Take road less traveled and avoid rush

13. Baihe River Valley

[Photo by You Sixing / China Daily]

Located in Miyun county, Beijing, Baihe River Valley is one of the most developed rock-climbing areas near Beijing, with as many as 45 established routes. The main climbing area is adjacent to a sandy beach near the river, which makes it an ideal camping spot.

The valley is also a perfect place to relax as the routes are neither hard nor dangerous. It stretches between the Miyun and Baihe reservoirs - long enough to accommodate all the visitors.

If camping is not for you, you can stay in a local village guesthouse.

If you go: Take bus 916 (about one hour) from Dongzhimen Long Distance Bus Station to Huairou Station. From there take minibus 10 (about one hour) to Baichazi, and then take a taxi for about 20 minutes to the entrance gate. If driving, take Jingshun Road to Jingmi Road and into Huairou district. In Huairou, you go around the Yanxi Roundabout and take Huaifeng Road to Baichazi and then to Yunmeng Xianjing. Take a right at the Reception Center and go straight. The approximate distance from downtown is 110 km.

14. Kangxi Grasslands

Kangxi Grasslands is the closest and most frequented - and by far the most practical - retreat for Beijing residents who dream of galloping through tall grass at breakneck speeds to unleash their nomadic spirit.

If you go: It's about 85 km from downtown Beijing and located to the west of Badaling Great Wall, in Yanqing county. Catch Bus 919 from Deshengmen to Xibozi. The bus passes but does not always stop at Xibozi, so it is important to tell the bus attendant your destination. Then take a local cab to the grasslands, which are about 10 km away. If driving, take the Badaling Expressway until it ends (where it turns into Jingzhang Expressway), then turn west and follow the signs.