[2025 Huailai Attraction] Travel Guide for Guanlan Xiaobohai (Updated Jun)

Near Beijing lies a stunning hidden gem known as "Little Erhai" – Guanlan Lake! With its crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains, it feels like you've been transported to Yunnan's Erhai Lake without the long journey. Summer vacation is the perfect time to escape the city and embrace nature! This guide reveals how to enjoy Guanlan "Little Erhai" for free, including the best routes, photo spots, transportation tips, and pitfalls to avoid, making it easy to explore this suburban treasure! 📍 Detailed Address Guanlan Lake (Little Erhai) - Address: Zhangshanying Town, Yanqing District, Beijing (near Songshan Nature Reserve) - Navigation Tip: Search for "Guanlan Lake" or "Guanting Reservoir." Some areas are wild spots, so check the latest guides in advance. 🌟 Why Visit? ✅ Free entry, scenery rivaling Erhai Lake, fewer crowds! ✅ Clear waters with reflections of blue skies and white clouds—perfect for photos! ✅ Great for camping, cycling, hiking, and photography—plenty of activities! ✅ Just 1.5-2 hours from downtown Beijing—ideal for weekend trips! --- 🎫 Admission Fee Free! (Some nearby farm stays or campsites may charge; optional) ⏰ Opening Hours Open all day (recommended to visit during daylight; no lighting at night) 🌤 Best Time to Visit - Best Season: May to October (summer for blue waters, autumn for colorful foliage) - Recommended Time: Early morning (6:00-8:00) or evening (16:00-19:00) for soft lighting and great photos! 🚶‍♂️ Best Routes 1. Entrance → Lakeside Boardwalk → Viewing Platform → Instagrammable Spots → Camping Area → Return 2. Cycling Route: ~10 km around the lake with stunning views! 3. Hiking Route: Stroll along the lake and enjoy the breeze. 🎯 Free Activities Guide ✔ Picnics & Camping: Bring your own tent and mat to enjoy the scenery (practice leave-no-trace camping). ✔ Photography: Use reflections, reeds, and the "lonely tree" for Erhai-style shots! ✔ Water Fun: Kayaking available in some areas (bring or rent your own). 🚗 Transportation - Drive (recommended): Navigate to "Guanlan Lake" or "Guanting Reservoir," ~1.5-2 hours. - Public Transit: Take Bus 919 Express from Deshengmen to Yanqing Dongguan Station, then a ~30-minute taxi. 📸 Must-Visit Spots 1. Erhai-like Lakescapes: Blue skies and waters—just like Yunnan! 2. The Lonely Tree: A photogenic lakeside tree! 3. Reed Fields: Golden in autumn, super atmospheric! 4. Sunset Viewing Deck: Stunning evening reflections! 📷 Photo Tips - Spot 1: Lakeside boardwalk—shoot low for reflections. - Spot 2: The Lonely Tree—wide shots for cinematic vibes! - Spot 3: Sunset backlighting for silhouettes! 💰 Average Cost - Free (bring your own food/gear) - Budget: ~¥50-100/person for tent/kayak rentals. ⚠️ Tips & Notes 1. Sun & Bug Protection: Wear hats, apply sunscreen, and bring repellent. 2. Leave No Trace: Pack out trash! 3. Safety First: Some areas lack railings—watch your step and avoid deep water. 🚫 Pitfalls to Avoid ❌ Ignore "paid entry" scams—Guanlan Lake is free! ❌ Skip weekends for fewer crowds. ❌ Avoid rainy days; visit when sunny. 🍜 Local Eats - Yanqing Huoshao: Crispy local pastry! - Guanting Reservoir Fish: Fresh and delicious at farm stays! - Iron Pot Stew: Hearty and flavorful! 🏨 Accommodations - Budget: Chain hotels in Yanqing (Home Inn, Hanting) - Boutique: "Hawthorn Courtyard" (artsy, near the lake) - Luxury: ClubMed Joyview Yanqing (family-friendly) 🎉 Final Notes This summer, skip Yunnan and enjoy "Little Erhai" right in Beijing! Save this guide, grab friends, and embark on a refreshing getaway! ✨ 📌 Like + Save, and share with friends! 🚀

🌟 Hidden gem routes around Beijing! Escape the crowds and enjoy nature, art, and wine tasting 🍷 🚗 Travel tip: Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility. The entire journey takes about 1.5-2 hours and includes "Beijing's most beautiful suburban road" 🛣️, with therapeutic mountain views and windmills along the way. 📍 First Stop: Sunrise at Guanting Reservoir Bridge 🌅 Leave at 5am and wait for sunrise at the viewing platform on the west side of the bridge. The orange sunlight sparkles on the rippling water as the bridge silhouette turns golden 🌇! Collect colorful pebbles from the riverbank below to use as props for atmospheric photos. After taking pictures, head to a nearby farmhouse for a steaming bowl of tofu pudding + fried dough sticks to start your day with energy 🥢 📍 Second Stop: Secret Exploration of Guanting Reservoir National Wetland Park 🌿 Rent a tandem bicycle (30 yuan/hour) 🚲 and ride along wooden walkways deep into the wetlands. Beyond the regular observation towers, find a hidden photo spot in the "Reed Maze" 🌾 where you'll feel like you're in a magical green wonderland! At 3pm, join a bird-watching tour to see egrets, herons and other rare birds 🦅. Families with children can also participate in wetland science classes. 📍 Third Stop: Artistic Journey at Guanlan Little Erhai 🎨 Enter at 2pm to avoid the midday sun and head straight for the "Rainbow Stairs" 🌈 and "Mirror Sky Realm." Wear light-colored clothes for perfect photos! The park features boutique art exhibitions 🎭 with rotating installation art, and you can DIY hand-painted pottery (50 yuan each). When tired, visit the lakeside bookstore, order a special drink, and daydream by the window with lake views 📖 📍 Fourth Stop: Wine-tasting Time at Hongkun Vineyard Town 🍇 Enter at 5pm to catch the sunset and capture triple beauty—windmills, vineyards, and sunset glow—at the "Sky Mirror" observation deck! The winery offers free tastings of three wines 🍷. Try ice wine paired with chocolate—sweet but not cloying. After nightfall, the town square hosts outdoor movies 🎦 and bonfire parties 🔥, creating an amazing atmosphere! 📍 Fifth Stop: Stargazing and Camping at Guanhu Platform 🏕️ Book a tent spot in advance (150 yuan/night including equipment). Watch the sunset turn the lake pink in the evening, then set up telescopes to stargaze ✨—the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye! BBQ grills are available for rent (80 yuan/set), bringing your own ingredients for a relaxing cookout. Remember to bring warm clothes as temperatures drop significantly at night ❄️ 🍜 Food Bonus: - At farmhouses near the wetland park, don't miss the "stove fish" 🐟—dip pancakes in fish soup for finger-licking goodness! - At the vineyard town's Western restaurant, try the wine-braised lamb chops with freshly baked baguettes 🥖 for a special dining experience! 💡 Exclusive Tips: Guanlan Little Erhai hosts "Lakeside Concerts" 🎵 every Saturday—check the schedule in advance! Guanhu camping area provides hot showers 🚿, so you can stay fresh overnight. Pet owners note: except for the wetland park, all other attractions are pet-friendly 🐶 Save this guide and unlock these romantic hidden spots around Beijing! 💕

It's not that we can't afford to go to Erhai Lake in Dali And the Beijing suburban Guanting Reservoir is more value for money [令人惊讶]。 Perfect place for the whole family to play in the water 🍭 fishing 🎣 camping and watch the sunset 🏕 ~ 💙💙1 Day Trip Strategy: 🚗 Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, it takes less than 1.5 hours from the city, the road conditions are good 🗺️ Route: Gulong Road ➟Guanhutai ➟Huailai Bridge ➟Guanlan Xiaoerhai ⌛️Time: Playing according to this plan takes a whole day, we left at 8 am, although we go to many places, but the distance is very close, the rhythm is more casual, so play a full day will not be very tired 。 🩷🩷 Check-in in surrounding scenic spots: ✔️ Lake viewing platform 💰Free, 🅿️$10/day 👉🏻 Free camping, water play, fishing by the lake with windmills ✔️ Guanting Reservoir Bridge 💰Free, 🅿️Free 👉🏻 Under the Wai Lai Bridge, camping and playing in the water, the whole view of the bridge is very spectacular ✔️ View the Little Erhai Lake 💰Free, 🅿️$18/day 👉🏻 Photography is great, there is a rainbow path leading to the "sea" and various photo spots, like going to Dali ✔️ Hongkun Wine Town 💰Free, 🅿️1 hour free🆓, over $15/day 👉🏻 Perfect for families to take pictures, there is an outdoor and indoor children's playground ✔️ Fisherman Island 💰Free, 🅿️Free 👉🏻 Celebrity photo spot, there is a road can go to the bottom of the windmill, can camp, the car can be parked by the water ✔️Guan Ting Reservoir National Wetland Park 💰Free, 🅿️5 dollars/day 👉🏻 National wetland park, super beautiful and super large views, there are many natural attractions and museums, sightseeing car 40 dollars / person, the whole park can be used 🧡🧡 Warm reminder: 👉Guanhutai, Guanlan Xiaoerhai have toilets, other places do not 👉 It is recommended to bring some water, snacks, eating there is not very convenient 👉 Remember to bring your camera 📷 for sure to make videos of the natural scenery here 👉Protect the environment, don't leave garbage by the reservoir☺️

💙💙It’s not that you can’t afford to go to Erhai Lake in Dali, but the Guanting Reservoir in the suburbs of Beijing is more cost-effective! It takes only 1 hour by car from Beijing to enjoy the freedom of seeing the sea! A good place with blue sky and white clouds☁️playing in the water🌊, taking the kids to play in the water🍭, fishing🎣camping and sunset🏕~ Very suitable for a one-day trip from Beijing, suitable for couples dating, girlfriends camping, and mothers taking the kids out for a walk. And it’s not hot this season, it’s quite cool. ⛰️【About the scenic spot】📍Position: Guanlan Xiao'erhai Lake🚗Transportation: Public transportation is not very convenient, it is recommended to drive by yourself, about 1.5 hours from Beijing, the road conditions are good🎫Tickets: Free·Free·Free•🏃【About the route】Guanting Reservoir Lake Viewing Platform👉Guanting Reservoir Bridge👉Guanting Reservoir Ancient City Beach Bathing Beach👉Guanlan Xiao'erhai Lake👉Hongkun·Wine Town.1️⃣Guanting Reservoir Lake Viewing Platform🅿️Parking fee: 10 yuan per time (no admission fee). A relatively mature camping base, suitable for playing in the water, fishing, and watching the windmills up close. 2️⃣ The Guanting Reservoir Bridge is free, and you can see it for free at the lake viewing platform. You can camp and play in the water for free. 3️⃣ Parking is free at the Guanting Reservoir Ancient City Beach Bathing Beach, where you can camp, fish, and barbecue (there is no toilet). 4️⃣ You can park your car on the side of the road at Guanlan Xiao'erhai, which is also free and does not charge admission. There is a rainbow trail leading to the lake, as well as the moon, piano, Erhai road signs, etc., which are very suitable for taking photos and checking in. .5️⃣Hongkun Wine Town is free~ It is recommended to come here to watch the sunset. The sunset by the lake is really beautiful, especially if you encounter the sunset glow, you must be too lucky~ You can also camp here🏕️ You can bring your own or rent equipment. I didn’t do a good job of the strategy this time, and I didn’t find the Hobbit House, which was really a bit off~‼ ️Warm Tips: 👉 Lake Viewing Platform and Guanlan Xiao'erhai Lake 🈶 Toilets are hard to find in other places 👉 It is recommended to bring some water and snacks, it is not very convenient to eat there 👉 Remember to bring your camera 📷 The natural scenery here is absolutely photogenic 👉 Protect the environment, don't leave garbage by the reservoir☺️

Traditional old Beijingers love to go to Northern Beijing to escape the summer heat (a few degrees cooler). I took my two kids to temporarily stay at Badaling Peacock City Holiday House and discovered this Guanlan Villa community nearby. The atmosphere is very European (many Beijing-licensed cars parked inside). There is a waterfront viewing platform nicknamed Little Erhai, which is a popular photo spot for young people. Laketime Coffee café is fully occupied; tourists rest inside when they are tired and hot from walking ☕️. The outdoor area at the entrance has entertainment facilities and a water park ⛲️, making both adults and children very happy... We encountered a smiling dog (probably because it was hot). The owner hadn't returned yet, so we bought mineral water to cool it down... It's a great atmosphere at Guanlan Little Erhai～

|The first stop for workers to challenge weekend travel is Huailai. I have to say that Zhangjiakou Huailai, which is only half an hour away from Beijing, is worth a trip. Here you can find the grasslands and deserts closest to Beijing, as well as the blue sky, azure lakes, and healing windmills. Any photo you take will be a great movie. Huailai is also the hometown of Chinese grapes (wine), with a total of 41 wine processing companies in the county. Here you can learn about the entire process of wine planting, fermentation, cellaring, etc., and taste the wine yourself. The two-day and one-night trip to Huailai allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery, delicious food, and fine wine. It is also suitable for taking photos and taking your kids out for a walk. transportation 1Beijing North Station/Qinghe Station both have high-speed rail 2 It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Beijing 2-day tour itinerary①Day 1 Guanlan Xiao'erhai Lake - Guishui River Ecological Tourism Area (Guanting Reservoir) - Jingxi Grassland - Stay at Canaan Winery ② Day 2 Visit wine processing - wine tasting - visit grape planting - nursery grafting experience - visit the animal yard - check in and take photos at the Sino-French main building Recommended places to visit: Guanlan Xiao'erhai Lake The environment of Dali Erhai Lake is like a déjà vu, and there is a rainbow path leading to the "sea". It is really amazing to take photos and check in Guishui River Ecological Tourism Area Guanting Reservoir never disappoints. The blue sky, windmills, and clear lake make everything so healing and beautiful. Western Beijing Grassland The grassland closest to Beijing, "Altai" around Beijing. There are many entertainment activities here, including horse riding, off-road karts, water rafts, speedboats, etc. Canaan Winery. 100 Poems A professional winery, one of the top 100 “World’s Best Vineyards” (the only two in China). Here you can learn about wine cultivation (remember to make an appointment in advance), understand wine culture, and do the grafting yourself. Experience, you can also taste fine wine, take photos and check in beautiful photos (the second floor of Pushe Courtyard is beyond the film) Sino-French Manor The main building of the Sino-French Manor next to Canaan Winery has red walls that are beyond the picture and is now open for reservations