Getting there

Huairou in northeast Beijing is commonly referred to as the capital's back garden. The district's varied landscapes and abundant folkways make it a popular spot with both Chinese and expat weekenders, as it provides the perfect environment for jaded urbanites drained by the hustle and bustle of workaday life.

Huairou's scenic spots include Hongluo Temple, Qinglong Gorge near Yanxi Lake and Huanghuacheng Great Wall. Seekers of amusement go to Huairou's Hongxin Jujube Picking Garden and the Caribbean Lagoon Water Park; rural village tours to Manchu towns, such as Labagoumen and Changshaoying, are also popular.

The district is the regular site of local tourism festivals, such as the annual Mutianyu Great Wall Red Maple Festival in September and Huairou Golden Autumn Fruit Picking Festival in October.