Huairou farmhouse food shines

Nestled on the top floor of a swanky hotel with panoramic views over Yanqi Lake and the surrounding Mutianyu mountains, Views Restaurant has opted for authentic local Huairou dishes instead of fancy international fare.

On the single-page menu are less than 20 items, from cold dishes, such as laohu cai, or the Huairou salad (28 yuan or $4), hot dishes, and desserts using Huairou chestnuts and walnuts.

The grilled rainbow trout (398 yuan or about $58), a must-eat Huairou speciality, is the most expensive dish on the menu.