Nestled in the mountainous southeast of Yanqing District, Beijing, Bee Valley (Beijing Dazhaoke Township) is a hidden gem. To get here, drive about 1.5 hours northeast from downtown Beijing, or take a local bus to Yanqing and arrange a taxi for the final scenic mountain road. The journey itself feels like part of the adventure!
Natural Wonders: Hiking & Scenery
Bee Valley is a hiker’s paradise. Start your exploration in the winding Dragon Pond Valley, where towering cliffs and boulder-filled ravines cradle crystal-clear water pools. As you trek deeper, the narrow paths and rocky outcrops create thrilling “almost scary” moments—but always safe. The valley’s twists and turns make you feel like you’re stepping into a nature-sculpted maze.
For panoramic views, head to Lotus Flower Mountain, named for its bizarre, lotus-shaped rock formations. Here, you’ll find the “Streaming Teapot Waterfall”—a cascade that looks like a giant teapot pouring water into a valley. Climb steep stone steps, squeeze through the pitch-dark Escape Cave (a fun, claustrophobic tunnel), and sip fresh spring water from the Holy Water Cave. It’s like a wild, nature-themed playground!
History Buffs: The Ming Great Wall
Amid Bee Valley’s wilderness, ancient ruins of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall still stand. Though weathered and crumbling, the walls exude raw grandeur. Walking here, you’ll feel small yet connected to China’s history—a reminder of how these mountains once guarded empires.
Stay Like a Local: Beekeepers’ Club
After a day of adventure, retreat to Bee Valley’s cozy Beekeeping Heritage Club (Dazhaike Beekeeping Base). Sleep in traditional Chinese kang beds (heated brick futons), perfect for chilly mountain nights. Savor farm-fresh meals: crispy cornbread, millet porridge, and trout fresh-caught from nearby streams. For a hands-on treat, visit the beekeeping lab—learn how honey is made, spot the queen bee, and taste honey so fresh it’s still warm.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Fun
Bee Valley isn’t just sightseeing—it’s an experience. Fish in mountain rivers, collect eggs from free-roaming chickens, or warm up by a fire on your kang. Guides at the bee farm share quirky facts (like how bees “dance” to communicate!) and let you try honey-tasting straight from the comb. It’s sweet, literally!
Why Bee Valley Will Hook You
Whether you’re scaling cliffs, tracing ancient walls, or sipping mountain tea, Bee Valley blends wild beauty with authentic culture. Leave behind city noise and stress; here, you’ll trade screens for starry skies, meetings for mountain breezes, and “likes” for the simple joy of nature’s wonders. Come ready to get a little dirty, laugh a lot, and fall in love with Beijing’s best-kept secret.
