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- Locals have answered 90 questions about Beijing.
- Ask Beijing Locals
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1. Shi Du Scenic Spot
- Out-of-town activity area
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- Nature & Wildlife
- Outlying Areas
- Nile Expert Tip: Often referred to as the Guilin of the north, Shidu doubles as a popular destination for both rock climbing...
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2. Tian Chi Canyon
- Features beautiful lake scenery, leisure caves and rock-climbing
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- Nature & Wildlife
- Outlying Areas
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3. Black Dragon Pool
- Series of scenic river pools
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- Nature & Wildlife
- Outlying Areas
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4. Ban Bi Dian Forest Park
- The park is famous for its rurality
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- Nature & Wildlife
- Outlying Areas
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5. Ye San Po Valley
- The most natural Nature
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- Nature & Wildlife
- Outlying Areas
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6. Shi Hua Dong Cave Scenic Spot
- One of the top eight suburban attractions of Beijing
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- Nature & Wildlife
- Outlying Areas
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7. Qingliang Valley Natural Scenic Spot
- Natural water spectacular
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- Nature & Wildlife
- Outlying Areas
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8. Jingdong Great Gorge
- Beautiful gorges and scenic spots
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- Nature & Wildlife
- Outlying Areas
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9. Beijing Hikers
- Taking a hike, Beijing-style
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- Nature & Wildlife
- Outlying Areas
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10. Rear Lakes (Houhai)
- Three Lakes
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- Nature & Wildlife
- Xi Cheng District
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The Best of NileGuide
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Sometimes when visiting a large and very busy and populated city like Beijing can take its toll on you. A retreat to nature is exactly what the doctor ordered. Head outside Beijing for a much-needed return to nature and wildlife. Away from the pollution, noise and bustle of city life. Even on a short vacation to Beijing, the city can seem like it sprawls endlessly, a view from outside is exactly what is needed for perspective and to get a bit of fresh air.
There are several scenic spots around Beijing that are essentially protected nature and wildlife zones. While this doesn't always (or even usually) mean that the place has evolved naturally, it does offer greenery and fresh air. The Shi Du Scenic Spot is one such, extremely beautiful, return to nature not far from Beijing.
Tian Chi Canyon, outside the city, is a beautiful spot with spelunking, relaxing views of several lakes and an area surrounded in trees and wildlife. The canyon is impressive in its depth and the massive lake gives the canyon's depth a bit of perspective.
For more water-based nature head to Black Dragon Pool where a string of gorgeous lakes offer one of the most relaxing scenes near Beijing. Or, head to the Rear Lakes, which are in the middle of the city but still offer a bit of a return to nature.
If you are up for a trek, the Ye San Po reserve offers cliffs, caves and sandalwood trees that are over 1,000 years old! The Ban Bi Dian Forest Park is another great place for tree lovers and admirers of nature.
If you don't want to head into the wild alone, chat with the Beijing Hikers, a group dedicated to exploring the surrounding areas on food, the way mother nature intended us to see the planet!
- Best Of Beijing
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