2018 resolutions from a picturesque scene

Does Beijing lead national capitals in terms of neighborhood "scenic spots" (say, in a 100 km radius)? I'd argue yes.

An office-organized customary Christmastime day trip took me to the hill-ringed Jinhai Lake area near Pinggu, northeast of Beijing. Utterly picturesque, insanely tranquil and unbelievably pristine in spite of bigticket realty development, this nature's bounty is a perfect escape from urban grimness.

The sunny weather was a big help, the dusk chill bone-freezing. The pure air was refreshing and the general calm - you could hear the dull roar of a speeding vehicle several kilometers away - endearingly soothing.