites
Top 10 Markets in Beijing
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Beijing
Beijing Shopping
Wangfujing Walking Street
Qianmen Commercial Street
Gui Jie ( Ghost Street) Food Street
Any questions, just drop a line.
