Beijing Hiking Trail Guide: Discover the "Mini MacLehose Trail," a Beginner's Dream Hike

I discovered an amazing hiking trail in the suburbs of Beijing, and it's just like the MacLehose Trail in Hong Kong! The MacLehose Trail, recommended by *National Geographic* magazine as one of the world's most beautiful hiking trails, has captivated countless hiking enthusiasts. I never thought I'd find such a gem in Beijing! This trail is not only super beginner-friendly, but the sunset in the evening is also like something out of a fairy tale! Don't miss this rare beauty! **📍Location Tips:** - The specific location is in Pinggu, near Jinhai Lake, about 460 meters east of the intersection of Haizi Mountain Villa Road and Hanhai Road. - If you're driving, you can navigate directly to the "Wisteria Blossom Parking Lot." Parking is super convenient! **🙋🏻Why Is This Place Worth Visiting?** - **Few people:** When I went, I hardly saw anyone else. It was super quiet! - **Summit scenery:** Climbing to the top and overlooking the entire lake is an awe-inspiring experience that's beyond words! - **Free and open:** It's not a scenic spot, so there are no entrance fees, parking is free, and pets are welcome! - **Easy hike:** The entire trail is easy, suitable for both the elderly and children. **📝Recommended Hiking Route:** - Donggedong → Camel Peak Sunset → Autumn Moon over the Lake → Thousand Pigeon Cave → Horse Head Stone → Former Site of Banshan Pavilion. Every spot along the way is captivating! **‼️Practical Information:** 1. **Entrance tip:** You can also navigate to Nanhua Mountain Villa. When you see the sign that says "Wisteria Blossom," that's the entrance. You can park your car under the sign. 2. **Hiking trail entrance:** Walk in for about 10 minutes, and you'll see a sign on your right that says "Hiking Trail Entrance." 3. **Hiking experience:** I only walked the section along the lake, which is about 2 km round trip. It took me about 4 hours, including stopping to take photos. If you walk quickly, you can finish it in 1.5 hours. The trail on the mountain is a gentle stone path, and the lakeside trail is a flat, hard-packed dirt road, making for a comfortable walk. 4. **Grand loop challenge:** There's also a grand loop of about 8 km with an elevation gain of over 300 meters. If you like a challenge, give it a try! 5. **Equipment recommendations:** It can be windy on the mountain sometimes, so it's recommended to bring a windbreaker just in case. **📸Photography Tips:** - **Focal length selection:** I used an 18-150mm lens on a crop sensor camera, and the results were great! - **Composition tips:** Try shooting from above, combining people and the lake in the frame for a more beautiful picture! Come and experience a different kind of hike! Trust me, you'll fall in love with this "Mini MacLehose Trail"!